Customs and
Monopolies Agency
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CUSTOMS AND MONOPOLIES AGENCY
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE AGENCY
Having regard to Legislative Decree No 496 of 14 April 1948 as amended on the regulation of gaming
activities;
Having regard to Legislative Decree No 504 of 23 December 1998 as amended on the restructuring of
a flat rate tax on pools and lotteries related to sporting events and on the bets described in Article 1(2)
of Law No 288 of 3 August 1998;
Having regard to Article 16 of Law 133 of 13 May 1999, as amended;
Having regard to Legislative Decree No 300 of 30 July 1999 as amended, reforming the Government
organisation;
Having regard to Legislative Decree No 173 of 3 July 2003 setting out rules on the reorganisation of
the Ministry for the Economy and Finance and Tax Authorities;
Having regard to the regulation enforced by Presidential Decree No 33 of 24 January 2002,
implementing Article 12 of Law 383 of 18 October 2001, giving jurisdiction regarding gaming and
betting to the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies;
Having regard to Article 4 of Legislative Decree No 138 of 8 July 2002, amended by Law No 178 of
8 August 2002, uniting competences in the field of gaming;
Having regard to the Decree of the Ministry for the Economy and Finance No 111 of 1 March 2006
laying down standards for the regulation of fixed-odds betting on events other than horse racing and
on non-sporting events, adopted according to Article 1(286) of Law No 311 of 30 December 2004;
Having regard to Directorial Decree No 47010/Giochi/SCO of 28 December 2009 regulating system
games with reference to fixed-odds betting on sporting events other than horse racing;
Having regard to Law No 296 of 27 December 2006 setting out provisions for the preparation of the
annual and multi-year State Budget (2007 Financial Law) and, in particular, Article 1(50), setting out
provisions to fight the illegal telematic offer of games, bets or pools with cash winnings and paragraph
Customs and
Monopolies Agency
88, which establishes that the Ministry for the Economy and Finance - Independent Administration of
State Monopolies regulates fixed-odds bets and totaliser bets on event simulations;
Having regard to Decree-Law No 39 of 28 April 2009, converted into Law No 77 of 24 June 2009,
setting out urgent interventions in favour of the populations struck by seismic events in the region of
Abruzzo in April 2009 and further urgent civil guard interventions and, in particular, Article 12(1)(h),
which specifies that the tax rate on fixed-odds betting on event simulations shall be 20 % of the
takings, net of amounts returned as winnings to the consumer, and fixes the unitary amount at play as
one euro;
Having regard to Article 24(11) to (26) of Law No 88 of 7 July 2009, which, amongst other matters,
regulates the exercise and remote collection of fixed-odds and totaliser bets on sporting events,
including simulated events, and those relating to horse racing and other events;
Having regard to the Decree of the Director General of the Independent Administration of State
Monopolies No 2011/190/CGV of 8 February 2011, published in the Official Journal of the Italian
Republic No 56 of 9 March 2011;
Having regard to the Decree of the Deputy Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency
No 2012/60215/giochi/SCO of 28 December 2012;
Having regard to the Decree of the Deputy Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency of
12 February 2013 whereby, in an experimental fashion, fixed-odds betting was launched on simulated
events;
Having regard to the Decree of the Deputy Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency
No 2013/5269/Giochi/SCO of 22 November 2013, whereby, in the experimental phase, the opening of
the national totaliser was fixed from 06:00 to 24.00;
Considering that the period that has passed from the start-up of the experimental phase has allowed for
fixed-odds betting on simulated events to be assessed as a potentially successful tool in the fight
against illegal gaming and that, therefore, the “experimental phase” can be considered as over;
Considering, however, that in order to increase the fight against the illegal offer of this type of gaming,
changes need to be made to the offer of games, bringing it into line with the offer of sports bets with
fixed odds;
Having regard to the European Parliament and Council Directive No (EU) 2015/1535 of
9 September 2015, which establishes an informational procedure in the area of technical standards and
regulations;
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Customs and
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Considering that the European Union notification obligations, already fulfilled by procedure
No 2012/0030/I of 16 January 2012, for the Decree of the Deputy Director of the Customs and
Monopolies Agency of 12 February 2013, are absolved by procedure No _________________ of
__________________, which was followed by the suspension period envisaged by the European
Union procedures, without observations;
Having regard to Resolution No 273 of 18 June 2015 of the Agency Management Committee whereby
Alessandro Aronica was appointed as Deputy Director of the Monopolies Area according to
Article 19, paragraph 6 of Legislative Decree No 165 of 30 March 2001;
ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING DETERMINATION
Article 1 - Purpose
1. This provision has the following aim:
a. the definition of the minimum requirements, technical characteristics and operating method of
the virtual gaming platforms for fixed-odds betting on event simulations, of the telematic
network that connects the virtual gaming platform, the concession-holder’s gaming acceptance
system and the national totaliser, including the necessary communication protocols;
b. the complete start-up of virtual gaming systems comprising the virtual gaming platform and
the gaming acceptance system connected with the national totaliser via the telematic network;
c. the definition of the methods for verifying and testing virtual gaming systems and the dialogue
between the national totaliser by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (hereinafter also the
“ADM”) through the technological partner.
2. A later provision by ADM may lay down regulations for totaliser bets on virtual events.
3. The technical specifications and the communication protocol for fixed-odds betting on event
simulations (PSV) are attached to this provision as Annexes 1 and 2.
4. Subsequent changes to the technical specifications envisaged in annex 1 and the communication
protocol according to Annex 2, of which the parties concerned will need to be promptly informed,
will
be
made
available
by
the
ADM
on
the
institutional
website
www.agenziadoganemonopoli.gov.it.
5. Changes to the Protocol for bets on simulated events according to Annex 2 (PSV) shall take effect
no earlier than 60 days after publication on the ADM institutional website.
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Article 2 - Definitions
1. Purely for the purposes of this Decree, the following definitions shall apply:
a. ADM, the “Agenzia delle dogane e dei monopoli” or “Customs and Monopolies Agency”;
b. concession-holder(s), subject selected by the ADM on the basis of a public tender, for the
award of the public functions and activities concerned by the concession;
c. concession, the institute through which the ADM entrusts public activities and functions for
the marketing of fixed-odds bets and totaliser bets;
d. framework, sporting or non-sporting category in which virtual events are grouped, based on
the same mathematical operating algorithms and the same animated graphics;
e. foreseeable outcome, one of the possible outcomes contemplated by a given type of betting on
which bets can be placed;
f. winning outcome, the result of the virtual event generated by the virtual gaming platform and
verified by the ADM after betting;
g. virtual or simulated event, the event on which bets are placed and shown by means of
animated graphics or a real event that was previously recorded;
h. connectivity service supplier, each subject meeting the requirements laid down to supply the
information transmission and connection service between the gaming acceptance system and
the national totaliser;
i. responsible, legal, safe gaming, measures adopted by the concession-holder in relation to
games with cash prizes, based on ADM provisions, designed to guarantee the protection of
interests of both individual players and the public;
j. multi-event, set of several simultaneous virtual events of the same framework on which bets
can be accepted on the aggregated results of the set of events;
k. virtual gaming platform, the technological platform that enables virtual events and their
outcomes to be generated and displayed;
l. unit stake, the amount paid by the bettor for each bet;
m. odds, a whole number followed by two decimal places which, when multiplied by the unit
stake, determines the amount to be returned to the bettor in the event of a win;
