Italian retail lottery sales suspended due to Covid-19

Italy’s Agenzia Dogane Monopoli (ADM) has opted to suspend retail lottery sales in the country, including Sazka subsidiary LottoItalia’s 10e Lotto, Millionday and Lotto games, due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The restrictions are the latest in a series to curb the spread of the virus that have hit the Italian gambling industry.

After the country instituted a nationwide lockdown – including the closure of all betting shops – on 9 March, Playtech was forced to close all of its Snaitech retail betting shops in Italy.

Newgioco, meanwhile, said its sales have declined 20% as non-sports verticals partially offset a steep sports betting decline.

Lottery games, however, were still available both online and in tobacconists, but Sazka said retail sales had drastically decreased due to much lower foot traffic after social distancing measures were put in place.

“We are working to drive online sales across all of our markets, including the introduction of digital products, which are being thoroughly tested in order to meet the highest standards of responsible gaming, and measures to promote our existing online and digital offerings,” Sazka explained.

“At the same time, we are continuing to evaluate savings and deferrals in our operating and capital expenses across our companies.”