Anti-gambling policies: framing morality policy in Italy

Abstract

Recent research on morality policy has focused on policy change, morality framing and the presence of favourable cultural opportunity structures (COSs). The resulting literature describing various aspects of morality policy has failed to discuss the impact of multilevel dynamic in this field. This contribution examines gambling policy in Italy, applying a multilevel approach to detect the presence of favourable COSs, and whether policymakers frame policies morally. Italy offers a particularly fertile field for the study of morality policy, featuring a liberal national approach versus local restrictive policy. By applying a methodology based on semistructured interviews and secondary sources, we examine the national and local political spheres, demonstrating that morality framing, when detected, is more likely to be found at the local level where the influence of experts and interest groups on legislators may result in the transformation of a health policy based on paternalistic considerations.

A scoping review of gambling policy research in Europe

“…The framing of gambling is widely discussed in Europe. Methodologically, papers address agenda‐setting and framing by focusing on legal texts (Euchner et al, 2013; Marionneau, 2015), parliamentary debates (Edman & Berndt, 2016), media coverage (Marionneau & Hellman, 2020; Selin et al, 2019), or interviews with policymakers (Bassoli et al, 2021). The focus varies from more general discussion on morality policy and the moral framing of gambling (Bassoli et al, 2021; Edman & Berndt, 2016; Euchner et al, 2013) to more specific frames for promoting an improved gambling policy.…”

“…For example, anti-gambling civil society actors as well as gambling industry lobbies are likely to influence policy formulations (cf. Bassoli et al, 2021;Marionneau et al, 2023). Finally, the different resources that are required for gambling policy have not been studied.…”

Prevention and Harm Reduction Interventions for Adult Gambling at the Local Level: An Umbrella Review of Empirical Evidence

“…They struggle in regard to guaranteeing strategy coherence and homogeneity, which were identified as relevant elements for increasing effectiveness (e.g., for the limitations of venue operating hours). Moreover, local policies may be in contrast with national policies, creating confusion and tensions [ 18 , 21 ].…”

“…Consequently, local policy makers are often more inclined to implement prevention or harm reduction policies compared to national policy makers. This is particularly relevant in countries where national laws have facilitated market-led expansion [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Moreover, local actions allow for the differentiation of policies according to vulnerability levels and the implementation of specific strategies in at-risk areas [ 19 ].…”

“…Finally, it is important that both national and local prevention policies follow effectiveness and evidence-based criteria. Otherwise, inconsistent strategies can be suggested and conflicts between different systems may emerge [ 18 , 21 ].…”