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n. participation receipt, proof that guarantees that the bet has been registered with the national
totaliser and which constitutes, in the event of a win, the only valid document enabling the
bearer to collect. For remote gaming, the registration of fixed-odds bets and the outcome on
the national totaliser, immediately booked to the gaming account, constitutes the participation
receipt for all intents and purposes;
o. RNG, the Random Number Generator that resides in the national totaliser and provides the
random combinations to determine the winning outcomes on the virtual event;
p. fixed-odds bet, a bet for which the amount to be collected, in the event of a win, is agreed in
advance between the participant and the bet concession-holder;
q. e-bet, a fixed-stake bet made "remotely", or rather via landline or mobile telephone, internet or
interactive TV;
r. system bet, set of fixed-odds bets generated by combining several foreseeable outcomes that
are validated at the same time in a single participation receipt;
s. gaming acceptance system or processing system, the system, activated by the concessionholder, connected by means of the telematic network to the national totaliser, including by
means of a connectivity service supplier;
t. virtual gaming system, together, the virtual gaming platform and the gaming acceptance
system;
u. bonus winnings system, increase of the winnings applied to the amount of the whole ticket and
transmitted complete with all relevant information to the national totaliser at the time of the
win;
v. technical and functional specifications of the virtual gaming system, the document, presented
by the concession-holder, which describes, on the basis of the minimum requirements laid
down in this provision, the functions and technical characteristics of all components of the
virtual gaming system;
w. bet type, a set of possible foreseeable outcomes for the same event;
x. single-elimination tournament, type of tournament in which if a participant loses a match,
he/she is immediately eliminated from the competition;
y. national totaliser, the processing system used to allow the ADM to manage and control all
information and all data relating to the bets.
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Article 3 - Authorisation to collect
1. The collection of bets regulated by this provision is made by concession-holders authorised to
collect through the physical network of sports and horse racing bets and by concession-holders
authorised to make the remote collection of fixed-odds and totaliser bets, on sporting events,
including horse racing bets and simulated events, as well as on other events according to
Article 24 of Law No 88 of 7 July 2009.
2. The ADM authorises collection by means of the virtual gaming system following the successful
completion of testing according to Article 4 below.
Article 4 - Testing
1. Each virtual gaming platform undergoes a conformity testing process. At the end of conformity
testing, the platform, together with the gaming acceptance system, is subjected to integration tests
and final testing performed by the ADM through and/or with the help of its technological partner.
2. For conformity verification of the virtual gaming platform with respect to that laid down in this
provision and the connected ADM provisions, the conformity testing guidelines are published.
3. The conformity testing process of the virtual gaming platform is started by the submission of an
application with the attached technical and functional specifications.
4. In any case, conformity testing regards the verification of the technical and functional
specifications and the verification of the correctness and function of the mathematical algorithms
present on the virtual gaming platform.
5. Virtual gaming systems that have passed the integration tests and whose virtual gaming system
has successfully passed the conformity test are admitted for final testing.
6. Final testing of the virtual gaming system is carried out on the basis of rules and methods defined
in the testing manual available on the ADM institutional website.
7. Testing of the virtual gaming system ascertains that the virtual gaming platform, installed in a
suitably-arranged environment, produces the same outcomes seen with the conformity test,
including the methods by which the virtual gaming system dialogues with the national totaliser.
8. Following the passing of the test by the virtual gaming system, in order to obtain authorisation to
collect bets on simulated events, each concession-holder must successfully pass functional tests
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run in an operating environment, also with reference to its integration with the concession-holder’s
telematic network.
9. Each change to a virtual gaming system that has already been successfully tested entails the need
for a new conformity test process, integration test and final testing.
10. Through the technological partner, the ADM reserves the right to perform simplified conformity
tests and integration tests.
11. Any changes to the virtual gaming system that are not a result of the need to correct operating
anomalies may be proposed but no more frequently than 60 days after the date on which the
authorisation according to Article 3(2) was given. The ADM reserves the right to reject any
requests according to the sentence above received before expiry of said terms.
Article 5 - Technical characteristics
1. The virtual gaming system guarantees:
a. real-time dialogue between all its components and with the national totaliser;
b. the viewing of all phases of the virtual event that affect the determination of the final result, on
the distribution channels enabled on concessions taking part in the game;
c. the generation of odds that clearly inform the bettor of the probability of winning on the
relevant outcome;
d. the real-time generation of the winning outcome by means of the random combinations
generated by the RNG;
e. the correct display of the betting odds for at least 30 seconds before closing acceptance of the
play on the virtual event;
f. the correct display of the winning outcomes of all bets linked to the virtual event for at least 30
seconds after the end of the event;
g. the opening of bets on each individual virtual event for a maximum of eight hours.
2. The national totaliser:
a. accepts and registers fixed-odds bet in real time, assigning each a unique identification code;
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b. holds the RNG, which, through the communication protocol, provides the random
combinations to determine the winning outcomes;
c. guarantees the effective closure of bet acceptance before the random combinations are
generated by the RNG;
d. verifies the correctness of the winning outcome generated by the virtual gaming system so as
to authorise payment of winning tickets.
3. The time of reference, for betting, is that of the national totaliser.
4. Further details on the function of the virtual gaming system are given in Annex 1 of this provision.
Article 6 - Official programme and programming schedule
1. The national totaliser collects bets on virtual events from 07:00 to 03:00.
2. Each concession-holder prepares and publishes an official programme of virtual, sporting and nonsporting events on which bets can be placed.
3. The official programme consists of one or more programming schedules that each contain virtual
events of the same framework.
4. For each virtual event, the following information is given:
a. the framework;
b. the bet types accepted.
5. Each programming schedule shall last for one day, or the events contained can only be opened
within the same day.
6. Programming schedules may be shared by two or more concession-holders.
7. The official programme according to paragraph 2, even if it contains shared programming
schedules, cannot provide for more than three thousand virtual events per day.
8. By
means
of
its
own
provision
published
on
the
institutional
website
www.agenziadoganemonopoli.gov.it, the ADM can alter the times at which bets will be accepted
and vary the number of events per day.
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Article 7 - Object of bets
1.
Bets are placed on virtual events contained in the official programme.
Article 8 - Categories of bets permitted and their characteristics
1.
The following categories of fixed-odds bets are permitted:
a. individual, i.e. referring to the outcome of just one virtual event;
b. different, i.e. referring to more than one outcome of a single virtual event;
c. multiple, i.e. referring to the outcomes of more than one virtual event;
d. system bet, i.e. a set of bets generated by combining several foreseeable outcomes of events of
the same framework that are validated at the same time in a single participation receipt.
2.
The virtual gaming platform can offer simultaneous virtual events.
3.
The virtual gaming platform cannot offer virtual events at the request of the bettor.
4.
