Italy has opened applications for new online gambling licences, providing a unique chance for operators to enter one of Europe’s most regulated and profitable markets. Each licence costs €7 million and grants operators a nine-year concession, ensuring long-term stability. With a growing player base and the potential for substantial returns, these licences are an attractive proposition for top-tier European Economic Area (EEA) operators. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2025, leaving a limited window for interested companies to act.
Strict Requirements for Applicants
To qualify, operators must adhere to stringent conditions. These include:
- Operating within the EEA.
- Proving a minimum revenue of €3 million over the past two fiscal years.
- Paying the €7 million licence fee in two instalments (€4 million upfront and €3 million upon launching operations).
Operators must also provide a €750,000 surety bond and a €3.7 million guarantee for 2025. Furthermore, they must launch operations within six months of receiving the licence and pay a 3% fee on their operating revenue. These strict rules ensure that only financially stable and experienced operators can participate, promoting a robust and trustworthy market.
Challenges and Ongoing Reforms
While the new licences represent a significant step forward, challenges remain. Many operators are concerned about the ADM’s ability to handle applications efficiently before the May 2025 deadline. Questions also linger about the status of current licence holders who fail to secure new concessions. As the process unfolds, clearer communication from the ADM will be crucial to ensure smooth participation.
Italy is also pushing broader reforms in the gambling sector. Efforts are underway to standardise regional rules for land-based gambling, creating consistency across the country. Additionally, ADM director Roberto Alesse has suggested revisiting the 2018 Dignity Decree, which banned gambling advertisements. Revisiting this law could lead to a more balanced regulatory environment, benefiting operators and media partners alike.
Why This Matters for Operators
This new licensing process is a turning point for Italy’s gambling industry. It reflects the country’s commitment to transparency, regulation, and market growth. For operators, this is a rare opportunity to secure long-term access to one of Europe’s most influential gambling markets.
The message is clear: Meet the requirements, adapt to the rules, and invest in Italy’s future. With its growing market and focus on regulation, Italy offers a stable and promising environment for forward-thinking operators. Act now to secure your place in the evolving Italian gambling landscape.
Italy’s Stance on Online Gambling with Bitcoin
Italy has maintained a cautious but evolving approach to online gambling with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The country’s strict regulatory framework for gambling focuses heavily on player protection, financial transparency, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. While Bitcoin and other digital currencies are not explicitly banned for use in gambling, operators must navigate complex legal and financial requirements. Licensed operators are required to adhere to Italy’s stringent AML directives, which often complicates the integration of decentralized and pseudonymous payment methods like Bitcoin.
Despite these challenges, the growing popularity of Bitcoin among tech-savvy players and the broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies worldwide have pushed Italy to consider modernizing its regulations. Industry stakeholders and regulators recognise blockchain technology’s potential benefits, such as enhanced security and transparent transactions. However, Italy remains focused on ensuring that any use of Bitcoin in gambling aligns with its overarching goals of accountability and consumer protection. As reforms in the gambling sector continue, the role of Bitcoin may become more defined, potentially opening new opportunities for operators and players alike.
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