Legal Overview
Italy legalized online gambling in 2006 with the Bersani Decree, making it one of the first European countries to regulate the online gambling market. The market is overseen by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), formerly known as AAMS.
Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM)
The ADM is the Italian gambling regulator, responsible for:
- Issuing and monitoring gambling licenses
- Enforcing compliance with Italian gambling laws
- Protecting players and preventing gambling addiction
- Operating the national self-exclusion register (R.E.G.A.)
- Regulating gambling advertising and sponsorships
- Combating illegal gambling and ensuring fair play
Licensed Products
Italy allows a wide range of online gambling products:
- Sports betting: Pre-match and live betting on sports events
- Casino games: Slots, table games, and live dealer games
- Poker: Cash games and tournaments
- Bingo: Online bingo rooms
- Horse racing: Betting on horse races
- Skill games: Games of skill for real money
Player Protection Measures
Italy has comprehensive player protection requirements:
- R.E.G.A.: Registro degli Esclusi per Gioco d'Azzardo - national self-exclusion register
- Deposit limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
- Account verification: Mandatory identity verification before play
- Self-exclusion: Temporary or permanent self-exclusion options
- Reality checks: Regular notifications during extended play sessions
- Advertising restrictions: Strict rules on gambling marketing
- Responsible gambling messages: Mandatory warnings in all advertising
Licensing Requirements
To operate in Italy, online gambling operators must:
- Obtain an Italian gambling license from the ADM
- Use a .it domain or clearly identify as Italian-licensed
- Integrate with the R.E.G.A. self-exclusion system
- Implement all mandatory player protection tools
- Comply with strict advertising and marketing rules
- Pay applicable taxes on gross gaming revenue
- Submit to regular audits and compliance checks
- Have servers located in Italy or approved jurisdictions
Taxation
Italy has a complex tax system for gambling:
- Sports betting: 22% on gross gaming revenue
- Casino games: 25% on gross gaming revenue
- Poker: 20% on rake
- Bingo: 20% on gross gaming revenue
- Players: 25% tax on winnings over €500 (automatically withheld)
R.E.G.A. Self-Exclusion
R.E.G.A. is Italy's national self-exclusion system:
- Voluntary registration: Players can self-exclude from all licensed operators
- Cross-operator: Exclusion applies to all ADM-licensed sites
- Flexible periods: Self-exclusion from 30 days to permanent
- Land-based integration: Also covers land-based gambling venues
- Immediate effect: Exclusion takes effect within 24 hours
Recent Regulatory Changes
The Italian market continues to evolve:
- 2006: Market opening with Bersani Decree
- 2018: Dignity Decree banning gambling advertising
- 2019: Enhanced player protection measures
- 2022: New licensing rounds and market consolidation
- Ongoing: ADM actively monitors and sanctions non-compliant operators
Responsible Gambling Resources
Italy provides extensive support for problem gambling:
- R.E.G.A.: National self-exclusion register
- Telefono Verde: National gambling helpline (800 558 822)
- Giocatori Anonimi: Gamblers Anonymous Italy
- Local ASL services: Regional addiction support services