The virtual gaming platform cannot offer numerical type virtual events and events linked to
games of skill. Official programmes also exclude virtual events that graphically reproduce all
card games and slot machines.
5.
Bets cannot be accepted on virtual events in the cases indicated in the technical annex.
6.
Bets on the virtual gaming platform must in no way discriminate between bettors. No
mechanisms can be offered whereby a player finds himself in a more favourable position than
others.
7.
The virtual events offered must not be immoral or damaging to personal dignity.
8.
The virtual events offered must not violate the current legislation governing copyright,
trademarks and patents.
9.
The platform cannot offer bets whose foreseeable outcomes are equally probable.
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Article 9 - System betting
1.
The following system bets are permitted:
a. full system: system betting comprising, in relation to a single event, multiple foreseeable
outcomes, including in conflict with each other, envisaging the development of individual or
multiple bets comprising all events selected;
b. correction system: the system bet that, given a selection of “n” foreseeable events, includes all
bets deriving from the combinations of said “n” events taken at “k” to “k”, where “k” is the
number of winning events for which the system must ensure at least one win;
c. full correction system: similar to the correction system according to letter b above, but can
envisage, in relation to the same event, multiple foreseeable outcomes, which may also be in
conflict with each other.
2. In system betting, different bet types can be combined between the events comprising it. The
maximum number of events comprising a system bet is 10.
3. In a system bet, the maximum number of foreseeable outcomes, even potentially in conflict with
each other, is 100.
4. A system bet cannot develop more than 512 combinations.
5. In a system bet, virtual events of different frameworks cannot be combined.
Article 10 - Cancellation of bets
1.
Fixed-odds bets and/or system bets on virtual events can be cancelled within one hundred and 20
seconds of validation by the national totaliser, even if other bets have been accepted by the same
terminal; this applies as long as acceptance of bets on virtual events by the national totaliser is
still open.
2. E-bets cannot be cancelled.
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Article 11 - Participation receipt
1.
The participation receipt for bets on virtual events is emitted by the gaming terminal only once
the bet has been accepted and registered by the national totaliser.
2.
The participation receipt contains at least the following information:
a. name of the concession-holder;
b. identification code of the sales point and issuing gaming terminal;
c. category of bet:
i. “QF” for single or different fixed-odds bets, i.e. referring to a single virtual event;
ii. “QFMUL” for multiple fixed-odds bets, i.e. referring to several, combined virtual events;
iii. “QFSIS” for fixed-odds system bets;
d. date and time, expressed in hours, minutes and seconds, assigned to the bet by the national
totaliser;
e. unique identification assigned to the bet by the national totaliser;
f. price of the bet;
g. amount of payment of any winnings, including the amount bet and any bonus winnings;
h. identification or characteristic data of any bonus winnings applied;
i. if the participation receipt should contain a system bet, the identification and number of
combinations developed by the system bet must be specified;
j. for each virtual event contained in the bet, at least:
i.
unique identification of the virtual event, comprising the programming schedule code and
event code;
ii.
description of the bet type;
iii.
code or description of the outcome;
iv.
odds assigned to the outcome of the bet;
v.
in the event of a system bet, a value that indicates if the virtual event is fixed, in which
case the event must be included in all bets generated by the systems.
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Customs and
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Article 12 - Unit stake
1.
The unit stake for bets on virtual events is established as EUR 0.50 with the exception of system
bets, for which it shall be EUR 0.05.
2.
The minimum amount of each participation receipt can be no less than one euro. The cost of the
system bet is equal to the sum of the amounts wagered on each of the bets comprising it. Any
changes to the unit stake are made by ADM provision.
Article 13 - Recognition percentages and maximum winnings
1.
It is not permitted to take bets with potential winnings which exceed the amount specified in
Article 12.4 of the Decree of the Ministry for the Economy and Finance No 111 of 1 March 2006,
as amended.
2.
The total amount of system bet winnings is equal to the sum of the winnings of all winning bets.
The total amount of winnings cannot in any case exceed the amount established by Article 4 of
Directorial Decree No 47010/giochi/sco of 28 December 2009.
3.
The odds offered by the concession-holder shall remain unaltered throughout the acceptance
period of gaming on a given virtual event.
4.
The odds offered shall be no less than or equal to the entirety.
5.
Each outcome, in relation to an individual bet, generated by the gaming platform, must be
associated with a theoretical percentage return of the amount bet that shall range between
80 per cent and 90 per cent.
6.
Each combination, in relation to a different bet, generated by the gaming platform, must be
associated with a theoretical percentage return of the amount bet that shall range between
60 per cent and 90 per cent.
7.
Each multiple play must be associated with a theoretical percentage return of the amount bet that
shall not exceed 90 per cent. This theoretical percentage return is calculated after application of
any bonus winnings systems and must be assured even in the event of reimbursement.
8.
The odds offered by the concession-holder respect the limits of the percentage specified in
paragraphs 5, 6 and 7.
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Customs and
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Article 14 - Bonus winnings systems
1.
Without prejudice to Article 13(1) and (2), the concession-holder shall have the right to envisage
bonus winnings systems for multiple bets, from those previously authorised by the ADM and
disclosed promptly to participants by means of publication in the programming schedule.
2.
Bonus winnings are calculated and applied to the amount of the whole ticket and transmitted
complete with all relevant information to the national totaliser at the time of the win.
Article 15 - Refunds
1.
The technical cancellation by a concession-holder of a virtual event that, at the time of a severe
malfunction of the virtual gaming system is still open, entails the full refund of all bets placed on
that event and all related bets.
2.
If the technical cancellation should regard all events comprising the bet, the amount played is
reimbursed.
3.
If the technical cancellation should only regard events comprising the multiple bet, these events
shall not go towards determining any winnings and calculating their bonuses.
Article 16 - Tax and prescribed tickets
1.
The single tax rate on play relating to virtual events, as envisaged by Decree-Law No 39 of
28 April 2009, converted into Law No 77 of 24 June 2009, is 20 per cent of the sum collected, net
of the amounts returned to consumers as winnings.
2.
The concession-holder shall pay the amounts due, by way of single tax and the winnings and
reimbursements not collected according to Article 18(2), as established by the Decree of the
President of the Republic No 66 of 8 March 2002.
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Article 17 - Payment of winnings and refunds
1.
Winnings and refunds are only paid after registration by the national totaliser of the outcomes of
the virtual events subject to betting, disclosed by the concession-holder.
2.
The amounts relating to the winnings and refunds can be collected from the concession-holder’s
sales network.
3.
The amounts relating to the winnings and refunds, for bets collected through the remote gaming
channel, are credited in the ways envisaged by current legislation.
Article 18 - Terms of forfeiture
1.
Participants shall forfeit the right to collect winnings and the right to request refunds from the
places of sale if their payment is not requested within 90 calendar days of the date on which the
bet was sold.
2.
Any refunds that are not requested and winnings that are not collected within the terms laid down
in paragraph 1 shall be acquired by the tax authority.
Article 19 - Information obligations
1.
The concession-holder makes available:
a. information regarding the offer of play and instructions for taking part in the gaming;
b. the winning outcomes of virtual events as hard copies or in electronic format, for at least 3
days at the places of sale, whereas for remote gaming, for at least 7 days through the channels
