A landmark shift in digital gaming: ADM authorizes 46 key players to redefine the sector's trajectory.

Italy's online gaming sector is poised for a historic shift. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has completed the initial screening round for awarding fresh licenses. A mere 46 operators have been approved to proceed, featuring established firms like 888 Italy, Betfair Italy, Sisal, William Hill Malta and LeoVegas. This decision is deliberate: by favoring entities that prove technological robustness and financial stability, the focus is on cultivating a market that is more secure, clear, and accountable. The signal is unmistakable: the destiny of Italian gaming rests with those capable of ensuring superior standards and safeguarding participants.

A swift schedule for transformation

The clock is ticking with no delay. Existing authorizations are set to terminate on September 17, 2025, potentially extended slightly through the end of that month. In the interim, ADM will finalize its technical and fiscal assessment of the qualifying firms by July. Successful applicants must promptly settle the initial installment of the concession payment—4 million—and demonstrate a minimum of 3.7 million in accessible funds. Agreements will be executed during August and September to prevent any interruption in operations, ensuring the gaming machine functions without a hitch.

Technology at the center of the new era

The initiative extends beyond policy papers: chosen firms must deploy advanced digital infrastructures that connect with ADM's protected network. A six-month adaptation phase is set, aiming for a complete rollout by March 2026. During this interval, legacy and modern platforms will operate in parallel, ensuring uninterrupted service for users. Upon completion, operators are required to submit the final licensing payment—3 million euros—finalizing their formal integration into the updated, regulated betting landscape.

Enhanced safeguards for participants and more rigorous regulations

A central aspect of the regulatory overhaul focuses on the stewardship of player accounts. Customers will have the option to migrate their accounts to a new licensed provider, adhering to fiscal regulations and securing necessary approval in advance. Operators excluded from the new framework must terminate all user accounts by August 17, 2025, returning any remaining balances to players. Unclaimed funds after a sixty-day period will be transferred to the State Treasury. Furthermore, mandatory weekly reports detailing account activity will be introduced, and firms are required to convert into public limited companies (S.p.A.) prior to finalizing concession agreements. The objective is unequivocal: fostering a more transparent, secure, and sustainable market, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to responsible gaming.