Italy’s New Online Gambling Regime on the Cards

These are exciting times for Italy, with the country embarking on a new online gambling journey that is not only about regulation but is a bold reset that will provide a fresh momentum to the iGaming industry.

The country has officially launched its revamped online gambling regime, introducing a tightly monitored new phase for one of Europe’s largest and most closely observed betting markets.

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 Streamlining the Market

The long-anticipated transition took place on the 14th of November 2025, when 52 newly sanctioned licences from the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) were initiated following overnight technical adjustments that delayed the scheduled midnight rollout.

This reform, which will streamline the market and present tougher entry barriers, marks the most comprehensive restructuring of Italy’s online gambling network in over a decade and combines stricter compliance demands with increased entry costs and upgraded consumer protection.

The touted streamlining reduces the number of permitted domains to just 52, replacing a previously bloated marketplace that was maligned for fragmentation and inconsistent oversight. A total of 46 operators secured the new permits, each forking out a significant €7 million for their licence.

The process generated €364 million for state coffers, outstripping the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s projection of €350 million, which officials commended as both a major win for public finances and a display of operator commitment despite tougher regulatory requirements.

 Abolition of “Skins” & More Protection for Players

One of the structural shifts of the reform expected to be most impactful is the scrapping of “skins,” which previously allowed multiple affiliate sites to operate under a single master licence.

Under the new regulation, each licensee is limited to only one official domain. This update has already resulted in the overnight closure of hundreds of affiliate sites, a move the ADM is sure to welcome as it simplifies enforcement and curtails illicit activity.

With consumer protection as an intended cornerstone of the new regime, the abolition of skins also clarifies points of engagement for players.

Mandatory self-exclusion and spending caps remain in force, but operators are now mandated to integrate Italy’s SPID digital ID or electronic ID card for player registration, an upgrade that ADM officials stress will enhance identity verification.

Reset & Retreat

Italy’s licensing revamp has prompted strategic retreats by well-known international brands, with Betway, Unibet, Betaland, Betn1, and 1xBet opting not to renew their licenses under the stricter and more costly new regime, preferring to effectively quit the lucrative market.

ADM has described their exit as “part of a smooth and decisive reset” designed to prioritise stability and long-term sustainability.

With the Italian government expected to revisit the controversial Dignity Decree of 2018, we may see positive developments around the blanket gambling advertising ban and sponsorship issues. We will keep you updated as always.