Italy to Review Gambling Ad Restrictions and Launch New Licensing Framework
Italy’s customs and monopolies agency (ADM) is set to review its controversial ban on gambling advertising in 2025 as part of broader reforms to align with European standards. The changes coincide with the introduction of a new online gambling licensing framework aimed at revitalizing the industry and boosting tax revenues.
Plans to Overhaul Gambling Ad Restrictions
Roberto Alesse, director of the ADM, described the 2018 Dignity Decree’s advertising restrictions as a “hypocritical regulation” that conflicts with the principles of a liberal state.
Speaking to La Verità, Alesse announced plans to review the restrictions, which have long faced criticism from gambling operators, media companies, and Serie A football clubs for their impact on the economy.
The broader reform aims to repeal the ad ban and harmonize Italian gambling standards with European norms. Alesse noted that legal gambling should not face excessive prohibitions, emphasizing the economic benefits of a liberalized system.
New Online Gambling Licenses
Italy’s updated licensing framework will introduce nine-year online gambling licenses costing €7 million each. Operators will also pay an annual fee of 3% of gross gambling revenue, alongside standard taxes.
Key provisions include limiting operators to one app and website per product type, prohibiting skin websites promoting branded products.
The Ministry of Finance has justified the higher license fees as reflecting the market’s evolution, dominated by major multinational operators.
The ADM expects around 50 operators to apply for licenses, generating an estimated €350 million from initial fees and €100 million annually from operating fees.
Federal Reforms to Tackle Illegal Gambling
The ADM is also working on federal laws to combat illegal gambling, pending preparatory input from Minister Maurizio Leo and the State-Regions Conference.
Alesse expressed hope that these measures, coupled with the licensing framework, will position Italy as a leader in the European gambling sector in terms of tax revenues.
Despite these plans, Italian gambling tax revenues have declined through September 30.
Regulatory Challenges for Physical Recharge Points
Meanwhile, the ADM faces legal challenges to its decree mandating the creation of a Register of Online Top-Up Points of Sale.
This register was intended as a requirement for operators managing physical recharge points for online gaming accounts.
However, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court has suspended the decree following operator appeals, with a ruling scheduled for February 12.
