The Italian law requires the following to run this kind of contest in Italy:
- Write detailed terms and conditions of the giveaway;
- Stipulate a guarantee for the full amount of the prizes;
- Appoint a non-profit organisation to receive the prizes if, for any reason, they are not claimed or wanted by the participants.
- Fill out the ministerial forms;
- Send all required documentation to the Ministry of Economic Development via the “prema on line” system at least 15 days before the start date of the prize draw;
- Choose the winners in the presence of the Official Responsible for the Protection of Public Faith;
- Pay taxes on the prizes;
- Hand over the prizes within a maximum period of 180 days with proof of delivery;
- Declare the closure of the contest with the Official Responsible for the Protection of Public Faith after having handed over the prizes.
Source: Contest laws and sweepstakes in Italy - Promosfera
I’m not sure if these are new regulations, if these were always in place but recently Epic had to start payin closer attention to international regulations, or if the Covid got in the way of any of them being achievable (e.g.: choosing the winner in the presence of the Official for Public Faith).