Digital Health Resources for Gamers in Italy

The gaming industry has been experiencing an unprecedented rise in the last decades, and a real technological boom significantly contributed to its popularity. Reports show that up to 80% of Italian Internet users engage in gaming, which is a significant indicator compared to other countries.

Increased user penetration raises multiple disputes since many consider this pastime addictive, which is especially relevant for the younger generation. The importance of digital health shouldn’t be underestimated, so the Italian government and responsible authorities pay special attention to this point.

Why Digital Health in Gaming Is a Global Challenge

The quick evolution of online games and their diversity increased user interest in this pastime. Many individuals consider it a simple entertainment option and prefer to relax after a hard day. On the other hand, some players immerse themselves in the virtual world, completely forgetting about real life.

The same concerns the iGaming industry; online casinos are at the peak of their popularity in Italy. Even though the country has strict gambling legislation with numerous restrictions, the addiction rate reaches 3%. AAMS, the main regulatory authority, aims to reduce the number of people impacted by compulsive behaviours. Therefore, the authority has implemented several mechanisms, including self-exclusion, to fight the problem. Players can voluntarily join the program for at least six months. After that, users can request a self-exclusion revocation of AAMS and return to entertainment if their application is confirmed.

Being banned on all gaming sites is an extreme measure that players often do not agree to voluntarily. The program cannot be suspended or cancelled once the user has confirmed their participation. Fortunately, the industry is well-developed in Italy and responsible authorities offer many helpful resources to maintain healthy gaming behaviours and enjoy your favourite hobby with minimum risks. Increasing user awareness about the possible harms and threats is among the important points, which is why market players engage in varied initiatives and campaigns.

Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM)

This authority is the state’s overseer of the gambling and gaming industries, providing thorough control over all market participants. First, the organization aims to ensure transparency and fairness for everyone. ADM strictly prohibits unauthorized games and implements severe penalties on those violating the law. The same concerns online casinos; all platforms operating in the country must hold a valid licence from a regulatory body.

The Customs and Monopolies Agency heavily invests in investigating the harmful impacts of gambling on individuals and providing solutions for common problematic issues. ADM informs users of possible negative consequences of uncontrolled gaming and provides access to treatment and support groups, if necessary. All these actions are initiated to protect public health and increase the overall well-being of the Italian population.

Ad Blockers to Limit Access

Many users see bright ads with online games or casino slots and are attracted to their gameplay and exciting features. Of course, seeing such advertisements motivates people to try the product (and even invest their funds to buy exciting content). Those prone to compulsive behaviours should consider banning pop-ups and notifications with potentially harmful content.

Moreover, users can take advantage of specifically designed gaming blockers that can restrict access to chosen websites. GamBan is one of the most widespread tools operating globally: the program can block any platform while providing participants with valuable information on responsible gaming.

Mental Health Apps

Adequately integrating gaming activities into the person’s lifestyle is the most effective way to get the maximum benefits of this entertainment but avoid compulsive problems. Mental health apps can become real helpers in this case, as they allow evaluating users’ condition and generating personalized recommendations. The main challenges players face include anxiety, insomnia, a sedentary lifestyle, overthinking leading to stress, and so on.

Coping with the first symptoms of gaming problems is critical for all players, and mental health apps can become a working solution in this case. Users should explore social connections platforms, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) apps, and sleep trackers to improve their health and adequately enjoy gaming without possible negative consequences.

Final Insight

The gaming market is rapidly developing in Italy and beyond, but its effects are not always positive. Of course, modern players can enjoy a broad choice of products suiting all preferences and immerse themselves in the world of excitement for many hours. On the other hand, many users lack control and spend too much time playing online games and casino slots, which negatively affects their mental health.

Instances of compulsive behaviours and addiction are not rare in the country, so regulatory bodies implement special initiatives to cope with the problem. Increasing customer awareness of possible problems and providing them with useful resources is among the main ways to overcome the challenge. Self-exclusion programs, ad blockers, and special mental health applications are the most widespread tools, so don’t hesitate to use them when noticing the first signs of problem gaming.