Italy Activates New Online Gambling Framework and Market Reset
Italy’s online gambling industry entered a new regulatory era as the country activated its revised framework early on November 14. The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) confirmed that 52 freshly validated licences went live at 7 a.m., marking the official start of the country’s reshaped digital betting system. Although the launch took place several hours later than planned due to final checks, ADM characterised the transition as a “smooth and decisive reset,” signalling the beginning of a long-anticipated restructuring of one of Europe’s largest gaming markets.
Stricter Licensing and a Single-Domain Market Structure
The reform introduces an operating environment that is significantly more expensive and tightly controlled than before. Each licence required a €7 million payment, generating €364 million in state revenue—exceeding the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s earlier projection of €350 million. While 52 licences were authorised, only 46 operators entered the market because several companies secured multiple concessions.
One of the most consequential changes is the end of the skins model. Under the previous system, multiple associated domains could operate beneath a single licence. With the new rules in place, every licensee is now limited to one official domain. This shift prompted the immediate shutdown of hundreds of websites, dramatically reducing the number of active portals overnight. Regulators argue that this consolidation strengthens transparency, simplifies oversight, and reduces avenues for regulatory breaches.
ADM’s restructuring aims to create a market with clearer boundaries and more direct accountability from each licensee. The authorities believe that the single-domain rule will provide a more streamlined system that better supports compliance enforcement and consumer visibility.
New Verification Measures and Player Protections
Player safeguards form another central part of the reset. Existing requirements—such as self-exclusion options and spending limits—remain in place, while Italy has now added a mandatory verification step for new sign-ups. From today onward, users must register exclusively through SPID digital identity credentials or electronic ID cards. ADM confirmed the update in the days leading up to launch, framing it as a digital security measure designed to reduce unauthorised access and strengthen identity validation procedures across the sector.
The online gambling segment remains one of Europe’s most valuable markets. Italy recorded €5 billion in player spending last year, translating into €3.8 billion in operator revenue and €1.1 billion in tax contributions. Forecasts indicate that overall market activity could reach €6 billion in 2025, with state revenue expected to grow to €1.5 billion.
The new licensing round has already reshaped competitive dynamics. Several well-known operators—including Betway, Unibet, Betaland, Betn1 and 1xBet—chose not to apply for new concessions, marking their departure from the regulated Italian sector under the updated system.
Legislative Phase 2 Set for 2026
The November reset represents only the first part of a wider regulatory programme. Italian authorities plan to advance Phase 2 in 2026, which will introduce a new national structure for land-based gambling venues, extending to bingo halls, casinos, sports betting franchises, and amusement arcades. The government aims to modernise the rules governing in-person gaming, aligning them more closely with the updated digital environment.
In parallel, the government is preparing to revisit the Dignity Decree introduced in 2018. The current law enforces a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships across all channels. Deputy Minister of the Economy and Finance Maurizio Leo, together with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, will lead consultations with industry bodies, including newly elected Serie A president Ezio Simonelli. Football clubs continue to advocate for a more commercially viable sponsorship model, arguing that the existing restrictions limit growth potential.
ADM maintains that the combined regulatory changes—covering both online and land-based gambling—will establish Italy as one of Europe’s most strictly governed and compliant markets. The agency views the reform as the culmination of years of planning aimed at creating a modernised, more transparent framework for operators and players alike.
Source:
Italy Implements Sweeping New Online Gambling Rules and Market Reset, LCB.org, November 18, 2025.