Monopoly

Two authors argue that the era of the A-list celebrity is fading, and their book-length explanation of why is drawing attention. They contend that fame itself has changed, with movie stars no longer commanding the cultural monopoly they once did. Readers and commentators are debating whether the classic movie star system can survive in a fragmented, social-media-driven entertainment landscape.

Geronimo Cardia, president of the Italian amusement and gambling operators' association ACADI, has set out seven proposals aimed at breaking the stalemate in Italy's public gambling sector. His plan covers extending concessions, revising taxation, introducing next-generation AWPs and VLTs, clarifying the customs and monopolies agency ADM's role in territorial disputes, and addressing market concentration and governance. Industry observers say the proposals could shape the sector's long-awaited regulatory reform.