Italy Opens €7m Online Gambling Licences

Picture tapping into a thriving European gambling market governed by strict rules and lasting concessions.

Italy now opens its Italian online gambling licences window, welcoming elite EEA operators ready to invest €7m in new opportunities.

Imagine securing a nine-year licence, accessing a rich player base, and influencing a market poised for growth and stability.

Act now, meet the stringent criteria, and apply before the May 30, 2025 deadline to shape your future in Italian iGaming.

Italy’s €7m Gamble: New 9-Year Online Gaming Licences Up for Grabs

3 Key Points:

1. Operators must pay a €7m licence fee and operate within strict EEA compliance standards.
2. The application window closes on May 30, 2025, with licences expected within nine months.
3. Italy’s reforms may also include revisiting the Dignity Decree and standardising federal regulations.

The race is on in Italy, as the Italian regulator (ADM) has officially opened applications for new Italian online gambling licences. These licences mark a crucial turning point in a significant European market. After a lengthy EU review, the tender has now been published in the European Gazette, solidifying Italy’s move toward greater regulatory clarity and uniformity.

From now until May 30, 2025, operators with a firm foothold in the European Economic Area (EEA) can vie for these nine-year concessions. Each licence costs €7m, paid in two instalments: €4m upon award and €3m upon operations launch. Moreover, operators must commence operations within six months of securing approval. They will also pay a 3% operating fee, reinforcing Italy’s push for financially stable and accountable market participants.

Yet, the stakes are higher than just fees. Applicants must meet stringent criteria, including demonstrating experience managing gaming platforms within the EEA, maintaining either legal or operational bases in EEA countries, and proving revenues exceeding €3m over the last two fiscal years. Furthermore, they must provide a €750,000 surety bond and a final guarantee of €3.7m for 2025. Meanwhile, the anti-corruption watchdog, ANAC, requires an additional €560 fee to ensure transparency and integrity.

This new regime arrives after delays. The European Commission’s approval came after the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) submitted a detailed opinion on B2B technicalities. This caused an extended standstill period, but eventually, the EU gave the green light. Now the tender, long-awaited by industry stakeholders, sets Italy apart as a regulated market committed to best practices.

However, doubts persist. Operators worry about how swiftly the ADM will respond to their inquiries, given the May 30 deadline. Questions linger about current licence holders and what happens if they fail to secure new concessions. As the clock ticks, the industry anticipates clearer guidance from the ADM to ensure smooth participation.

While the online realm sees progress, Italy still faces challenges in the land-based sector. Phase two of the reform process aims to standardise federal regulations for retail gambling, harmonising policies across the country. Negotiations with regional governments continue, signaling a broader vision for comprehensive gambling reform.

In another critical area, the ADM’s director, Roberto Alesse, has pledged to revisit Italy’s ban on gambling advertising — the Dignity Decree. Introduced in 2018, the decree severely restricted all forms of gambling promotion, which some stakeholders label as counterproductive in a liberal economy. Alesse’s statements suggest that a more balanced regulatory approach could emerge, possibly offering a more commercially viable environment for operators and media partners.

Italy’s new licensing process represents a pivotal step in modernising its gambling landscape. Although significant challenges remain, from ensuring timely responses to revisiting the Dignity Decree, the direction is clear. Those who seize this moment stand to benefit from stable, transparent, and long-term access to one of Europe’s most influential gambling markets. The message to operators is unmistakable: adapt, comply, and invest — Italy’s future in iGaming awaits.