Italy Commences Comprehensive Gambling Law Reform
Italy has embarked on its most significant gambling reform since 2011, focusing initially on overhauling the licensing system for online gambling operators. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has initiated the application process, requiring all operators serving Italian players to secure licenses by the end of 2025.
Revised Licensing Framework Introduced
The updated licensing structure introduces substantial financial requirements and strict eligibility criteria for operators. Each license carries a €7 million (US$7.3 million) fee, with €4 million (US$4.17 million) due upfront and the remaining €3 million (US$3.13 million) payable before the license can be activated.
Operators must also contribute a 3% annual revenue tax, an anti-corruption levy, and at least €3.7 million (US$3.86 million) annually in revenue-based tax contributions. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual revenue of €3 million over the past two years to qualify.
The agency plans to issue approximately 50 licenses, with applications due by May 30, 2025. This process is expected to generate €350 million through application fees alone, allowing corporate applicants the option to streamline operations by applying for up to five licenses.
Path to Unified National Gambling Regulations
This licensing reform marks the first step in Italy’s broader plan to modernize its gambling industry. In 2024, the focus will shift to updating land-based casino regulations and establishing unified national gambling laws. Key topics under discussion include revisiting the 2019 gambling advertising ban and addressing discrepancies in regional gambling rules.
Despite these advancements, online poker operators aiming for cross-border player pools will need to wait. ADM has prioritized aligning Italy’s regulatory framework with European standards before exploring such expansions.
