Social aspects: gambling addiction, government assistance programs

Gambling in Italy is legal and strictly regulated by ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli). Along with this, the state and regions are developing a network for the prevention and treatment of problem games. The goal is to maintain access to entertainment without leaving out the risks to vulnerable groups. Below is what the help system looks like, what to pay attention to the player and his loved ones, and what responsibilities the licensed operators have.

1) What is problem play and how to recognize risk

Problem play is a model of behavior in which excitement interferes with work, study, relationships, financial stability and well-being. This is not a "character weakness," but a combination of biopsychosocial factors.

Early signals (the earlier you notice, the better):

growing time and money to play; attempts to "recoup" after losses;
stealth, debt, frequent payday loans;
irritability when trying to shorten the game;
decreased interest in habitual activities, sleep disorders;
lies about amounts/time, absences from work/study.

Important: even with a few signs, it is worth discussing the problem with a professional - without shame and self-blame.

2) Self-protection tools for licensed operators. it

Operators under the supervision of ADM are required to implement "responsible gaming" tools:

Deposit/time/loss limits - set by the player in the profile; increases are not immediately effective (cooling).
Timeouts and account freezing - from several hours/days to a month.
Self-exclusion (autoesclusione) - writing to a single registry blocks access to all licensed sites for a selected period.
Game history and clues - visible spending/time, pop-up reminders.
Closed-loop payments - conclusions only on the original method, which helps control and prevents risky "bypasses."
Age verification (18 +) and KYC - mandatory to protect minors and vulnerable groups.

3) Where to get help: government and free services

In Italy, support is organized by Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) through ASL regional structures (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) and specialized dependency centers (often called SerD/SerT).

What is available for free or by referral:

initial consultation and risk assessment;
individual and family psychological care;
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing;
support groups and family programs;
if necessary - routing to specialists in comorbid states (depression, anxiety, etc.);
financial advice (debt ordering, payment plan).

How to apply:

find the nearest ASL/SerD at the place of residence (site of the region/municipality, phone number of the ASL reception);
contact your general practitioner (medico di base) for a referral;
use urban "sportelli d'ascolto" (psychological support points) where they are.

💡 Support is confidential, complies with privacy standards and is available regardless of employment status or insurance, within the SSN.

4) What the state and regions are doing: prevention levels

Primary prevention: information campaigns about risks, age barriers 18 +, prohibitions of "aggressive" advertising, neutral communication formats.

Secondary prevention: mandatory RG tools for operators, marker-of-harm (behavioral risk indicators) and contact with the player when patterns worsen.

Tertiary care: free regional services (ASL/SerD), therapy routes, coordination with social services for debt and family crises.

5) What to do for loved ones: A tactful conversation plan

1. Prepare yourself. Record specific observations (facts, not accusations).

2. Select a moment. Calm atmosphere, without quarrels and pressure.

3. Say "I-messages." "I worry when I see..." instead of "You lost everything again."

4. Offer options. List of local ASL/SerD, hot lines of the region, the opportunity to go to the consultation together.

5. Borders and finance. Clearly indicate that you will not cover debts; suggest discussing the restructuring plan with a consultant.

6. Support for you. Consider family support groups - you don't have to cope alone.

6) Approaches to therapy: what works most often

CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) - helps to recognize the "traps" of thinking and manage triggers.

Motivational interviewing - strengthens internal motivation for change.

Financial interventions - joint budget control, restriction of access to "fast money," agreements in the family.

Comorbidity - parallel work with anxiety/depression/substance abuse when needed.

Digital support - applications for tracking time/spending, pause planners (always complement, not replace the help of a specialist).

7) Checklists

To the player

Set tight deposit and time limits, include reminders.

Plan "dry days" without playing; use timeouts.

Keep a spending diary and view your transaction history.

If control is lost, activate self-exclusion and sign up for a consultation at ASL/SerD.

Remove "quick credit" sources from wallets/phone.

To relatives

Agree on a transparent budget (joint account overview, weekly cash limits).

Record what help you provide and do not provide (without "saving" debts).

Keep a list of professional contacts (ASL/SerD, doctor, consultant).

Take care of yourself: sleep, nutrition, your own boundaries.

Operators and clubs

Train staff to "see" risk markers and escalate correctly.

Make RG tools visible by default: 1-click limits, easy access to self-exclusion.

Set up proactive, non-aggressive notifications for risk patterns.

Maintain local partnerships with ASL/SerD to direct players.

Employers/Universities

Inform about assistance resources;

offer confidential advice;

flexible approach to short vacations/breaks for therapy.

8) Myths and facts

Myth: "A problem game is about weak will."

Fact: neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms are involved; help is effective.

Myth: "You just need to disrupt a big win."

Fact: "Dogon" increases loss and stress.

Myth: "It is better to hide so that there is no shame."

Fact: Talking early saves money, nerves and time.

9) If risk is high: 24-72 hour plan

Immediately disable access to deposits (limit/timeout/self-exclusion).

Tell one trusted person.

Remove "fast money": credit cards out of access, block of requests for microloans.

Sign up for ASL/SerD on the nearest available date; if the alarm is high - contact the emergency psychological service of your region.

Sleep, food, walk: Basic things reduce impulsivity and help you live to see a consultation.

10) Ethics and privacy

All medical/psychological contacts in SSN are protected by privacy norms. The operator is prohibited from sharing game data with third parties outside the law (KYC/AML, regulator requirements). The player has the right to request a copy of personal data and a history of self-restraint.

The Italian model combines the availability of entertainment and a real protection system: tight regulation of ADM, visible RG tools for operators and free regional ASL/SerD services under SSN. If excitement gets out of hand, the sooner you seek help, the higher the chance to recover quickly - without stigma and in a confidential format. And loved ones, operators and employers can play a key role if they act carefully, consistently and according to understandable protocols.