Is Gambling Legal in Italy?

Italy is one of Europe’s most tightly regulated gambling markets, but also one of the most attractive for operators. It blends tradition and innovation: iconic land-based casinos on one hand, and a digitally savvy player base on the other.

The country’s regulator keeps a close watch, with a strong focus on enforcement and compliance. For those willing to meet the standards, the rewards are there. With long-term nine-year licences, advanced real-time oversight, and over €4.3 billion in online gross gaming revenue in 2023 alone, Italy offers strong commercial potential.

Online Gambling in Italy

Regulatory Authority	Agency of Customs and Monopolies (ADM)
Key legislation	Law No. 88 (2009)
Allowed activities	Among others: online casino games – slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other table games are allowed using certified software. Online poker and bingo are also allowed. lotteries & instant-win games skill games esports betting
Prohibited activities	Among others: unlicensed gambling targeting Italian players without a licence unapproved games underage or self-excluded gambling bypassing local restrictions
Taxation and fees	Italy applies a GGR-based tax regime for gambling, under which operators paying around 24.5–25.5% depending on the product.
Licence validity/duration	9 years
Benefits of the market	Strong Revenue Outlook Italy offers access to one of Europe’s most active gambling markets. By 2023, online gross gaming revenue had surpassed 4.3 billion euro, reflecting steady demand and broad product diversity. Stable, Transparent Market With real-time data reporting, tough AML and KYC standards, and centralised oversight from the ADM, operators work within a clear and secure framework. The system is designed to reduce fraud and promote consistency across the board.
SOFTSWISS products compliant	No products available at the moment

Land-Based Gambling in Italy

Key legislation	Royal Decree No. 773 (1931) Decree-Law No. 223 (2006, “Bersani Decree”)
Allowed activities	Among others: land-based casinos sports betting horse racing & virtual sports betting shops & bingo halls
Prohibited activities	Among others: illegal advertising operating private casinos or underground halls cash poker outside licensed sites
Taxation	Retail betting is subject to margin-based taxation. Since 2024: land-based sports betting tax amounts to 20.5% virtual games tax is set at 24.5% fixed-odds horse race betting tax is 20.5%

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