Italy’s New Era for Online Gambling Licenses: Who’s Approved?
In a significant move for the Italian online gambling landscape, the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) has officially approved 46 applications for online gambling licenses. This follows the conclusion of a competitive tender process on May 30, which saw a diverse range of operators vying for a foothold in the thriving market.
Among the companies granted approval are notable names such as Betfair, Snaitech, and Sisal, all of which fall under the Flutter Entertainment umbrella. Additionally, other giants like 888 Italia, Bet365, LeoVegas, and William Hill have also secured their positions.
The journey doesn’t end here. The next step involves these operators settling the substantial licensing fee, now pegged at €7 million (approximately $8.2 million) for each brand and vertical. This hefty sum marks a dramatic increase from the previous fee of €200,000, which could deter many smaller operators from entering the market.
In the upcoming weeks, the ADM will conduct further due diligence before officially bestowing licenses, a process anticipated to wrap up by September. This timeline allows operators six months to strategize and launch their services in Italy. Notably, existing license holders can continue their operations until March 2026, ensuring a smoother transition for both businesses and consumers.
The Impact of Rising Costs
The reduced number of successful applications compared to the 2018 licensing round—where 93 operators sought licenses and 81 were accepted—can be largely attributed to the steep increase in licensing fees. Alongside these financial challenges, the tax framework imposes a 24.5% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) for sports betting, and 25.5% for online casinos, further complicating profitability for operators. Additionally, an annual fee of 3% of GGR and a responsible gaming expenditure of at least 0.2% (capped at €1 million) add layers of financial scrutiny.
Italy’s regulated online gambling market, operational since 2006, is on the brink of transformative changes. The latest reforms promise not just a shake-up in the licensing process, but also enhancements in player protection. This includes tools for setting limits on spending, time spent gaming, and self-exclusion options. Notably, there will be proactive measures aimed at younger players, with regulations designed to curb compulsive gambling behaviors through automated alerts.
As Italy embraces this new regulatory framework, the landscape of online gambling is set for significant evolution, balancing commercial viability with the imperative of consumer protection. The coming months will be crucial for operators as they navigate these changes and adapt to the enhanced demands of the Italian market.