used for the remote collection of bets and, in any case, at any time, at the request of the bettor;
c. the terms and conditions of paying out winnings;
d. information relating to refunds;
e. information on safe, legal and responsible gaming, as well as any communications established
by the ADM.
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Article 20 - Monitoring, controls and inspections
1.
The ADM shall exercise powers of monitoring and control over the concession-holder, including
through technical controls, tests and inspections on its computer systems and the software source
code used, in all places where the concession-holder makes its structures available, with specific
reference to the exercise of all activities and functions of gaming practice.
2.
The concession-holder is obliged to disclose the places where its structures are located in a timely
manner, along with any changes to such as may be made on a later date.
Article 21 - Suspension and revocation of authorisation to collect bets
1.
Without prejudice to the agreements stipulated for the assignment under concession of the
exercise of public gaming, the authorisation according to Article 3(2) is subject:
a. to forfeiture, in the event of forfeiture of the requirements for authorisation, according to this
provision;
b. to revocation, if serious and/or repeated violations are committed in the collection of bets, of
the provisions laid down herein and those of reference legislation.
3.
In cases that can be sanctioned with the annulment or revocation of authorisation described in
Article 3(2), and in any case following the need for the ascertainment of facts or for protection of
the rights and interests of the ADM and of players, the ADM may order the precautionary
suspension of authorisation, with justifying provisions, until the conclusion of administrative
proceedings and the issue of a definitive ruling regarding the adoption of annulment or revocation
proceedings. The suspension shall take effect as from the date on which it is notified to the
concession-holder. The concession-holder shall be entitled to no reimbursement, indemnification
or compensation whatsoever, even where revocation or forfeiture proceedings are not adopted.
Article 22 - Player protection
1.
The concession-holder promotes responsible gaming, also through the use of visible messages to
the public and takes all suitable steps to avoid violating the ban on children playing.
2.
The concession-holder shall exclude staff of its organisation or who collaborate with it, from
participating in play.
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Customs and
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3.
The ADM website provides a list of concession-holders authorised to collect bets according to
this provision.
Article 23 - Entry into force
1.
The provisions herein shall apply as from the seventh day following its publication on the
institutional website of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, which shall take place in lieu of
publication of the provision in the Official Journal of the Italian Republic according to
Article 1(361) of Law No 244 of 24 December 2007.
2.
As from the date on which this provision comes into force, the Decree of the Deputy Director of
the Customs and Monopolies Agency of 12 February 2013, is abrogated.
Rome,
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
OF THE AGENCY
Alessandro Aronica
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Customs and Monopolies Agency
Technical Annex
for
bets on simulated events
Version 2.0
TECHNICAL ANNEX FOR BETS ON SIMULATED EVENTS
VERSION 2.0
PAGE 2 OF 45
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
3
1. VIRTUAL GAMING SYSTEM
5
2. VIRTUAL GAMING PLATFORM
7
2.1
DATABASE ARCHIVES OF COMPETITORS AND TEAMS
13
2.2
EVENTS GENERATOR
14
2.2.1
BETS ON INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
17
2.2.2
MANAGEMENT OF BETS ON AGGREGATED RESULTS OF MORE THAN ONE EVENT18
2.2.3
MANAGEMENT OF BETS ON SINGLE-ELIMINATION TOURNAMENTS
21
2.3
ODDS GENERATOR
29
2.3.1
RTP OF INDIVIDUAL AND DIFFERENT BETS
30
2.3.2
RTP OF MULTIPLE BETS
31
2.4
WINNING OUTCOMES GENERATOR
32
2.4.1
REPORTING OF BETS ON AGGREGATED RESULTS OF MORE THAN ONE EVENT 34
2.4.2
REPORTING OF TOURNAMENT BETS
2.5
COMMUNICATION INTERFACE WITH THE CONCESSION-HOLDER’S GAMING
36
ACCEPTANCE SYSTEM
39
2.6
EVENT VIEWING
40
2.6.1
PRESENTATION
40
2.6.2
PERFORMANCE
41
2.6.3
DISPLAY OF THE WINNING OUTCOMES
41
3. GAMING DATA
43
4. MALFUNCTIONS
44
TECHNICAL ANNEX FOR BETS ON SIMULATED EVENTS
VERSION 2.0
PAGE 3 OF 45
INTRODUCTION
This document supplements the managerial provision regulating bets on simulated
events in Italy. More specifically, it investigates the technical aspects relative to the
virtual gaming platform and its integration with the concession-holder’s gaming
acceptance system.
All aspects relating to the communication methods between the concessionholder's gaming acceptance system and the national totaliser are detailed in the
communication protocol for bets on simulated events PSV.
Bets on simulated events are placed on simulated events displayed by means of
animated graphics created on a computer or by means of graphics taken from a
real event that was previously recorded. Amongst others, the offer includes events
on football, horse racing and dog racing.
A virtual event is the visual representation of the weighed extraction of a random
number. The odds of the different competitors (horses, dogs, teams, etc.) are
created in such a way that the competitors with a higher probability of being
extracted have lower odds and vice versa.
The random numbers necessary to determining the winning outcomes are
obtained by means of a random number generator (RNG). The random numbers
generated respect the properties of randomness, statistical independence, equal
probability, non-reproducibility, unpredictability and non-deductibility of the seed.
The national totaliser holds the random number generator and can determine the
results of the virtual event through knowledge of the algorithms used by each
virtual gaming platform. Therefore, the national totaliser provides the random
numbers and each virtual gaming platform independently generates the result.
During conformity testing of the virtual gaming platform, for each virtual gaming
platform, full documentation is provided of the methods used to generate the
TECHNICAL ANNEX FOR BETS ON SIMULATED EVENTS
VERSION 2.0
PAGE 4 OF 45
winning outcomes. The algorithms are tested in terms of their reliability and
strength and subsequently implemented in the national totaliser. During testing,
the implementations of the national totaliser and virtual gaming platform are
compared over a very large number of events, verifying uniform behaviour. The
algorithms are used to verify the winning outcomes supplied by the virtual gaming
platform.
The presence of the random number generator in the national totaliser guarantees
the effective closure of sales before knowledge of the result and the centralised
control of winning bets.
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1.
VIRTUAL GAMING SYSTEM
The gaming system for the sale of fixed-odds bets on virtual events consists of the
virtual gaming platform and the concession-holder’s gaming acceptance system.
The national totaliser shows its functions, in a dialogue with the concessionholder’s gaming acceptance system.
Figure 1 - General architecture
Totalizzatore nazionale
Generatore di numeri Pseudo casuali
Front end
Concessionario
Piattaforma di Gioco Virtuale
Visualizzatore Eventi
Sistema accettazione del gioco
National totaliser
Random number generator
Front-end
Concession-holder
Virtual gaming platform
Events visualiser
Gaming acceptance system
All components of the virtual gaming system must be synchronised by means of a
single time source.
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All components of the virtual gaming system must be located in the structures that
the concession-holder is obliged to disclose promptly.
The concession-holder must describe the whole of the virtual gaming system in
the technical and functional specifications of the virtual gaming system that must
be approved by the CUSTOMS AND MONOPOLIES AGENCY.
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2.
VIRTUAL GAMING PLATFORM
The virtual gaming platform consists of a central system, i.e. a hardware and
software system that deals with the creation and programming of virtual events,
the calculation of odds and the determination of the winning outcomes.
In operative management, the virtual gaming platform must guarantee the
possibility of inspection, at the request of the CUSTOMS AND MONOPOLIES
AGENCY, of any part of the virtual gaming platform source code, where necessary
with the assistance of specialised technical staff.
The virtual gaming platform also includes an events visualiser, i.e. a hardware or
software sub-system that generates the graphics and displays the virtual events.
The central system consists of at least the following modules/sub-systems:

