Historic digital gaming overhaul: ADM approves 46 companies to shape the sector's future
The Italian online gaming sector is poised for a landmark shift. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has recently completed the initial round of evaluations for new licenses. Out of numerous applicants, just 46 operators, including prominent brands like 888 Italy, Betfair Italy, Sisal, William Hill Malta and LeoVegas, have been approved to advance. This selective process is deliberate: by favoring entities with proven technological reliability and financial stability, the regulator is steering the industry toward greater security, clarity, and accountability. The implication is evident: the evolution of gaming in Italy will be defined by those committed to delivering excellence and safeguarding their customers.
An urgent schedule propels the journey to transformation
The clock is already ticking. Existing licenses are set to lapse on September 17, 2025, with a potential brief extension until the 30th of that month. In the interim, ADM will finalize its technical and financial evaluation of the chosen firms by July. Successful candidates must promptly submit the initial installment of the concession fee—4 million—and demonstrate they possess a minimum of 3.7 million in liquid assets. Agreements will be executed in August and September to prevent any interruption in services, ensuring seamless operation of the gaming equipment.
Technology at the center of the new era
The transformation extends beyond paperwork: chosen operators will be required to implement cutting-edge digital frameworks that connect seamlessly with ADM’s fortified platform. A six-month adaptation phase is set, aiming for full deployment by March 2026. During this interim, legacy and modern systems will operate in tandem, ensuring uninterrupted service for users. Upon completion, firms must submit the subsequent licensing payment—3 million euros—finalizing their formal integration into the refreshed landscape of overseen gaming.
Enhanced player safety and more stringent regulations
A central element of the reform focuses on how gaming accounts are handled. Players will have the option to migrate their accounts to a different licensed operator, following tax regulations and after obtaining necessary approvals. Operators losing their licenses must shut down all user accounts by August 17, 2025, returning any remaining balances to their clients. Unclaimed funds after a sixty-day period will be transferred to the State Treasury. Furthermore, businesses will be required to submit weekly activity reports for these accounts and must convert to a S.p.A. corporate structure before securing operating concessions. The objective is evident: fostering a more transparent, secure, and sustainable market, while still prioritizing safe and responsible entertainment.