(ANSA) - Rome, July 4 - The Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI)
on Wednesday hailed the government's new ban on advertising for
gambling as a "sign of civility".
CEI spokesman Father Ivan Maffeis recalled the Church's work
against gambling addiction and said "we welcome as a sign of
civility the government decree that puts an end to ads on
gambling".
Father Maffeis said "too many families have been ruined by
this scourge".
He highlighted that the Church had been combating gambling
addiction through various charities and the bishops' newspaper
Avvenire.
The government's so-called 'dignity decree' aims to curb
advertising on gambling and stop top actors and personalities
fronting ads.
Italy has seen a surge in gambling addiction despite a fall
in purchasing power over the last few years.
photo: a rally against gambling addiction
Gambling ad ban 'sign of civility' - CEI (4)
Church has been fighting gambling addiction