database archives of competitors/teams;

events generator;

odds generator;

winning outcomes generator;

communication interface with the gaming acceptance system.
The central system may also include an animated graphics archive created on a
computer or graphics taken from real events recorded previously.
The events visualiser consists at least of the following:

event graphics generator;

event audio generator.
The events visualiser may include a hardware or software encoding module/subsystem to adapt the audio/video flow to broadcasting or internet streaming.
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The events visualiser may include a video card for the virtual events visualisation
on one or more monitors.
If virtual events use animated graphics archives created on a computer or graphics
extracted from real events recorded previously, the events visualiser will simply
start the file, directing it towards the correct video output.
The topology of the virtual gaming platform, depending on the distribution channel
of the virtual events, may be broadcast type, local generation, internet streaming
on physical channel or internet streaming on telematic channel.
BROADCAST DISTRIBUTION
Figure 2 - Broadcast distribution
Concessionario
Piattaforma di Gioco Virtuale
Sistema Centrale
Visualizzatore Eventi
Uplink
Concession-holder
Virtual gaming platform
Central System
Events visualiser
Uplink
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Encoder
Sistema Accettazione Gioco
Punto Vendita
Monitor
Parabola
Decoder
Satellite
Encoder
Game Acceptance System
Sales Point
Monitor
Dish
Decoder
Satellite
The images and audio of virtual events are generated by the events visualiser.
The audio and video flow is sent to the equipment used to broadcast on a satellite
channel.
Virtual events are received and displayed in the sales points through a satellite
decoder.
LOCAL GENERATION
Figure 3 - Local generation
Concessionario
Piattaforma di Gioco Virtuale
Concession-holder
Virtual gaming platform
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Sistema Centrale
Sistema Accettazione Gioco
Punto Vendita
Monitor
Visualizzatore Eventi
Wan
Central System
Game Acceptance System
Sales Point
Monitor
Events visualiser
Wan
The events visualiser is situated at the concession-holder’s sales point and, by
means of a communication protocol, receives commands through which it
generates the animation of the virtual events.
INTERNET STREAMING TELEMATIC CHANNEL
Figure 4 - Internet streaming
Concessionario
Piattaforma di Gioco Virtuale
Sistema Centrale
Visualizzatore Eventi
Streaming encoder
Web server
Sistema Accettazione Gioco
Concession-holder
Virtual gaming platform
Central System
Events visualiser
Streaming encoder
Web server
Game acceptance system
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Clienti
Internet
Clients
Internet
The images and audio of virtual events are generated by the events visualiser.
The audio and video flow is sent to the equipment used to encode and compress
for streaming.
For the telematic channel, streaming images are uploaded to the concessionholder’s website whilst in physical sales points, the images are displayed on
monitors.
INTERNET STREAMING PHYSICAL CHANNEL
Figure 5 - Internet streaming on physical sales points
Concessionario
Piattaforma di Gioco Virtuale
Sistema Centrale
Visualizzatore Eventi
Streaming encoder
Concession-holder
Virtual gaming platform
Central System
Events visualiser
Streaming encoder
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Sistema Accettazione Gioco
Punto vendita
Monitor
Streaming decoder
Internet
Game acceptance system
Sales point
Monitor
Streaming decoder
Internet
The images and audio of virtual events are generated by the events visualiser.
The audio and video flow is sent to the equipment used to encode and compress
for streaming.
Streamed images are displayed on monitors in the physical sales points.
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2.1
DATABASE ARCHIVES OF COMPETITORS AND TEAMS
The virtual gaming platform must have a data archive in which the records of
competitors and teams are saved. More specifically, at least the following
information must be saved:

description of all competitors and/or teams and, where possible, the
related codes;

any abilities of competitors and/or teams used to calculate probability.
The description and/or code of competitors and/or teams must be unique within a
single framework.
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2.2
EVENTS GENERATOR
The events generator is an application that enables virtual events to be created
and allows for their related scheduling over time. The offer of games is created
starting from the information contained in the database archives of competitors
and teams.
Each virtual event must be identified uniquely by means of two numerical codes:
the programming schedule code and the event code, both of which are assigned
by the national totaliser. The virtual event must have at least the following
attributes:

programming schedule code;

event code;

description;

start date and time;

relevant framework, identified by means of a numerical code and
specific description for the virtual gaming platform;

information on status (open, closed, reported from official results,
cancelled);

bet types accepted on the event, identified by means of a
description and specific numerical code for the virtual gaming
platform.
The virtual gaming system must be able to inform the national totaliser of any
status changes in an event. More specifically, the opening, closure, reporting
following official results and any technical cancellation, must be notified.
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The figure below shows the status transitions of a virtual event:
Figure 6 - Virtual event status
Accettazione delle giocate aperta
Accettazione delle giocate chiusa
Refertato da Risultato ufficiale visualizzato
e comunicato, pagamenti abilitati
Evento annullato rimborsi abilitati
Acceptance of bets open
Acceptance of bets closed
Reports from Official result displayed and
reported, payments enabled
Event cancelled, refunds enabled
The programming schedule code is assigned by the national totaliser against a
request by a virtual gaming system. The request must at least contain:

the list of concession-holders sharing the programming schedule;

the framework;

the virtual gaming platform used;

the programming schedule date.
When the virtual gaming system opens play on a virtual event, it informs the
national totaliser of the details that enable a unique code to be supplied for the
virtual event and bets to be accepted.
The request for opening a virtual event must at least contain:

the programming schedule on which the virtual event is to be
opened;
TECHNICAL ANNEX FOR BETS ON SIMULATED EVENTS
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
a description of the virtual event;

the time and date at which the virtual event starts;

the types of fixed-odds bets accepted on the virtual event;

the number of foreseeable outcomes participating in the virtual
event;

the probability assigned by the virtual gaming platform to each
foreseeable outcome for the determination of winning outcomes,
only for pivot bets;

the odds offered for each foreseeable outcome;

the variables and values used by the virtual gaming platform in the
algorithm to determine the winning outcome;

the foreseeable outcomes and related probabilities according to that
emerged and declared during the conformity test process;

the virtual gaming platform used.
Communication of the opening of an event coincides with the start of acceptance
of bets on it.
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The figure below shows the data exchange in relation to the programming
schedule request and that of event opening:
Figure 7 - Data exchange between the national totaliser and the virtual gaming system
Totalizzatore
Sistema di gioco virtuale
Richiesta palinsesto
Assegna codice palinsesto
Apertura evento
Assegna codice evento
Totaliser
Virtual gaming system
Programming schedule request
Programming schedule code assignment
Event opening
Event code assignment
2.2.1 BETS ON INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
All bet types that can be placed on the virtual event must be uniquely identifiable
by means of a numerical code and a description.
The numerical code of each bet is unique on the platform.
Bets based on different mathematical algorithm are identified by a single numerical
code.
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All the foreseeable outcomes on bet types envisaging the selection of a single
outcome from a list, i.e. individual, must be encoded by means of a numerical
code and a description.
Bet types involving the selection of more than one outcome from a list, i.e.
different, use codes already assigned to them.
2.2.2 MANAGEMENT OF BETS ON AGGREGATED RESULTS OF MORE THAN ONE EVENT
A multi-event is a set of several simultaneous virtual events of the same
framework on which bets can be accepted on the aggregated results of the related
events.
A multi-event consists of up to 10 virtual events.
A multi-event belongs to the same programming schedule and framework as the
virtual events comprising it.
Individual virtual events comprising a multi-event have bets on which bets can be
placed as described in paragraph 2.2.1 and are identified by the event code
assigned by the national totaliser at the time of opening. A single virtual event
cannot be associated with more than one multi-event.
All bet types that can be placed on the aggregated results of more than one event
must be uniquely identifiable by means of a numerical code and a description.
The numerical code of each bet on the aggregated results of more than one event
is unique within the platform, also with respect to the codes of the bets on the
individual virtual events and tournaments.
When the virtual gaming system opens play on a multi-event, it informs the
national totaliser of the details that enable the national totaliser to supply a unique
code for this set of virtual events and bets to be accepted.
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The request for opening a multi-event must at least contain:

the programming schedule within which the multi-event is to be
opened;

a description of the multi-event;

the codes of the virtual events comprising it;

the types of fixed-odds bets accepted on the multi-event;

the code of the foreseeable outcomes for all bets of the multi-event;

the probability assigned by the virtual gaming platform to each
foreseeable outcome for the determination of winning outcomes;

the odds offered for each foreseeable outcome;

the virtual gaming platform used.
Acceptance of bets on the aggregated results of the events comprising the multievent is closed upon receipt of the first request to extract the random numbers of
one of the virtual events comprising it.
In addition to in individual bets, multi-events can also be played on multiple bets
comprising exclusively different multi-events.
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The figure below shows the sequence of messages between the national totaliser
and the virtual gaming system that results in the opening of a multi-event:
Figure 8 - opening of a multi-event
Totalizzatore
Totaliser
Sistema di gioco virtuale
Virtual gaming system
richiesta palinsesto
programming schedule request
assegna codice palinsesto
programming schedule code assignment
apertura evento #1
opening of event #1
assegna codice evento #1
assignment of code to event #1
assegna codice evento #10
assignment of code to event #10
apertura multi-evento #1 (Ev1, 2; Ev2, ... opening of multi-event #1 (Ev1, 2; Ev2, ...
Ev10 – Bet1, Bet2 ... Betn)
Ev10 – Bet1, Bet2 ... Betn)
assegna codice multi-evento #1
assignment of code to multi-event #1
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2.2.3 MANAGEMENT OF BETS ON SINGLE-ELIMINATION TOURNAMENTS
Single-elimination tournaments, the only category of tournament admitted, is that
where if a participant loses a match, he/she is immediately eliminated from the
competition.
It consists of various rounds according to the initial number of participants
(whether athletes or teams): upon completion of each round, a given number of
participants is eliminated until the only participant remaining is judged the final
winner.
Single-elimination
tournaments,
hereinafter
also
referred
to
simply
as
tournaments, can consist of:

