In mid‑2025, Italy stands at a historic crossroads in gambling regulation, one deeply impacting sports betting. The sweeping overhaul, driven by a new licensing regime, tax reforms and technological enforcement, is reshaping Europe’s largest market. For sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike, this marks a new era in how Italians place their bets.
A new era of licensing
Italy’s online gambling framework underwent a seismic shift late in 2024, with all remote concession licences originally set to expire on December 31, 2024. Their validity was extended first to 2025 by the Budget Law, and more recently to August 2026, offering a grace period during which existing operators adapt to new rules.
The game‑changer, however, arrived with ADM’s (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) April 2025 tender, inviting bids for 50 online concessions priced at €7 million each, paid in two tranches (€4 m upfront + €3 m at operation launch).
Eligible bidders must also post a €750,000 guarantee and demonstrate at least €3 million turnover over the past two years, alongside solid technical, AML, and responsible gaming frameworks. ADM closed the tender on May 30, 2025, with outcomes expected in late summer. The numbers speak volumes: roughly 50 companies applied, compared to 93 in previous auctions, and the number of licenced operators is set to shrink from 81 to around 33, cutting over 60% of suppliers.
Expert insight: How Italy’s gambling reform impacts sports betting
According to longtime industry insider Amra Hadzic at Bookmakerbonus Italia, Italy’s new gambling regime is a “game-changer” for sports betting. “The €7 million licence fee has effectively pushed smaller operators out,” Hadzic explains. “Only the biggest players, like Flutter, Lottomatica, and Eurobet, can absorb that cost and remain competitive.”
The market is consolidating fast. “We’re seeing a shift toward fewer, stronger brands dominating the online betting space,” she adds. “That means better compliance, but also less competition.”
Taxes have also gone up, with online sports betting levies increasing slightly and a new 3% GGR fee imposed. “It’s a small hike per operator, but across the board, it adds up to major revenue for the state.”
On the compliance front, operators must now meet strict AML, data monitoring, and responsible gambling standards. “These requirements raise the bar and ensure only serious, well-prepared operators remain in the game,” Hadzic concludes.
Regulator on the offensive
ADM isn’t stopping at licensing. In 2025–27, the agency plans to double inspections, hire 2,400 new staff, and deploy AI‑driven compliance systems across both online and retail venues. These tools are aimed at exposing fraud, combating black‑market operators (estimated to handle €25–€90 billion in illicit bets annually), and reinforcing AML enforcement.
Indeed, ADM inspected over 19,000 outlets in 2024, decommissioned 721 rogue websites, issued 3,319 penalties, and recovered €72.5 million in unpaid taxes.
Sports betting in Italy: the numbers
- Sector size: Online gambling generated nearly €5 billion in 2024 (+17% YoY), with total GGR at €21.6 billion.
- Sports share: Of the €5 billion online GGR, sports betting accounts for roughly €1.5 billion, with poker and casino trailing .
- Retail strength: There are around 3,800 betting shops and 1,200 café‑style venues in Italy. Despite digital growth, roughly 38% of bettors still prefer in-person interactions.
What this means for Maltese operators and bettors
For Maltese firms eyeing expansion, Italy’s new regime presents both opportunity and challenge. The high licence fee and strict financial prerequisites mean joint ventures or M&A may be the only viable entry strategies. Pure remote operators without on‑ground presence or deep pockets risk exclusion.
For bettors, the downsized operator pool could mean fewer but more reliable platforms, improved compliance, and smoother deposits and withdrawals. But reduced competition risks higher margins and fewer promotions.
From reform to influence: Italy’s wider betting impact
As Mediterranean rivals like Malta monitor Italy, changes could ripple across the region. With regulatory stability, revived advertising, and crackdowns on illicit players, Italy aims to model a mature, transparent betting ecosystem. For sports leagues and bettors alike, the rebound of sponsorships and cleaner markets could signal a healthier future.
Disclaimer: Play responsibly. Players must be over 18. For help visit https://www.rgf.org.mt/
