A coalition of scientific, family and consumer groups has warned that prevention messaging around gambling risks blurring into promotion and called for tighter AGCOM rules to prevent the normalisation of betting.
The case involves alleged clan funds being moved through authorised betting and lottery channels in Campania.
The programme links prevention, treatment and social reintegration as Italy continues wider gambling oversight reforms.
The MPs say further delays in the reform are unacceptable and argue that the current split between national, regional and municipal rules must be resolved to create a clear, unified framework.
Sandro Tonali will pay a €78,000 fine ($91,800), while Nicolò Fagioli has received a one-month suspended prison sentence.
The Observatory on Illegal Online Gambling estimates that illegal online gambling in Italy generates around €20bn ($23.5bn) annually, with 4.5 million users and more than 13 million recorded accesses in Q1 2026.
The intervention comes as Italy reviews how responsible gambling messages can operate under its wider advertising ban.
The question asks whether the $22m shirt deal could amount to indirect promotion of an unlicensed prediction market platform.
Eight people were arrested as Italian authorities linked poker and mahjong gambling activity to alleged drug trafficking and immigration offences.
Authorities allege the criminal group ran a false invoicing scheme generating illicit tax advantages and circulating cash through a parallel financial system.