15 virtual events, i.e. four rounds including the final, and therefore
16 participants with an initial round of 8 virtual events;

7 virtual events, i.e. three rounds including the final, and therefore 8
participants with an initial round of 4 virtual events;

3 virtual events, i.e. two rounds including the final, and therefore 4
participants with an initial round of 2 virtual events.
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Figure 9 - Framework of the single-elimination tournament - maximum dimension
Evento
Event
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Squadra
Turno Ottavi
Turno Quarti
Turno Semifinali
Turno Finale
Torneo
Team
Eighth round
Quarter finals
Semi-finals
Finals
Tournament
Individual virtual events comprising a tournament have bets on which bets can be
placed as described in paragraph 2.2.1 and are identified by the event code
assigned by the national totaliser at the time of opening.
Virtual events participating in a round of the tournament can be grouped together
within a multi-event, therefore respecting that described in paragraph 2.2.2, but
cannot participate in other tournaments.
A tournament belongs to the same programming schedule and framework as the
virtual events comprising it.
In addition to in individual bets, tournaments can also be played on multiple bets
comprising exclusively different tournaments.
All bet types that can be placed on thetournament must be uniquely identifiable by
means of a numerical code and a description.
The numerical code of each bet on thetournament is unique within the platform,
also with respect to the codes of the bets on the individual virtual events and multievents.
When the virtual gaming system opens play on a tournament, it informs the
national totaliser of the details that enable the national totaliser to supply a unique
code for this set of virtual events and bets to be accepted.
Betting odds cannot change when accepting play; it therefore follows that all bet
types on the outcome of the tournament shall have a different bet for each round
that opens and closes with it. Each of these effectively expresses different
probabilities of winning for teams moving forward in the tournament, depending on
the round.
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By way of example, in a tournament with 16 teams, with 4 rounds including the
finals, there may be:

Winner of the eighth

Winner of the quarter finals

Winner of the semi-finals
Each of these bets will be opened and closed in the relevant round of the
tournament.
The codes of the outcomes of the bets on the tournament that identify the teams
are encoded as shown in figure 8, i.e. the position in the tournament opening
round.
Given that it is impossible to know from the outset, which participants will make up
the virtual events of the subsequent rounds of the tournament, this is managed
through two different scenarios:

A first opening phase of the tournament, during which the virtual
events comprising the first round are declared and bets accepted on
this round (e.g. winner of the eighths).

The subsequent phases, for which to an existing tournament, virtual
events are added and bets relating to a specific round (e.g. winner
of the quarter finals of the tournament). The method for the inclusion
of virtual events and bets is identical up until the finals.
The move to a next round in the tournament can only take place when all virtual
events comprising the next round have been recorded.
Acceptance of bets on the tournament of a given round is closed upon receipt of
the first request to extract the random numbers of one of the virtual events
comprising the round.
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Opening of a tournament
The request for opening a tournament must at least contain:

the programming schedule within which the tournament is to be
opened;

a description of the tournament;

the codes of the virtual events comprising the first round of the
tournament and their position in the score table, as per Figure 8;

the types of fixed-odds bets accepted on the tournament in this
round;

the code of the foreseeable outcomes for each bet of the
tournament;

the probability assigned by the virtual gaming platform to each
foreseeable outcome for the determination of winning outcomes;

the odds offered for each foreseeable outcome;

the virtual gaming platform used.
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Figure 10 - Opening of a tournament with 16 teams / eight events
Totalizzatore
Sistema di gioco virtuale
richiesta palinsesto
assegna codice palinsesto
apertura evento #1
assegna codice evento #1
apertura torneo #1 (1:EV1, 2:E2, ... 8:EV8 –
Bet1, Bet2 ... Betn)
assegna codice torneo #1
Totaliser
Virtual gaming system
programming schedule request
programming schedule code assignment
opening of event #1
assignment of code to event #1
opening of tournament #1 (1:EV1, 2:E2, ...
8:EV8 – Bet1, Bet2 ... Betn)
assignment of code to tournament #1
Insertion of events in an open tournament
The request for including virtual events in a tournament must at least contain:

the programming schedule and code of the tournament into which
the events are to be inserted;
TECHNICAL ANNEX FOR BETS ON SIMULATED EVENTS
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
the codes of the virtual events comprising the round of the
tournament and their position in the score table, as per Figure 8;

the types of fixed-odds bets accepted on the tournament in this
round;

the code of the foreseeable outcomes for each bet of the
tournament;

the probability assigned by the virtual gaming platform to each
foreseeable outcome for the determination of winning outcomes;

the odds offered for each foreseeable outcome;

the virtual gaming platform used.
The insertion of new events and bets on the tournament can only take place when
all bets on the virtual events comprising the round have been reported.
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Figure 11 - Insertion of events and bets in the quarter finals of a tournament
Totalizzatore
apertura evento #9
assegna codice evento #9
apertura evento #10
inserisci eventi + scommesse torneo #1
(9:Ev9, 10:Ev10, 11:Ev11, 12:Ev12 – Bet1,
Bet2 ... Betn)
conferma inserimento
Totaliser
opening of event #9
assignment of code to event #9
opening of event #10
insertion of events + bets tournament #1
(9:Ev9, 10:Ev10, 11:Ev11, 12:Ev12 – Bet1,
Bet2 ... Betn)
confirmation of insertion
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2.3
ODDS GENERATOR
The mathematical algorithms that implement the bets offered by a virtual gaming
platform enable them to be divided up between pivot bets and derivative bets.
Pivot bets: bets for which the report is generated through the extraction of random
numbers or, more generally, bets that guide the reports of other bets. For
example, the winning bet on a horse race.
Derivative bets: bets for which the report is generated starting from the report of a
pivot bet. For example, if for football the bet “is exact”, it is a pivot bet, vice versa,
the bet “final result 1X2” is a derivative bet insofar as once the exact result is
determined, the report of the “final result 1X2” or “Under-over” can be determined
automatically, without needing to extract any more random numbers. In the
dialogue with the national totaliser, derivative bets do not contain details of
outcomes but are only declared in terms of accepting play.
Some virtual gaming platforms may not have the pivot/derivative bets concept and
calculate the probability of outcomes and respective betting reports using
alternative methods.
All foreseeable outcomes of bets on simulated events must be associated with a
probability of winning.
The probability of winning cannot be the same for all outcomes of a bet.
The probability of outcomes of pivot bets and the variables used by the virtual
gaming platform to calculate the odds must be the same as disclosed by means of
the PSV communication protocol.
The sum of the probability and all the foreseeable outcomes relating to a pivot bet
type of a virtual event must be 1. The sum of the probability of the foreseeable
outcomes for derivative bets does not necessarily need to be 1. The probability is
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calculated starting from the data in the database archive on the competitors and
teams, through an algorithm that enables the reproduction, at any time, using the
same initial data, of the probabilities calculated.
The odds relating to a given foreseeable outcome are calculated starting from the
probability of winning associated with it and are fixed and unchanging once
gaming opens on the virtual event.
All odds reported to the national totaliser, both when opening the virtual event and
during bet acceptance, must be calculated by the virtual event and not by the
concession-holder’s gaming acceptance system.
2.3.1 RTP OF INDIVIDUAL AND DIFFERENT BETS
The virtual gaming platform must enable the setting of a theoretical margin of
return for the player, which respect with the regulatory limits. The odds offered,
following statistical analysis of the algorithm used to generate the winning
outcomes and an analysis of the source code, must satisfy this margin.
Clearly, the margin is linked to a given virtual event and if, within the same virtual
gaming platform, two concession-holders should establish different margins, the
virtual gaming platform creates different virtual events for the two concessionholders.
The theoretical expected return, or the RTP, must be calculated as follows:
Qi = Ideal odds, i.e. the odds offered with no margin.
Qi = 1/Probability
Qr = Actual odds, i.e. the odds offered to the bettor including the margin.
Qr = 1/Probability×(1-margin)
RTP = 1- Margin
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From which:
RTP = Qr x Probability
2.3.2 RTP OF MULTIPLE BETS
The national totaliser controls that for each participation receipt with bonus
winnings, the following condition is met:
(1)
RTPMUL × IB ≤ 0.90
where:

