Italy approves 46 new online gambling licenses

Italy’s online gambling sector is entering a new era as the country’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has approved 46 applications for new online gambling licences.

This significant development follows the official close of the ADM’s tender process on May 30th, 2025, marking a pivotal step in the government’s comprehensive reform of its online gambling regulations.

The approved operators include major international and domestic brands such as Betfair, Bet365, Snaitech, Sisal, William Hill and LeoVegas, all of which now move forward to the next stage of the licensing process.

Italy has introduced a new licensing regime as part of a broader initiative to modernise its gambling sector, tighten regulatory oversight, and boost state revenue. Under the new framework, each licence—valid for nine years—costs €7 million per vertical, per brand. This marks a significant increase from the previous €200,000 fee.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance had set a target of €350 million in licensing revenue—a goal now met with 46 successful applications.

Stricter Requirements and Market Consolidation

The updated regime imposes more stringent eligibility criteria. To qualify, operators must:

Be headquartered within the European Economic Area (EEA)

Have generated at least €3 million in annual revenue over the past two years

These measures are expected to filter out smaller or non-compliant operators, paving the way for a more consolidated market.

One of the most impactful changes is the introduction of a one-domain-per-licence rule, effectively banning multi-brand “skins.” This is expected to reduce the number of active gambling websites in Italy from around 420 to just 50—leaving only the largest and most financially stable companies in operation.

Transition Timeline and Regulatory Process

Following approval, operators must pay the first instalment of the licence fee and complete additional technical and financial checks. The final awarding of licences is expected to be completed by September 2025.

Once licences are granted, operators will have up to six months to launch their services. Meanwhile, current licence-holders may continue operations until March 2026, after which only those with new licences will be permitted to operate.

Strengthening Consumer Protection

Beyond structural changes, the reform includes new operational rules focused on player safety. These include mandatory deposit limits, responsible gaming notifications, and enhanced safeguards to combat unlicensed gambling.

The approval of 46 new licences marks a pivotal moment for Italy’s gambling industry. As the country moves toward a more regulated, transparent, and competitive market, the next phase—formal licence awards and platform rollouts—will shape the future landscape for both operators and consumers.