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IT

Is Gambling Legal in Italy?

Regulated
Gambling is fully regulated; both land-based and online operators require licenses and must comply with strict consumer protection, AML, and responsible gambling measures.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM)
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Regulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • Italy’s gambling sector is regulated by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), which oversees all licensing and compliance.
    • A new nine-year online gambling license regime launched in late 2024, with each license costing €7 million and a 3% annual GGR tax.
    • Operators must demonstrate at least €3 million in annual revenue over the past two years to qualify for a license.
    • Strict anti-money laundering and player protection rules apply, including mandatory age verification and responsible gambling measures.
    • A national ban on gambling advertising, introduced in 2018, is under review and may be partially lifted to allow controlled promotions.
    • ADM is increasing inspections and deploying new tech, like AI-driven monitoring, to combat illegal gambling and ensure transparency.
    • Phase two of reforms will address land-based gambling and further unify national regulations, with ongoing updates expected through 2027.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      Italy’s gambling sector is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that covers both land-based and online gambling. The primary legislation currently in force includes:
      • Reorganisation of Gambling Decree (2024) – This is the latest and most significant overhaul of Italy’s gambling laws since online gambling was legalized in 2011. The Decree consolidates and updates the regulatory structure, streamlines technical rules, and introduces new governance, transparency, and player protection measures for all gambling activities. It covers both remote (online) and land-based gambling, establishing unified national standards and addressing issues such as responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and the prevention of criminal infiltration.
      • Legge Bersani (Law No. 248/2006) – This law liberalized the gambling market, particularly for online betting and gaming, and opened it up to foreign operators under regulated conditions. It remains a foundational element for the current regulatory environment.
      • Decreto Dignità (Dignity Decree, Law Decree No. 87/2018) – This decree introduced a strict ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships, aiming to curb problem gambling and protect vulnerable groups. While the ban is currently under review, its provisions remain a key part of the legal framework until new amendments are enacted.
      • Budget Laws and Annual Financial Acts – These laws regularly update technical, operational, and financial requirements for gambling operators, including compliance obligations and responsible gaming measures.
      The legal framework is further detailed through secondary regulations, technical standards, and administrative guidelines issued by the competent authorities. These collectively ensure that all gambling activities in Italy are subject to strict oversight, transparency, and player protection standards.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in Italy are primarily entrusted to the following authorities:
      • Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) – The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency is the central regulatory authority for all gambling activities in Italy. ADM is responsible for issuing regulations, monitoring compliance, supervising both online and land-based operators, and enforcing measures against illegal gambling. It also coordinates anti-money laundering efforts and implements responsible gaming policies.
      • Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) – The MEF oversees the overall regulatory framework, sets strategic policy directions, and is involved in the issuance of new gambling concessions and the approval of major legislative reforms.
      • Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) – This authority supports ADM in enforcing financial compliance, combating illegal gambling, and implementing anti-money laundering regulations.
      • Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM) – AGCOM enforces advertising regulations in the gambling sector, particularly the provisions of the Dignity Decree regarding the ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships.
      These bodies work in coordination to ensure the integrity, transparency, and safety of Italy’s gambling market, maintaining strict regulatory control and adapting to new challenges through ongoing legislative and administrative reforms.

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Italy

      • Online Gambling License: Covers remote betting, casino games, poker, bingo, and other online gambling activities. Each license is valid for all permitted online verticals, but operators may apply for specific game types separately if desired.
      • Land-Based Gambling Licenses: Includes concessions for betting shops, bingo halls, gaming machines (AWPs and VLTs), and land-based casinos. Each category has its own separate licensing process and requirements.