RTPMUL = RTP1 × RTP2 × ... × RTPi × ... × RTPN with RTPi = RTP of the
i-the individual bet and N = number of multiple bets;

IB = Bonus winnings (as described in the communication protocol for
the specific type of bonus applied).
If the above condition is not met, the sale of multiple bets is refused.
In the event of a refund of 1 or N individual bets played in a multiple session, the
national totaliser checks that the condition is still met, where RTP MUL is calculated
only using the RTPs of the valid bets.
If the condition is not met, the new percentage increase of the winnings will be
calculated as follows:
IB = 0.90/RTPMUL
This value, rounded down to the sixth decimal place, multiplied by the total odds of
the multiple and the amount bet, provides the new amount of the winnings.
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2.4
WINNING OUTCOMES GENERATOR
Winning outcomes must be generated by means of an algorithm that uses at least
the following in its variables:

the random numbers generated by the RNG;

the probability of winning outcomes.
In order to determine the winning outcomes of the virtual event, the virtual gaming
platform is prepared to receive random numbers supplied by the national totaliser
by means of the gaming acceptance system. The random numbers supplied by
the national totaliser are 32 bit signed integers, which the virtual gaming platform
can sample in the range of interest, as long as the characteristics of randomness,
statistical independence and equal probability are unchanged. The result of
sampling of a random number supplied by the national totaliser must be rounded
off to the sixth decimal place (rounded up if the part discarded is greater than or
equal to 0.5, or otherwise down).
Where probability is equal of the foreseeable outcome and the random numbers
used are also equal, the determination of the winning outcomes does not change.
The request for random numbers by which to generate the winning outcomes,
made to the national totaliser, shall coincide with the closure of acceptance of bets
on the virtual event. No more than eight hours must pass between the request for
opening and the request for extraction of random numbers.
The request for random numbers must at least contain:

the virtual gaming platform used;

the programming schedule;

the virtual event;
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
any fixed-odds bets accepted on the virtual event for which random
numbers need to be generated.
The national totaliser generates random numbers and the virtual gaming platform
uses these to generate the winning outcomes and animation of the virtual event, in
line with the result calculated.
After displaying the virtual event, the virtual gaming platform reports the official
results to the national totaliser. No more than 10 minutes must pass between the
request for closure and the notification of the official result.
The notification of official results must contain at least:

the virtual gaming platform used;

the programming schedule;

the virtual event;

the fixed-odds bets accepted for the virtual event;

the winning outcomes.
After having received the official results, the national totaliser authorises payment
of winning tickets on the virtual event. Although the winning outcomes are
generated on the virtual gaming platform, the national totaliser can independently
reproduce the results obtained by the virtual gaming platform.
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The figure below shows the data exchange in relation to the request for extraction
of random numbers and official results:
Figure 12 - Data exchange between the national totaliser and the virtual gaming system
Totalizzatore
Sistema di gioco virtuale
Chiusura del gioco
Richiesta estrazione
Numeri pseudo casuali
Comunica risultati ufficiali
Conferma ricezione
Calcola gli esiti vincenti e genera
l’animazione
Totaliser
Virtual gaming system
Game closure
Request for extraction
Random numbers
Report of official results
Confirmation of receipt
Calculation of winning outcomes and
generation of animation
2.4.1 REPORTING OF BETS ON AGGREGATED RESULTS OF MORE THAN ONE EVENT
Reports of bets on the aggregated results of more than one event are calculated
directly from the reports of bets open on the individual virtual events comprising
the multi-event, without any need to extract further random numbers.
All bets on the aggregated results of more than one event are reported after the
reporting of all virtual events comprising the multi-event.
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Totalizzatore
Sistema di gioco virtuale
richiesta palinsesto
codice palinsesto = 200
apertura in sequenza eventi (pal = 200) #1
#2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8
codice eventi 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
apertura multi-evento 8 eventi (Ev1 = 2001, Ev2 = 200-2 ...)(Bet1, Bet2, Bet3)
assegna codice multi-evento 300
Totaliser
Virtual gaming system
programming schedule request
programming schedule code = 200
sequential opening of events (prog.
schedule = 200) #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8
code of events 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
opening of multi-event 8 events (Ev1 = 2001, Ev2 = 200-2 ...)(Bet1, Bet2, Bet3)
assignment of code to multi-event 300
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richiesta numeri random evento 200-1
numeri random per evento 200-1
Chiusura evento 200-1
Chiusura sommesse multi-evento 200-300
(Bet1, Bet2)
richiesta in sequenza numeri ramdom
evento 200-2, 200-3 ... 200-8
numeri random per eventi 200-2 ... 200-8
referti in sequenza per eventi 200-1 ... 2008
referti accettati
referti multi-evento (200-300) (Bet1, Bet2,
Bet3)
referti inseriti
request for random numbers event 200-1
random numbers for event 200-1
Closure of event 200-1
Closure of bets on multi-event 200-300
(Bet1, Bet2)
request in sequence of random numbers for
event 200-2, 200-3 ... 200-8
random numbers for events 200-2 ... 200-8
reports in sequence for events 200-1 ...
200-8
reports accepted
reports for multi-event (200-300) (Bet1,
Bet2, Bet3)
reports entered
2.4.2 REPORTING OF TOURNAMENT BETS
Reports of bets opened on the tournament are calculated directly from the reports
of bets open on the individual virtual events comprising the tournament, without
any need to extract further random numbers.
All bets on the tournament are reported at its end, once all events comprising it
have been reported.
As described in the paragraph on the management of bets on the tournament, this
takes place in several rounds and for each of these, the correct management of
the individual events and bets comprising them, is required. It is worth noting the
key aspects of the entire sequence that results in the determination of the winning
outcomes of a tournament.
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Figure 13 - total management of a tournament with seven events
Totalizzatore
Sistema di gioco virtuale
richiesta palinsesto
codice palinsesto = 100
apertura in sequenza eventi (pal = 100) #1
#2 #3 #4
codice eventi 1, 2, 3, 4
apertura torneo 7 eventi (Ev1 = 100-1, Ev2
= 100-2, Ev3 = 100-3, Ev4 = 100-4)(Bet1,
Bet2)
assegna codice torneo 500
richiesta numeri random evento 100-1
numeri random per evento 100-1
Chiusura evento 100-1
Chiusura sommesse torneo 100-500 (Bet1,
Bet2)
richiesta in sequenza numeri random
evento 100-2, 100-3, 100-4
numeri random per eventi 100-2, 100-3,
200-4
referti in sequenza per eventi 100-1, 100-2,
100-3, 200-4
referti accettati
Inserimento eventi e scommesse torneo
(100-500) (Bet3, Bet4)
eventi e scommesse inserite
Stessa sequenza fino a referti evento #7
referti torneo (100-500) (Bet1, Bet2, Bet3,
Bet4)
referti inseriti
Totaliser
Virtual gaming system
programming schedule request
programming schedule code = 100
sequential opening of events (prog.
schedule = 100) #1 #2 #3 #4
code of events 1, 2, 3, 4
opening of a tournament with 7 events (Ev1
= 100-1, Ev2 = 100-2, Ev3 = 100-3, Ev4 =
100-4)(Bet1, Bet2)
assignment of code to tournament 500
request for random numbers event 100-1
random numbers for event 100-1
Closure of event 100-1
Closure of bets on tournament 100-500
(Bet1, Bet2)
request in sequence of random numbers for
event 100-2, 100-3, 100-4
random numbers for event 100-2, 100-3,
200-4
reports in sequence for events 100-1, 1002, 100-3, 200-4
reports accepted
Insertion of events and bets for tournament
(100-500) (Bet3, Bet4)
events and bets inserted
Same sequence until reports for event #7
reports for tournament (100-500) (Bet1,
Bet2, Bet3, Bet4)
reports entered
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2.5
COMMUNICATION
INTERFACE
WITH
THE
CONCESSION-HOLDER’S
GAMING
ACCEPTANCE SYSTEM
In the exchange of data with the concession-holder’s gaming acceptance system
and between the components comprising it, the virtual gaming platform must
guarantee:

