The Italian government has announced the launch of a comprehensive reform of the iGaming sector

The Italian gaming industry is on the brink of significant changes. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has completed the first phase of selecting operators who will receive new licenses to open online casinos. This milestone marks a crucial step in the reform of the iGaming sector's regulatory framework.
Following its review, the ADM has granted approval to 46 operators, including 888 Italia, Betfair Italia, Sisal, William Hill Malta, and LeoVegas. The selection process was based on stringent technical and financial criteria, with a focus on player safety and transparency in operations.
The regulator will now conduct a thorough audit of the documentation until the end of July 2025. Companies that pass this stage will be required to pay an initial licensing fee of €4 million (approximately $4.3 million) and confirm they have reserves of at least €3.7 million (around $3.9 million).
The timeline for these reforms is tight. Current licenses will expire on September 17, 2025, but may be extended on a short-term basis until the end of the month. The ADM aims to complete the issuance of new licenses by August or September to prevent disruptions in service.
Once licensed, companies must implement new digital systems integrated with the ADM's secure platform. This transitional phase will last six months, with the final rollout of the reforms scheduled for March 2026, at which point a second payment of €3 million (about $3.2 million) will be due.
A key aspect of the reform is the management of user accounts. Players will be able to transfer their accounts to new operators, provided they meet tax requirements and consent to the transfer. Companies that do not receive licenses must close accounts by August 17, 2025, and return any remaining funds.
Additionally, mandatory weekly reporting on user activity will be introduced, with immediate suspension of operations for non-compliance. All temporary business structures must transform into joint-stock companies before signing contracts to enhance transparency.
Thus, Italy is not merely updating its licensing framework but is moving towards a fundamentally new regulatory model. The government is committed to creating a safer and more responsible gaming market while ensuring uninterrupted service operations.
It is worth noting that all offline casinos in Italy have been completely shut down.