Online Casino And Sports Betting Regulations in Italy | 2025

Casino And Sports Betting Regulations

Get a clear overview of Italy’s 2025 online casino and sports betting regulations. This guide covers licensing, taxation, ad restrictions, and legal updates every operator should know.

“If you think Italian Food has too many varieties, wait until you see their betting regulations.”

This industry joke reveals some harsh realities for operators.

In 2025, new Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli requirements have already caught many operators unprepared, resulting in suspensions and hefty fines.

Gambling in Italy continues to change and is creating both challenges and opportunities.

But it remains a profitable space for those who can keep pace with the changes in online casino and sports betting regulations in Italy.

The question isn’t whether to play in Italy’s profitable iGaming market—it’s whether you can master the rulebook fast enough to stay in the game.

Legal Framework of iGaming in Italy

Legal Framework of iGaming in Italy

Legal Framework of iGaming in Italy

Italy keeps a watchful eye on betting. Here’s what you need to know about the gambling law and regulation in Italy that governs every bet.

Governing Bodies

The primary authority overseeing iGaming in the country is the Italian gambling authority, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). They issue licenses, monitor compliance, collect taxes, and combat illegal operators in line with sports betting regulations in Italy.

Other important groups include:

  • Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) who checks for money laundering and financial checks.
  • Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM) ensures ads follow the rules, including the betting ad ban from the Decreto Dignità.
  • Comitato per la Programmazione e il Coordinamento delle Attività di Educazione Finanziaria- promotes Responsible gambling and ensure companies run education programs.

Laws & Acts Governing iGaming

Italy controls iGaming through several laws:

  1. Decree Law no. 223/2006 (converted into Law no. 248/2006) first created rules for iGaming.
  2. Law no. 88/2009 set up requirements for getting licenses.
  3. Reorganization Decree of 2024 improved player protection, fought illegal gambling, and added better security.
  4. Decreto Dignità (2018) banned betting advertisements.

These rules provide the foundation for online casino regulation and help protect consumers while collecting fair revenue.

Types of Licenses

Companies can get licenses for:

  • Games of chance like Roulette, and slots
  • Skill games like online poker, fantasy sports, and esports betting.
  • Fixed odds in sports betting including sports, horse racing, pool betting, virtual betting and live betting.

Each license type must follow special technical rules about security, limits for players and systems that track play in real time. It is all aligned with online casino and sports betting regulations in Italy.

Italy Online Sports Betting by Region

Region Highlights Key Operators (HQ / Strong Presence)
Lombardy Milan-based; strong digital infrastructure; high market share Lottomatica (19.8%), Snaitech (12.91%)
Lazio Rome-based; close to ADM; strong regulatory compliance Sisal (12.98%)
Campania Highest retail activity; football betting culture; fast online transition Snaitech, Eurobet

These areas reflect how deeply integrated online casino and sports betting regulations in Italy are across regions.

Marketing & Advertising Regulations

Current Advertising Restrictions

The 2018 Dignity Decree created a complete ban on betting ads and sponsorship across all media- TV, Radio, online and sports betting events.

This was meant to fight betting addiction and protect vulnerable people.

However, many think this ban has pushed players toward unregulated betting sites that don’t have proper safety measures.

Licensed operators, including Italian online casino brands, struggle to build awareness due to these strict rules.

Sports teams, especially Serie A football clubs, have lost money since betting companies were major sponsors before the ban.

Proposed Changes In 2025

The Italian Senate’s Culture Commission has approved a plan asking the government to change the advertising rules.

This could create exceptions for licensed operators to advertise responsibly while still protecting players.

If approved, licensed betting companies might be allowed to advertise to certain limits, similar to other European countries.

Sports sponsorships might return, which would help professional sports leagues to earn more money.

Roberto Alesse, the director of ADM (Italy’s betting authority), has called the current ban “hypocritical” and points out the economic benefits of allowing some advertising.

These changes could increase tax revenue and help operators compete against illegal betting platforms.

If implemented, this would support legal operators while upholding online casino regulation standards.

Challenges and Opportunities

Some political parties like the Five Star Movement and the Democratic party oppose lifting the ban because they worry it could increase betting addiction.

However, licensed operators would benefit from being able to advertise and sponsor events, helping them build trust with bettors.

These changes could attract new companies to Italy’s betting market and elevate gambling while also creating more competition.

These proposed changes represent a major shift for Italy’s betting industry.

If done responsibly, they could help the sector grow while still protecting bettors from betting-related harm.

Financial & Taxation Regulations

The sports betting laws Italy 2025 brings higher entry fees and more stringent financial compliance:

Here’s what you need to know:

Getting Licensed

  • Require €7 million in big entry fees to run games for nine years.
  • First payment of €4 million when approved.
  • Second payment of €3 million before starting operations.
  • 3% (yearly costs) of all money made from games (after taxes).
  • Security deposit of €750,000 when applying and €3.7 million after getting approved.
  • Companies can apply for licenses from March 31, 2025, through May 30, 2025 (Until 5PM Central European Time).

 Tax Rates 

  • Sports betting; 24% tax on earnings.
  • 25% on Italian online casino revenue.

 Compliance Costs 

  • €560 anti-corruption fees per application.
  • Companies having at least €3 million in the past two years can apply.
  • 0.2% of earnings must go to helping problem gamblers (up to €1 Millon yearly).

