Landmark digital gaming transformation: ADM greenlights 46 firms to pioneer the sector's next era

The Italian online gaming sector is poised for a historic shift. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has recently completed the initial evaluation round for granting new licences. A select group of 46 operators has been approved to advance, featuring prominent industry players like 888 Italy, Betfair Italy, Sisal, William Hill Malta and LeoVegas. This decisive move is strategic: by favouring entities with proven technological robustness and financial stability, the focus shifts toward cultivating a more secure, clear-cut, and conscientious marketplace. The directive is unambiguous: the evolution of gaming in Italy will be driven by those ensuring superior service and user safeguards.

A swift schedule for transformation

The clock is now officially ticking. Existing licenses are set to lapse on September 17, 2025, with a potential short grace period extending to the 30th of that month. In parallel, ADM will conclude the technical and financial evaluations of the chosen firms by July. Successful candidates must then promptly submit the initial concession installment—4 million—and demonstrate access to no less than 3.7 million in liquid capital. To ensure seamless operation and prevent any interruption in services, agreements will be finalized throughout August and September, allowing the gaming machine network to function without a hitch.

Technology at the center of the new era

The modernization effort extends beyond paperwork: designated operators must implement cutting-edge digital frameworks connected to ADM’s secure platform. A six-month adjustment window is set, aiming for full implementation by March 2026. During this phase, legacy and upgraded systems will operate in parallel, ensuring uninterrupted service for users. Upon completion, firms will submit the second licensing payment – 3 million euros – finalizing their formal integration into the newly regulated gaming landscape.

Safeguarding participants through more rigorous regulations

A central aspect of the overhaul focuses on the oversight of gaming profiles. Participants can relocate their profiles to a different service provider, following fiscal regulations and obtaining advance approval. Firms not included must terminate all user profiles by August 17, 2025, reimbursing client balances. Funds not collected within a 60-day period will be transferred to the State Treasury. Furthermore, obligatory weekly summaries of profile transactions will be required, and firms must convert into S.p.A. entities prior to securing operating licenses. The objective is evident: fostering a market that is more transparent, secure, and viable, while continuing to emphasize conscientious entertainment.