      Application Process and Duration

      • Authority: The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing and managing all gambling licenses in Italy.
      • Application Window: For online gambling, a new license tender process was launched in December 2024, with operators required to submit applications by May 30, 2025. Similar tender processes are periodically organized for land-based activities.
      • Duration: Online gambling licenses are granted for a fixed term of nine years. Land-based license durations may vary depending on the specific concession type.
      • Renewal: At the end of the license period, operators must reapply through a new tender process. There is no automatic renewal; eligibility is reassessed each cycle.
      • Eligibility: Applicants must have a legal or operational headquarters within the European Economic Area (EEA) and demonstrate a proven track record in operating gaming platforms in Europe.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Online Gambling License Fee: €7 million per license, payable in two installments: €4 million upon award and €3 million before commencing operations (which must start within six months of approval).
      • Land-Based Licenses: Fees vary by activity (betting shop, bingo, gaming machines, casino) and are set by the ADM and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Details are published at the time of each tender.
      • Additional Fees: Online licensees are subject to a 3% annual operating fee based on gross gaming revenue, plus a 0.2% fee on net annual revenues. These are separate from general taxation.
      • Financial Stability: Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources and business solvency to support operations throughout the license term.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

      • Compliance: Operators must comply with all technical, operational, and anti-money laundering (AML) standards set by the ADM, including regular self-declarations and audits.
      • Technical Standards: IT infrastructure must be hosted within the EEA and be capable of secure, real-time integration with Sogei (the Italian state IT provider) for monitoring and reporting.
      • Responsible Gambling: Mandatory implementation of self-exclusion, self-limitation, and player protection tools. Operators must provide users with options to set limits and block access to gambling services.
      • Prohibition of Skins: The use of “affiliated online websites” or “skins” is prohibited. Each operator must offer gambling services under a single, distinct brand per license.
      • Operational Deadlines: Operations must begin within six months of license approval, or the license may be revoked.
      • Ongoing Supervision: Licensees are subject to regular inspections, compliance checks, and reporting obligations. Failure to meet requirements can result in suspension or revocation of the license.

      Summary Table: Online Gambling License (2025 Regime)

      Aspect Details
      License Validity 9 years
      Application Fee €7 million (split: €4m upon award, €3m before launch)
      Annual Operating Fee 3% of gross gaming revenue + 0.2% of net annual revenue
      Eligible Applicants EEA-based companies with proven gaming experience
      Technical Requirements EEA-hosted IT, integration with Sogei, robust AML/monitoring
      Responsible Gambling Mandatory self-exclusion, self-limitation, player tools
      Branding No skins/affiliates; one distinct brand per license
      Start of Operations Within 6 months of approval

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Italy (2025)

      Gambling Activity Tax Rate Tax Base
      Online Sports Betting 24.5% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Online Virtual Betting 24.5% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Online Casino, Bingo, Poker 25.5% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Retail Sports Betting 20.5% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Retail Virtual Games 24.5% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Retail Fixed-Odds Horse Betting 20.5% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Gaming Machines (VLTs, AWPs) Varies (typically 6%–8%) Turnover (stakes minus prizes)
      Bingo (Retail) 11% Turnover
      • All online gambling activities are taxed on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is the difference between the total amount wagered and the winnings paid out to players.
      • Retail activities such as betting shops, bingo halls, and gaming machines are taxed either on GGR or turnover, depending on the vertical.

      Tax Payment Procedures

      • Taxes must be calculated and remitted by operators on a monthly basis.
      • Payments are made directly to the Italian Treasury via the ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) portal.
      • Operators are required to submit detailed tax returns and payment documentation, including breakdowns by product vertical and channel (online or retail).
      • Failure to pay taxes on time may result in penalties, suspension, or revocation of the gambling license.

      Tax Reporting Requirements

      • Operators must keep accurate, auditable records of all bets, winnings, and payouts for each gambling product.
      • Monthly tax declarations must be submitted to the ADM, detailing GGR, tax due, and supporting transaction data.
      • ADM conducts periodic audits and cross-checks operator records with the Integrated Control System (SIC) to ensure compliance.
      • Operators must self-declare compliance, and ADM may double inspections for enhanced enforcement starting in 2025.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • For 2025, there are no broad tax exemptions, but some special provisions apply:
      • The tax rate for fixed-odds horse betting was significantly reduced from 43% to 20.5% to support the horse racing sector.
      • Operators must invest 0.2% of their GGR (net of taxes), capped at €1 million annually, in responsible gambling campaigns. This is a mandatory expenditure, not a tax deduction.
      • Online gambling licensees are subject to a one-time license fee of €7 million, payable in two instalments (€4 million upon award and €3 million upon commencement of operations).
      • In addition to GGR taxes, operators pay an annual operating fee of 3% of GGR (net of gambling taxes).
      • There are no explicit tax holidays or incentives for new entrants; the regime is uniform for all licensees.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Player Identification

