New online gambling licences: Italy prepares for a historic regulatory overhaul
The online gambling sector in Italy is entering a critical phase. The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has released the list of 46 entities that passed the first stage of the remote gambling licence tender. This milestone marks the beginning of a wider reform that aims to modernise the industry while reinforcing legal and technical rigour.
This is not just an administrative reshuffle. The ADM’s tender for new online gambling licences is a strategic turning point. Its goal is to select reliable, financially robust operators ready to meet stricter rules in terms of compliance and digital security. At stake is not only the future of the industry but the trust of millions of users across Italy.
Tight deadlines to ensure a seamless transition
ADM has laid out a clear timeline. By the end of July 2025, it must complete the formal review of all technical and financial documentation submitted. This is the gateway to the next stage: applicants will then be required to pay an initial licence fee of €4 million and provide final guarantees worth €3.7 million.
The deadline for the current online gambling licences in Italy is officially 17 September 2025, although an extension to 30 September is possible. However, completing the first phase by the end of July is essential to allow August and September to be used for final compliance and administrative steps. The priority is ensuring uninterrupted service during the handover.
The technical phase: the core of the challenge
The most demanding step will be the technical phase. Licensed operators will need to implement systems in full compliance with the new ADM protocols for remote gambling operations. These systems must be integrated with ADM’s central platform and meet the highest standards of reliability and data protection.
ADM has granted six months to complete this process, with March 2026 as the expected date for full deployment. During this period, old and new platforms will coexist. However, once the transition is complete, operations will be conducted exclusively under the new framework. At this point, a second instalment of €3 million will be due, marking the official go-live of the new system.
Account migration and rules for excluded operators
User account management is another complex issue. ADM will allow the voluntary migration of user accounts from one operator to another, provided that fiscal obligations are respected and the user gives explicit consent. Ensuring clarity and transparency throughout this process will be key to maintaining user confidence.
Operators who failed to participate or were not admitted to the process must cease all activities by 17 August 2025. Accounts must be closed, and funds returned to players. Any unclaimed balances after two months will be transferred to the state. From today, 8 July 2025, it is mandatory to submit weekly updates on account balances and activity via ADM’s platform. Failure to do so will result in immediate suspension.
Legal structure and final verifications by ADM
Temporary business groupings (RTIs) will need to convert into limited companies before signing the new agreements. Any structural changes must be reported and justified. Corporate transparency is one of the central pillars of this reform.
Two months after the current licences expire, ADM will carry out detailed checks on tax compliance, fund management, and account closures. Financial guarantees will remain locked until all obligations are settled. If irregularities are found, ADM may proceed with enforcement measures.
Italy’s online gambling enters a New Era
This is more than a regulatory update – it’s the launch of a new chapter for online gambling in Italy. With tight deadlines and high expectations, the process requires not only technical precision but strategic foresight.
The summer of 2025 will be a decisive time. September will mark the crossroads. And March 2026 will usher in a safer, more transparent, and more accountable digital gaming framework. Only the prepared will thrive.
This article was first published in Italian on 8 July 2025.