 Financial Goals  

  • The government expects to make €350 from new licenses.
  • Another €100 million should come yearly from regular fees.
  • The new system aims to recover €1 billion that was going to illegal betting platforms.

Things to worry about:

  • Smaller companies may struggle to afford these high costs.
  • The strict requirements make it harder to enter the market but better protect players.

These changes show Italy’s serious approach to betting- making it both profitable and safer for the players.

The Black Market & ADM Crackdowns

Illegal gambling in Italy continues to pose challenges.

Italy is cracking down on the €1 billion illegal betting market with tough, but smart rules.

Banks now work with regulators to freeze payments to illegal betting platforms, cutting off their money supply.

The government has also banned operators from running multiple branded websites (skin sites) under a single license, choosing a popular loophole used by black market companies.

The ADM (Italy’s betting authority) will double inspections in 2025.

Companies must pay fees within a strict 25-day window or face lines or lose their license completely.

The high costs (€7 million license fee, €3.7 million guarantee) make it tough for smaller companies to enter the iGaming market.

The ban on multiple websites forces operators to change how they brand and market themselves, further squeezing illegal operators.

Market Dynamics & Operator Performance

Metric/Trend Value/Insight
Online Sports Betting Growth +23.4% YoY in 2023, driven by football
Casino-Tourism Footfall 7.6 million tourists visited casinos in 2023
Top Cities for Casino Tourism Venice, Milan – 2,300+ daily guests
Preferred Payment Methods 43.73% of transactions via cards
Mobile Platform Penetration 74% of operators offer mobile-friendly platforms
Key Regulatory Shift (2025) ADM reforms license structure and enforces transparency

Regulatory Additions Operators Should Know in 2025

Italian betting landscape is getting a makeover in 2025. Here’s what operators must know to stay compliant.

1. Market Freeze After 2025

The license application window (March 31-May 30, 2025) is your only chance to enter the market until at least 2034.

The ADM won’t issue new licenses for 9 years after this window closes.

Miss this deadline, and you’ll either must buy an existing licensed company or partner with one to access the Italian market.

UPDATE:

The 2025 iGaming license application window in Italy has closed. The next opportunity to apply is expected in 2034.

2. Domain & Branding Rules

You’ll need to use its domains and clearly show your ADM license information on your homepage.

As discussed earlier, the “skin website” approach is banned.

This forces operators to stick with one brand identity per license to prevent customer confusion and crack down on unlicensed copycats.

3. EEA Infrastructure Mandate

Only companies with headquarters and IT systems (servers, data centers, platform operations) in the European Economic Area can apply for licenses.

If your servers are currently outside the EEA, you’ll need to move them.

You’ll also need proof of GDPR compliance and local customer capabilities.

4. AI & Compliance Technology

If you use AI tools for fraud detection, responsible for betting alerts, or player profiling, these systems must be open to inspections.

The ADM plans to audit these algorithms to understand how they make decisions about players.

Companies using transparent or pre-certified AI solutions will have an advantage.

5. Biometric and Crypto Regulation

For high-risk accounts, Italy may require biometric verification like facial recognition or fingerprint login to prevent fraud.

If you accept cryptocurrency, you’ll face strict Know Your Customer (KYC) rules under the EU’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation).

This includes checking wallet sources and verifying identities for all transactions.

6. EU & Cross-Border Enforcement

It is working closely with EUROPOL and banks to fight illegal betting platforms by freezing payments, blocking IPs, and tracking payment trials.

A new proposal would even link player accounts to tax records through the Agenzia delle Entrate to create income-based deposit limits.

These shifts reflect Italy’s future-focused approach to online casino and sports betting regulations in Italy.

Wrapping Up…

Italy 2025 betting shake-up changes everything.

Yes, the fees are higher, and the rules are tougher, but serious operators now have a clearer path to success.

Smart companies will look past the upfront cost and see the big picture: fewer shady competitors, more player trust and a market build to last.

As the new rules kick in, we’ll see a better gambling scene in Italy that works for everyone.

The message is clear: adapt thoughtfully now and thrive tomorrow.

Want to launch in Italy’s regulated iGaming market?

FAQs

  • How to Get a Sports Betting License in Italy?

    Apply through ADM tender, pay €7 million fee, provide a €750,000 guarantee, and prove €3 million turnover over the past two years.

  • What Is Italy's 2025 Updates on Casino Regulations?

    Italy introduced nine-year licenses, increased fees, stricter eligibility requirements, enhanced anti-fraud measures, and stronger AML compliance in 2025.

  • Which Are the Best Licensed Online Casinos in Italy?

    Top ADM-licensed casinos include 888casino, Planetwin365, StarCasinò, SNAI, and Eurobet, offering legal compliance and player protection.

  • What Are the New Rules for Betting Operators in Italy 2025?

    Operators face €7 million license fees, 24.5% sports betting taxes, strict AML standards, and AI-driven compliance monitoring.

  • What Regulation Changes Happened in Italian Gambling Market?

    Italy's 2025 reforms feature nine-year licenses, higher taxes, fewer operators, stricter compliance, and expanded oversight against illegal gambling.

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Online Casino And Sports Betting Regulations in Italy | 2025
Palak Madan

Palak Madan is a enthusiastic writer at PieGaming. With over 2+years of experience crafting engaging content and a strong literature background, Palak brings a unique perspective to the world of words. Her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking has made her a sought-after content creator. She's eager to dive deep into the intricacies of iGaming software, uncovering the stories behind the technology and translating complex features into compelling narratives.

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