Italian Authorities Adjust Schedule for Gambling Licence Approvals

Italian Authorities Adjust Schedule for Gambling Licence Approvals

Italy’s online gambling sector will undergo a longer transition period than initially planned, following the announcement by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) that it will extend the timeline for approving new online gambling licences. The regulator has moved the target completion date from September 17, 2025, to November 12, 2025, citing the complexity of the current tender process and the extensive verification required under the country’s revised regulatory framework.

The ADM explained that the extension is necessary to accommodate a detailed review of all submitted documentation, ensuring that each application meets the updated compliance standards. This additional time reflects the regulator’s intention to strengthen oversight and maintain procedural integrity during one of the most significant structural adjustments in Italy’s regulated gambling market.

The scale of interest in the new licensing round has been notable. A total of 52 licence applications from 46 companies have been submitted, a lower figure than the 81 licences granted during the 2018 cycle, but still representing strong market engagement despite heightened regulatory requirements. Financially, the process has already exceeded projections. Licensing fees have generated €365 million, surpassing the initial forecast of €300 million to €350 million. These results underscore the enduring commercial appeal of Italy’s gambling market, even amid more stringent compliance obligations.

Under the revised framework, each concession requires a licence fee of €7 million, to be paid in two instalments. Operators receiving approval must complete several steps by the November deadline. These include making the first payment, securing ADM certification for their gaming account tracking systems, and publishing a certified .it domain for their platforms. After receiving their concession, operators will have 35 days to finalise documentation and must launch operations within six months.

Market analysts project continued growth for Italy’s regulated sector, with annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) expected to reach €5.5 billion by 2026. The roster of applicants reflects a strong mix of international and domestic brands, positioning Italy as a highly competitive jurisdiction in Europe’s gambling landscape. Among the most prominent contenders are Flutter Entertainment and Lottomatica, both applying for the maximum allocation of five licences. Other applicants include Novomatic, Eurobet, Betpoint, Stake, DAZN Bet, Marathonbet, Cirsa via E-Play24, Winamax, Evoke with William Hill and 888, Betsson, bet365, Stanleybet, and LeoVegas.

The current phase of approvals will lead into a second stage beginning in November 2025 and running through March 2026. This phase will involve integration testing, large-scale account migration, cybersecurity assessments, and final preparations for full market activation under the updated rules. Once these steps are complete, operators will be required to pay the second instalment of their licence fee.

Italy’s updated framework introduces several new requirements aimed at promoting responsible gambling and operational transparency. These include advanced self-limitation tools, such as one-click temporary suspensions and customised spending limits. Players will also receive real-time notifications displaying the total amount wagered and session duration, while bonus offers such as free spins will be subject to stricter transparency rules. These measures reflect a broader regulatory effort to enhance consumer protection without reducing market competitiveness.

For operators, the extended timeline provides additional opportunity to align their platforms with these requirements. This period will likely involve significant technical adjustments, including the integration of compliance-driven features and cybersecurity upgrades. While these obligations may increase operational costs, the market’s projected growth and long-term stability continue to make Italy an attractive environment for regulated gambling businesses.

The ADM’s decision to extend the approval process highlights the regulator’s commitment to thoroughness over speed, prioritising a structured transition to a more transparent and accountable system. Industry observers note that while the delay adds complexity for operators, it also reduces the risk of disruptions during implementation, ensuring a smoother shift to the updated regulatory framework.