Italy online gambling concession (ADM)
One of Europe’s largest regulated markets, run as a closed concession system. ADM awarded 52 nine-year online concessions to 46 operators under Legislative Decree 41/2024, and the new regime went live on 13 November 2025. No new tender is open: entry today is through an existing concessionaire or as a certified B2B supplier.
- Best for
- Entry through an existing concessionaire or B2B supply
- Who can be licensed
- B2C operators, through ADM tenders (none open now)
- Markets it serves
- EU regulated markets
Italy does not issue online gambling licenses on application. Remote gambling is licensed through nine-year concessions awarded by tender by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) under Legislative Decree 41/2024. The 2025 tender awarded 52 concessions to 46 operators, live since 13 November 2025, and no new tender is open. New entrants reach Italian players by acquiring or partnering with a concessionaire; B2B suppliers need ADM-certified products rather than a license. Gambling advertising is banned under the 2018 Dignity Decree.
- Status
- Concessions awarded
- Regulator
- Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli
- Legal basis
- Legislative Decree 41/2024
- Status checked
- October 16, 2026
How the Italian market works
Italy licenses remote gambling through concessions awarded by public tender, not through licenses issued on application. The 2025 tender is closed and its concessions run until 2034.
Online gaming concession
One concession covers online sports and virtual betting, casino games, slots, poker and bingo for players in Italy. Nine years, not renewable, awarded by ADM tender.
No open application window
All 46 operators that bid by 30 May 2025 were admitted; 52 concessions were awarded and went live on 13 November 2025. No new tender has been announced.
Foreign licenses
An MGA, UKGC, Curaçao or other license does not allow serving Italian players. Unlicensed sites are blacklisted and blocked by internet providers.
How to enter Italy while the tender is closed
With no application window open, these are the realistic routes in 2026. We assess which one fits your business before any approach is made.
Acquire a concessionaire
Buy a company that holds an ADM online concession. Changes of control need ADM authorization and anti-mafia checks, and the concession stays tied to its single brand and website.
Partner with a concessionaire
Commercial partnerships with existing concession holders, within the one-brand rule. White-label skins under someone else’s concession are no longer allowed.
Supply as B2B
Game studios, platform and betting system providers supply concessionaires with ADM-certified products. There is no separate supplier license.
Prepare for the next tender
The concessions expire in 2034. Groups planning ahead can build the EEA structure, track record and compliance a future tender will require.
What the 2025 tender required
| Requirement | Under Legislative Decree 41/2024 and the 2025 tender |
|---|---|
| Seat | Legal or operational headquarters in the European Economic Area |
| Track record | Experience in gaming, with revenues of at least €3 million over the two previous financial years |
| Concessions per group | At most five concessions per group |
| Brand and website | One consumer-facing brand and one .it website per concession; no subdomains and no redirects from other group domains |
| Integrity | Fit and proper owners and managers, and anti-mafia checks under Legislative Decree 159/2011 |
| Financial standing | Sufficient capital and financial capacity, plus guarantees set by the tender |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and ISO 26000 certifications, and ADM-certified gaming systems |
Operating rules under the new regime
Single .it domain
The whole gaming offer runs on one .it domain per concession. Subdomains and automatic redirects from other group domains are banned, with fines of €10,000 to €100,000.
Certified systems
Gaming platforms and games are tested and certified under ADM procedures before going live. ADM is updating its certification rules in 2026.
Digital identity
New accounts are opened with age and identity verification through SPID or another recognized digital identity, under ADM’s player account protocols.
Payments
Every transaction is linked to an identified player account, and payment providers may only serve licensed concessionaires.
Self-exclusion (RUA)
The national single self-exclusion register blocks a player across all concessionaires; self-exclusion can last 90 days or be indefinite.
Player limits
Spending, loss and time limits set by the player, deposit restrictions and on-screen alerts on time and spending.
How the setup runs
How we approach Italy for clients in 2026, while no tender is open.
- 1AssessmentYour products, target revenue and group structure against the Italian rules; which entry route is realistic.
