Key Moments:
- New Italian online gambling regulations went live after minor technical delays, covering 52 licensed domains.
- Operators paid €7m each for licenses, raising €364m for the state and surpassing initial revenue projections.
- Major brands including Betway and Unibet exited the market amid stricter compliance and higher costs.
A Tightened Regulatory Landscape Emerges
Italy formally launched a new chapter in its online gambling sector, implementing sweeping changes to its regulatory structure. The updated regime became effective at 7 am, following minor overnight technical tweaks that postponed the original midnight introduction. In total, 52 licenses authorized by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) are now active, shaping a more clearly defined and closely monitored market environment.
Increased Operator Standards and Revenue Outcomes
The overhaul marks the most significant shake-up of Italy’s digital betting industry in over ten years. Companies faced higher compliance standards and steep entry fees, with each of the 46 successful operators committing €7m for a license. This licensing round generated €364m in revenue, surpassing the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance’s initial target of €350m. Authorities have presented the result as a win for public revenue as well as an indication of operators’ sustained interest in a more demanding market.
| Key Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Licensed Domains | 52 |
| Number of Licensed Operators | 46 |
| License Fee per Operator | €7m |
| Total License Revenue | €364m |
| 2024 Gross Player Spending | €5bn |
| 2024 State Tax Receipts | €1.1bn |
| 2024 Operator Revenues | €3.8bn |
Streamlining and Player Protection Initiatives
The regulatory reset sharply narrows market access, replacing a previously fragmented marketplace with 52 officially sanctioned domains. One of the most significant changes is the elimination of “skins,” which had permitted multiple affiliate or mirror sites to operate under a single license. Effective immediately, each license holder may manage only a single official domain. This adjustment has led to the closure of numerous affiliate websites overnight, with ADM asserting that the measure will support better enforcement, curb illegal activities, and offer players more transparent engagement avenues.
Elevating consumer safeguards is a core focus of the restructured framework. Operators must continue to provide self-exclusion options and enforce spending limits, while also incorporating Italy’s SPID digital ID or electronic ID card during customer registration. According to ADM, this enhances ID verification, restricts access for minors, and establishes a more traceable and transparent presence for players in the regulated market.
Market Shifts and Operator Responses
Italy’s online gambling arena processed €5bn in gross player spending across 2024, which generated €1.1bn in tax revenue and €3.8bn in operator income. Industry analysts anticipate continued growth, with projections of €6bn in spending and state receipts potentially reaching €1.5bn in 2025.
The stringent new regime has also compelled several global betting brands to depart. Betway, Unibet, Betaland, Betn1, and 1xBet chose not to pursue new licenses, thus withdrawing from the Italian market. ADM regarded these exits as part of a “smooth and decisive reset” aimed at reinforcing long-term industry stability.
Future Regulatory Milestones and Considerations
The transformation is scheduled to continue in 2026, introducing Phase 2 reforms that will impact land-based venues such as arcades, bingo halls, casinos, and franchises. Policymakers also plan to revisit the controversial 2018 Dignity Decree, which currently bans all gambling advertising and sponsorships. Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi are expected to engage with market stakeholders, including Serie A representatives, as conversations around sports sponsorship evolve.
ADM continues to maintain that these changes will position Italy as a leading example of compliance, governance, and tax efficiency among European gambling markets, capping off a multi-year regulatory overhaul.
- Author
Daniel Williams
