Italy Launches Nine-Year Online Gambling Licenses With €7M Fee and Comprehensive Reforms

Italy has unveiled its new licensing structure for online gambling, marking the first phase of a comprehensive reform of the gaming sector. Approved by the EU’s Official Journal, the nine-year licensing regime aims to modernize regulations while generating significant revenues for the Italian government.

Italy’s new online gambling license regime:

Under the new framework, operators must pay a €7 million authorization fee for each license, coupled with a 3% operating fee. These measures are projected to generate €350 million in application fees and an additional €100 million annually from fixed concession charges. Applications must be submitted by May 30, 2025, with a review process expected to take nine months.

To qualify, applicants are required to meet strict eligibility criteria. They must maintain legal or operational headquarters within the European Economic Area (EEA), possess a valid gaming license, and demonstrate a minimum revenue of €3 million over the past two fiscal years. Additionally, each operator can apply for up to five licenses, with payments split into two installments: €4 million upon award and €3 million before operations commence, which must happen within six months of receiving the concession.

The new licensing system also introduces rigorous financial guarantees aimed at ensuring compliance. Applicants are required to provide a €750,000 provisional guarantee, either as a deposit or a surety bond, issued by authorized banks or financial intermediaries. A final guarantee of €3.7 million, representing 10% of the tender’s total value, will also be mandated.

In addition to these guarantees, operators must pay a €560 fee to Italy’s National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC) and adhere to ongoing variable payments based on their operational performance. These measures are designed to uphold the integrity of the gambling sector while protecting against financial misconduct.

Addressing broader sector challenges in phase two:

Following the implementation of the licensing system, the Italian government plans to move into the second phase of its gambling reforms in 2025. This phase will focus on resolving longstanding issues in the land-based gambling sector and revisiting the controversial Dignity Decree.

Implemented in 2019, the Dignity Decree banned all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships, a policy criticized by media outlets, Serie A clubs, and industry stakeholders for its economic impact. Roberto Alesse, Director General of the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), described the decree as “economically damaging” and argued that reforms must align with European standards to balance regulatory oversight with economic growth.

Phase two will also seek to standardize gambling regulations across Italy’s regions, a move aimed at tackling illegal gambling and enhancing consumer protections. The ADM views these efforts as an opportunity to position Italy as a leader in European gambling legislation, despite challenges such as a 6% decline in gambling tax revenues in 2023, which totaled €11.62 billion.

SBCNews reports Alesse’s words, “In a liberal state, legal gambling cannot endure excessive prohibitions. We must adapt national standards to those required by Europe.” This balanced approach aims to sustain growth in Italy’s gaming industry while safeguarding consumers and promoting fair play.