- 2RouteAcquisition targets, partnership options or B2B supply, with the regulatory conditions of each.
- 3Due diligenceFor acquisitions: the concession, compliance history, tax position and ADM authorization of the change of control.
- 4CertificationFor suppliers: ADM certification of games and systems through an accredited testing laboratory.
- 5Go-live and complianceDomain, RUA, payments and advertising controls in place; ongoing reporting and tax.
Ongoing obligations
- Gaming tax on GGR and the concession charges set by the tender
- Real-time connection of the gaming system to ADM’s central systems
- Player identification, account protocols and integration with the RUA self-exclusion register
- Responsible gambling tools and the 0.2% campaign contribution
- Compliance with the advertising ban, including for affiliates and partners
- AML/CFT duties as an obliged entity under Italian AML law
- Investment plan commitments made in the concession
How online gambling is taxed
Betting
24.5% of gross gaming revenue on online sports and virtual betting.
Casino, poker and bingo
25.5% of gross gaming revenue.
Responsible gambling
0.2% of net revenue each year for responsible gambling campaigns, capped at €1 million.
The advertising ban
Italy has the strictest gambling advertising regime in the EU. It applies to operators, affiliates, media and influencers alike.
Dignity Decree ban
Since 2018, advertising and sponsorship of gambling are banned in practically every medium: TV, radio, print, online, social media and events.
Penalties
AGCOM fines of 20% of the value of the advertising, with a minimum of €50,000 per breach. Platforms and influencers have been fined.
Responsible gambling campaigns
Concessionaires must run branded responsible gambling campaigns. AGCOM’s 2026 draft guidelines allow them only without promotional content, calls to action or links to gaming sites.
Affiliates
Revenue-driven affiliate promotion falls under the ban. Operators answer for their partners, and a breach can put the concession at risk.
Weighing Italy against other EU markets? Our European gambling license comparison covers all 27 member states: which products each licenses, the regulators, B2B rules and Finland's 2027 opening.
Compare EU marketsStatus as of October 2026: the 2025 concessions are live and no new tender has been announced. Land-based gaming follows a separate reform that is still pending.
Ask about your caseFrequently asked questions
Can I apply for an Italian online gambling license in 2026?
No. Italy awards online concessions by public tender, and the 2025 tender is closed: ADM awarded 52 nine-year concessions to 46 operators, live since 13 November 2025. No new tender has been announced.
Who regulates online gambling in Italy?
The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), the Customs and Monopolies Agency. Advertising rules are enforced by AGCOM, the communications regulator.
What does an Italian online concession cover?
Online sports and virtual betting, casino games and slots, poker and bingo for players in Italy, under Article 6 of Legislative Decree 41/2024. Lotteries are run under separate concessions.
How long is an Italian online concession valid?
Nine years, without renewal. The concessions awarded in 2025 therefore run until 2034.
Can a Malta-licensed operator serve Italian players?
No. Only ADM concessionaires may offer gambling to players in Italy. Unlicensed sites are added to ADM’s blacklist and blocked by internet providers.
Can one concession run several brands?
No. Each concession allows one consumer-facing brand on one .it website, without subdomains or redirects from other group domains. A group can hold at most five concessions.
How is online gambling taxed in Italy?
At 24.5% of GGR for betting and 25.5% for casino, poker and bingo. Concessionaires also pay the concession charges set by the tender and spend 0.2% of net revenue on responsible gambling campaigns.
Can gambling be advertised in Italy?
Practically not. The 2018 Dignity Decree bans gambling advertising and sponsorship, with fines of at least €50,000 per breach. Only non-promotional responsible gambling campaigns are allowed.
Do B2B suppliers need an Italian license?
There is no separate supplier license. Games and gaming systems supplied to concessionaires must be certified under ADM procedures, and concessionaires are responsible for their suppliers.
How can a new operator enter Italy now?
By acquiring a concessionaire, subject to ADM authorization of the change of control, through a partnership within the one-brand rule, or by preparing for the next tender before the concessions expire in 2034.
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