Earthquake in the world of LAN and eSports halls: due to a complaint from an entrepreneur, the owners of simulation centers found the activities under arrest, let’s find out all the details together
The world of eSports is growing exponentially both in Italy and internationally, with increasingly larger tournaments and competitions. The week is coming to an end with a big bomb, however, which risks significantly undermining the growth and development of this sector. Following a complaint from an entrepreneur, in fact, many owners of simulation centers, LAN rooms and eSports have today found themselves with the seals on their businesses. The reason for the seizure is soon said: the intervention of the Customs and Monopoly Agency (ADM) took place following the complaint of the company Led Srl Sergio Milesi who, owner of amusement arcades, wants to see clearly about the nature of these activities .
The underlying problem, it would seem at least, is that in the LAN rooms it is possible to carry out recreational activities without winning money, which could be considered unfair competition since the arcades are instead subjected to very strict rules. In fact, these premises would use computers or peripherals in general not controlled, unlike those used for example in slot rooms, which instead are subjected to rigid controls and decidedly onerous operating costs. The question arose following some stories on Instagram of the eSport Palace in Bergamo, one of the most famous rooms in the entire city (and perhaps in Italy) and by the guys from PC Teklab Milano. Both businesses must remain closed until further notice.
The lan rooms or esport bars or 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 centers are being closed because they are combined with slots and online casinos. Now I’m really fucking fucked up. Continue to support this rotten and sick world that will make you ludopathic between people who sponsor them and those who are ludopathic
— Fnatic POW3R Power (@ POW3R_GC) April 30, 2022
LAN and eSports rooms impounded: Milesi’s complaint
We quote some passages of Milesi in his long exposition:
The arcade sector […] is subject to stringent regulations to prevent equipment installed in public places from being used for illegal gambling while, in the aforementioned rooms, simple PCs and consoles connected online are installed, where even underage users can use such equipment without any control and regulation.
We do not understand how games that are usually on the market for “home entertainment” are made available in premises open to the public for a fee to users, masking the cost of this service in the pure rental of the equipment and not in the use of the game.
The Customs and Monopoly Excise Agency has issued a circular, the n.14 of 04/26/2022where, in summary, he explains how the free provision of equipment similar to those of the LAN rooms in premises open to the public does not exempt the operator from observing the provisions valid for similar activities, as well as from paying the related tax (Tax on Entertainment ISI).
In short, apparently the LAN and eSports rooms, now sequestered throughout Italy, will have to comply with what the legislation also says for the slot rooms in order to remain open. We are baffled in this regard, but as we are not experts in jurisprudence, we let those who know more talk about it. Let us know what you think below in the comments, we will continue to keep you updated with all the news, guides and reviews on videogame and tech! And if you are interested in game keys at advantageous prices, we recommend that you take a look at the InstantGaming catalog!