Italy Advances Major Online Gambling Regulatory Reform
Italy’s Online Gambling Sector Faces Major Regulatory Changes
Italy is on the brink of significant transformation in its online gambling industry as the government moves forward with an extensive licensing reform. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has completed the initial evaluation phase to grant new online gaming concessions, signaling a crucial step in the ongoing regulatory overhaul.
ADM Approves 46 Operators to Progress Amid Stricter Online Gambling Regulations
Following ADM’s review, 46 operators have been approved to proceed to the next licensing phase. The list includes well-known entities such as 888 Italia, Betfair Italia, Sisal, William Hill Malta, and LeoVegas. This selection highlights a commitment to establishing a transparent and safer gambling environment, emphasizing operators who comply with rigorous technological and financial criteria.
The regulatory body will conduct a detailed assessment of technical and financial documents until July 2025. Operators who pass this scrutiny will be required to pay an initial license fee of €4 million (approximately $4.7 million) and demonstrate a financial guarantee of €3.7 million ($4.3 million).
The timeline for these changes is tight. Current online gambling licenses are set to expire on September 17, 2025, though a short extension until September 30 may be possible. ADM aims to finalize all licensing procedures during August and September to ensure uninterrupted operation of licensed services.
After completing documentation, operators must also demonstrate technical compliance by integrating advanced digital systems compatible with ADM’s secure platform. This transition is expected to last six months, with full implementation of the new regulations by March 2026. During this period, legacy systems will coexist with new setups until the final switchover, when operators will also need to remit a second license fee of €3 million ($3.5 million).
New Gambling Rules Mandate Account Closures or Transfers by August 2025
A critical aspect of the reform involves the management of player accounts. ADM will allow players to transfer their accounts to licensed new operators provided tax regulations are observed and the players consent. Operators excluded from the licensing process must close all accounts by August 17, 2025, returning any remaining funds to customers. If funds remain unclaimed after two months, they will be transferred to the state treasury.
Additional compliance measures require operators to submit weekly reports on account activities. Failure to adhere will result in immediate suspension of operations. Furthermore, all temporary collaborations or business groups must transition into joint-stock companies prior to contract signing, enhancing transparency and accountability within the industry.
This comprehensive reform represents a pivotal moment for Italy’s gambling market, aiming to promote a safer and more responsible gambling environment while ensuring continuous service availability for players.