In fact the Italians are so confident, they anticipate changes by the end of the year. To their advantage, the economic crisis, paired with natural disasters have made their government take a second look. They are now looking at perhaps some additional and much needed taxation to be of some help financially.
Although the Italians are confident, there is still some speculation that the National Regulator, AAMS, is not ready to make any permanent actions regarding the online gaming business. If they were to make any changes, they would be most likely to start with regulations of online poker, added casino games, and new licences for scratch card games.
The Italian government is completely behind online gaming, unlike the US and Russia. Perhaps the US and Russian governments should go and enjoy a little Italian Hospitality and gain some perspective.