      • The minimum legal age for participating in any form of gambling in Italy is 18 years.
      • Operators are required to implement robust age verification procedures. At registration, players must provide valid identification documents to confirm their age and identity before being allowed to gamble, both online and offline.
      • Online gambling platforms must verify the identity of players through official documents and prevent access to minors. This includes mandatory document checks before account activation and before any withdrawals are processed.
      • Land-based venues are also obligated to check identification at entry or at the point of play to ensure compliance with age restrictions.

      Prohibited Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Unlicensed gambling operations are strictly prohibited. Only operators holding a valid concession from the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) may offer gambling services.
      • Games of chance and betting activities not expressly authorized by ADM are forbidden. This includes unauthorized lotteries, betting, and casino games.
      • Private clubs and establishments may only offer games approved by the authorities. Any additional or non-approved games are explicitly prohibited and must be listed on a visible table within the venue.
      • Skill games are permitted only if they are offered by licensed operators and meet ADM’s regulatory standards. Unauthorized skill games or variations are not allowed.
      • Online gambling is restricted to licensed operators incorporated within the European Economic Area (EEA) and meeting all regulatory requirements.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Italy has enforced one of the strictest gambling advertising bans in Europe since 2018 under the Dignity Decree. This includes a comprehensive prohibition on gambling-related advertising and sponsorships across all media, including TV, radio, print, online platforms, and sports sponsorships.
      • Operators are not permitted to promote gambling services through bonuses, promotions, or direct marketing to the public.
      • There are ongoing discussions about potentially revising or partially lifting the advertising ban to allow limited, responsible advertising by licensed operators. However, as of early 2025, the ban remains in force, with any changes still under governmental review.
      • Advertising restrictions are enforced by the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM), with significant penalties for violations.

      Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators must provide clear information on responsible gambling and the risks associated with gambling on their platforms and in physical venues.
      • Self-exclusion programs are mandatory, allowing players to voluntarily block themselves from gambling activities for a defined period or permanently. Operators must facilitate and respect these requests.
      • Tools for setting deposit, loss, and time limits must be made available to all players, enabling them to control their gambling behavior.
      • Operators are required to monitor player activity for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, including offering support and information about counseling services.
      • All player data must be protected in accordance with GDPR and Italian privacy laws, with a focus on safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
      • ADM conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with responsible gambling obligations, and non-compliance can result in severe penalties or license revocation.
      • Operators must display information about the risks of gambling and provide access to support services for problem gamblers.
      • There is a coordinated effort between the ADM, financial police, and other authorities to prevent illegal gambling and protect players from unregulated operators.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Land-based gambling venues, such as casinos, betting shops, and bingo halls, may only operate in locations approved by local and national authorities.
      • There are specific zoning laws that restrict the proximity of gambling venues to sensitive locations, such as schools, hospitals, and places frequented by minors, to minimize exposure to vulnerable groups.
      • Operators must comply with local ordinances regarding opening hours, signage, and the installation of gaming machines, which are subject to periodic review and enforcement by municipal authorities.
      • Online gambling services may only be offered to players physically located within Italy, and operators must implement geolocation controls to enforce this restriction.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1948 Legislative Decree No. 496 establishes full state control over public gaming, entrusting the Ministry of Finance with organization and management of gambling activities.
        1992 Start of gambling deregulation, transforming public gaming into a fiscal tool and outsourcing collection points to address economic crisis.
        2000 Bingo is legalized and regulated, with ADM (then AAMS) granting concessions to bingo halls meeting safety and privacy requirements.
        2006 The Bersani Decree (Legislative Decree No. 223/2006) liberalizes the gambling market, allows foreign operators to enter, and opens the online gambling sector under ADM oversight.
        2007 The Finance Act legalizes games of skill (such as Poker and Backgammon) to be played in tournament format, further expanding regulated gambling options.
        2011 Major reforms: Directorial Decree No. 666 introduces cash poker and casino games; the “Ferragosto Decree” (Legislative Decree No. 138) fully liberalizes online gambling; ADM gains greater autonomy to regulate the sector.
        2018 The Dignity Decree introduces a strict ban on all gambling-related advertising and sponsorships to address problem gambling.
        2024 Comprehensive reform begins: new online gambling licensing framework introduced, with higher financial requirements and a nine-year license term; review of the gambling advertising ban initiated.
        2025 (expected) Further reforms planned to unify national gambling regulations, update land-based gambling laws, and address regional discrepancies.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • All gambling software and platforms must be certified for compliance with technical standards set by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). Certification covers game fairness, random number generation (RNG), payout percentages, and system integrity.
        • Operators are required to use only ADM-approved software providers. Any updates or changes to gaming software must be re-certified before deployment.
        • Technical systems must allow for real-time monitoring and reporting to the ADM, supporting full traceability of all gaming transactions and player activities.
        • Operators must integrate with the ADM’s Integrated Control System (SIC), which enables real-time oversight, detection of suspicious behavior, and compliance tracking.
        • All gaming systems must provide robust logging, with audit trails for every transaction, bet, and payout, retained in a tamper-proof manner.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • Operators must comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Italian privacy laws, ensuring the security and confidentiality of all player and transaction data.
        • Personal and financial data must be encrypted in storage and during transmission using industry-standard protocols.
        • Operators are required to implement multi-layered cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments.
        • All servers hosting gambling operations and player data must be physically located within the European Economic Area (EEA), ensuring data sovereignty and regulatory access.
        • Operators must have clear data retention and deletion policies, and provide mechanisms for players to exercise their data rights under GDPR.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators must implement AML programs in line with EU AML Directives (AMLD4 and AMLD5) and Italian regulations, including customer due diligence and ongoing transaction monitoring.
        • Comprehensive KYC procedures are mandatory, requiring verification of player identity, age, and source of funds before allowing participation in gambling activities.
        • Operators must use reliable electronic verification systems and, where necessary, require government-issued documents to confirm player identity and age.
        • Suspicious transactions must be reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Guardia di Finanza, with robust internal escalation and reporting mechanisms.
        • Operators must conduct ongoing monitoring of player transactions for patterns indicative of money laundering or terrorist financing, using automated and manual controls.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • Operators are required to maintain detailed and accurate records of all financial transactions, bets, payouts, and player accounts for a minimum period as specified by ADM regulations.
        • Regular submission of financial and operational reports to the ADM is mandatory, including real-time reporting of gaming turnover and tax liabilities.
        • Operators must undergo annual independent audits of their financial statements and gaming systems, with audit reports submitted to the ADM.
        • All financial records must be stored securely and be readily accessible for inspection by regulatory authorities.
        • Operators are required to promptly remit concession fees and taxes within specified deadlines to avoid penalties or suspension.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must provide technical tools for self-exclusion, self-limitation of deposits, losses, and session times, as well as reality checks and time-limit warnings.
        • Players must be able to set personal limits on spending and playing time directly through the platform, with these settings enforced by the system.
        • Self-exclusion requests must be processed immediately, with the player’s account suspended or closed and access to all gambling services blocked across all platforms.
        • Operators are required to display responsible gambling messages and provide easy access to support resources for problem gambling.
        • Systems must prevent underage gambling through robust age verification mechanisms at registration and before any gambling activity is allowed.
        • Operators must implement monitoring tools to detect and flag risky gambling behaviors, with automated interventions or notifications to players as required by ADM guidelines.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation and Official Resources

        • Normattiva – Official Italian government database for all national legislation, including gambling laws.

        Responsible Gambling and Player Protection

        Anti-Money Laundering and Enforcement

        Navigate Gambling Regulations Successfully

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          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 17 April 2025