real-time dialogue;

mechanism for encrypting the data exchanged so as to prevent any
unauthorised access and interception or alteration of the data
exchanged;

receipt and distribution in real time of the numbers generated by the
RNG.
In the technical and functional specifications of the virtual gaming system, which
must be approved by the CUSTOMS AND MONOPOLIES AGENCY, the
concession-holder describes the solutions adopted with regards to the encryption
and security mechanisms of the communication network.
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2.6
EVENT VIEWING
All virtual events must be displayed to the bettor. The viewing of a virtual event, a
multi-event or a tournament, must be divided up into three parts:

an initial presentation;

the real implementation of the virtual event, the multi-event or the
tournament;

the display of the winning outcomes of all bets enabled.
2.6.1 PRESENTATION
The initial presentation displays all information useful to the bettor to make his/her
play: during this stage, acceptance of bets on the virtual event, the multi-event or
tournament, must be open.
The presentation must contain at least the following information:

programming schedule code;

code of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;

description of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;

the codes and/or names of participants;

the bet types proposed on the virtual event, multi-event or
tournament;

the odds offered for each foreseeable betting outcome. For bet
types for which there is a large number of foreseeable outcomes, for
example different bets, it shall suffice to view a sub-set of the best
and worst odds;

a time indicator showing the time left for bets to be placed.
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2.6.2 PERFORMANCE
During the performance of the virtual event or virtual events comprising a multievent or tournament, acceptance of play is closed and the virtual gaming platform
has elaborated the winning outcomes.
During performance,, at least the following information must be displayed:

programming schedule code;

code of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;

description of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;

in virtual events in which the winning outcomes are determined by
an order of arrival, the foreseeable outcomes must be clearly
identified, as defined in the initial presentation;

the remaining types of virtual events must show all times that affect
the determination of the reports of the bets enabled.
It therefore follows that:
In a multi-event or tournament, all times must be shown that affect the
determination of the foreseeable outcomes of bets on each individual event
comprising it.
2.6.3 DISPLAY OF THE WINNING OUTCOMES
The display phase of the winning outcomes of the virtual event, multi-event or
tournament must contain at least the following information:

programming schedule code;

code of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;

description of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;
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
the code and/or description of the winning outcomes according to
the bet type able to be made;

the odds of the winning outcomes according to the bet type able to
be made.
The requirements for the display of the virtual event set out above apply both to
the physical channel and telematic channel.
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3.
GAMING DATA
The virtual gaming system must have archives in which all gaming data relating to
the virtual events held, is saved; these archives must contain at least the following
for each virtual event:

programming schedule code and code of the virtual event;

code of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;

description of the virtual event, the multi-event or the tournament;

the time and date at which the virtual event starts;

the time and date at which the virtual event opened;

the time and date at which the virtual event closed;

the time and date of notification of the official results;

bet types enabled on the virtual event;

foreseeable outcomes of
bets
with
the
related
odds and
probabilities;

random numbers received necessary to calculate the winning
outcomes;

winning outcomes.
The virtual gaming system must keep the data relating to a virtual event on-line for
at least 90 calendar days from when it took place. After this period, the data in
question can be logged and archived on other computer systems.
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4.
MALFUNCTIONS
Any hardware/software malfunctions of the virtual gaming system shall have a
different effect depending on the status at which the virtual event is at the time the
failure occurs:

all virtual events open at the time of the malfunction must be
cancelled by the gaming acceptance system. The technical
cancellation of a virtual event shall entail the full refund of all bets
placed on the event. Multiple bets placed on the event shall remain
valid but the related odds will not go towards determining any
amount of winnings of the participation receipts containing them.

All virtual events that were closed at the time of the malfunction
cannot be cancelled. During this phase, in fact, the random numbers
used to determine the winning outcome have already been sent by
the national totaliser to the gaming acceptance system, hence the
virtual event must be concluded upon solving the malfunction, even
without the display of the performance. The official results must
always be sent to the national totaliser.
All multi-events containing one or more virtual events concerned by the technical
cancellation are automatically cancelled, resulting in the refund of all bets placed
on it. Multiple bets placed on the multi-event shall remain valid but the related
odds will not go towards determining any amount of winnings of the participation
receipts containing them.
All tournaments containing one or more virtual events concerned by the technical
cancellation are automatically cancelled, resulting in the refund of all bets placed
on it. Multiple bets placed on these tournaments shall remain valid but the related
odds will not go towards determining any amount of winnings of the participation
receipts containing them. No further virtual events can be included in a tournament
once one or more virtual events comprising it have been cancelled.
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The virtual gaming platform must resume management of the virtual events
scheduled once the system starts up again, rejecting all those not managed during
the malfunction.
The communication protocol with the national totaliser, PSV, provides the tools by
which to recover any information that may have been lost during the malfunction
and report on the virtual events, multi-events and tournaments concerned.
Acceptance of play is suspended in sales points where the equipment necessary
to displaying the virtual events is malfunctioning.
Such local malfunctions do not affect the management of virtual events.
Violations that may result in the adoption of provisions according to Article 21 of
the Decree to which this document is attached include, merely by way of example,
with reference to a given time frame, in any case of no less than seven days:
 a number of technical cancellations that exceeds 2 % of virtual events
opened by the concession-holder;
 a number of delays in communication of official results with respect to the
closing time of events in excess of 10 minutes, for more than 2 % of the
virtual events opened by the concession-holder;
 the number of times where the opening of a virtual event exceeds the
duration of 8 hours, for more than 2 % of the virtual events opened by the
concession-holder.