New regime begins for online gambling in Italy with “smooth and decisive reset”
The Italian regulator has activated the 52 new online gambling licences.
Italy.- The revamped licensing framework for online gambling in Italy is now live. The milestone heralds the start of a new era for what is one of the biggest gambling markets in Europe.
The customs and monopolies agency ADM, which regulates gambling in Italy, activated its 52 newly approved licences at 7am yesterday (Thursday). There was a delay from the expected midnight activation due to minor technical adjustments, but the regulator described the transition as a “smooth and decisive reset”.
The move saw the overnight closure of hundreds of websites because skins are no longer permitted. Each operator can only run one domain under a licence. While there are 52 licences, there are just 46 operators now live on the regulated Italian online gambling market as some have more than once licence.
Each licence cost €7m, generating €364m for the state. Several major multinational brands decided not to apply for new licences, including Betway and Unibet.
As well as reducing the number of licensees on the Italian online gambling market, the new regime includes tighter compliance requirements and player safeguards. These include player registration through Italy’s SPID digital ID or electronic ID card. Mandatory self-exclusion tools and spending limits remain in place.
Italy’s online gambling industry generated €5bn in wagers, making it the second biggest market in Europe after Britain. It generated €3.8bn for operators and €1.1bn in taxes.
Further Italian gambling reforms to come in 2026
In 2026, the government intends to advance with long-delayed plans to reform the land-based gambling sector. The aim is to create a harmonised federal framework for casinos, bingo halls gaming arcades, and sports betting franchises. The government also intends to review the Dignity Decree of 2018, which imposed a ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship in Italy.
