Following the suspension of retail lottery sales in the country implemented earlier this month due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, Italy has now restarted its lottery sales with betting shops reopening as the country looks to ease lockdown measures.
Having become one of the first European countries to be severely hit by the COVID-19 health crisis, Italy introduced a nationwide lockdown on March 9, with an eventual suspension on retail lottery sales coming into effect on April 2.
Almost a month later, Italy is now allowing sales of some lottery tickets to restart as the country gradually eases lockdown measures, with a date of May 11 also being set regarding the reopening of betting shops as published by Italy’s Customs and Monopoly Agency.
Furthermore, this week saw the country’s tobacconists reopen and resume selling a select amount of numerical draw lottery products, with other lottery products, that require verification by shop staff, set to recommence next week on May 4.
It is as of yet unclear as to the extent and level of the health and safety measures required within these establishments, however, it has been revealed that shops will have to turn off television monitors and encourage customers to stay no longer than necessary on premises.
