From The Epoch Times – Even as Italy’s economy slumps in recession, its gambling industry stays strong.
The toll of gambling on mental health has received greater attention following the July 4 suicide of a teen on the Italian island of Ischia who had gambled away his family’s savings.
The region of Lombardy has the most per capita spending on slot machines; 40 Lombardy mayors took a stand against gambling last week, calling for limits on the industry, in spite of the short-term economic benefits.
The gambling industry employs more than 120,000, making it the third largest employer in Italy. The top two employers are Eni, an Italian multinational oil and gas company, and Italian automaker Fiat.
According to data from the National Coordination of Gamblers’ Groups, 14 percent of gambling machines installed between 2011 and 2012 were shadowed by negative social effects. The Lombardy mayors prepared a series of guidelines last year, culminating in last week’s legislative proposal.
Angela Fioroni, spokeswoman for the local Lombardy governing body and author of the book The Rules of the Game, explained the current situation and the mayors’ proposal: “Right now this sector is not regulated. … [It is permitted] to install machines anywhere—bars, restaurants, we’ve had reports of some also in pharmacies.”
