Italy is known for its rich culture, cuisine, and history. But did you know that Italy also has a thriving gambling industry? With exciting casinos and popular sports betting, Italy offers many legal gambling options. However, strict laws regulate gambling activity in Italy. This article will explain gambling laws in Italy so you can gamble legally.
Introduction
Italy’s long history with gambling makes it a top destination for casino gaming and sports betting. The Italian government legalizes some forms of gambling but has strict regulations in place. By following Italy’s gambling laws, you can enjoy safe, legal gambling in Italy.
This article will summarize Italy’s gambling laws. You will learn the legal gambling formats, requirements for operators, and consequences for breaking Italy’s regulations. Understanding Italy’s robust gambling framework allows you to gamble legally while visiting or residing in Italy.
Brief History of Gambling Laws in Italy
Gambling has a long history in Italy dating back centuries. While some forms of gambling were restricted over the years, Italy’s current gambling laws took shape more recently:
1990s – Italy legalized and regulated certain gambling activities like betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos. The Italian government created a licensing system for operators.
2000s – Italy updated laws to allow skill-based gaming machines and cash poker tournaments in approved venues. The Italian gambling authority was also established.
2006 – Italy legalized cash tournaments and competitions for Texas hold ’em poker in approved locations. This allowed the popular poker format to thrive.
2009 – Italy opened its online gambling market under a licensing system. Licensed Italian sites can legally offer online betting and gaming.
2011 – Italy’s regulated online market launches. Licenses are granted to sites meeting strict standards.
2016 – New Italian gambling advertising restrictions introduced to protect players.
Today, Italy’s mature gambling market continues evolving under the watch of Italian gambling regulations and the gambling authority. The legal framework aims to allow gambling while protecting consumers.
Italian Gaming Authority and Licensing

Italy has strict licensing rules for gambling regulated by the Italian authorities:
Agenzia delle dogane e dei monopoli (ADM)
- Main regulatory body that oversees gambling in Italy.
- Responsible for licensing online and land-based gambling.
- Enforces standards and ensures compliance from operators.
- Protects players and promotes responsible gambling.
Italian Gambling Licenses
- Mandatory license required to legally offer gambling in Italy.
- Separate licenses for online vs land-based gambling.
- Strict vetting process to get an Italian gambling license.
- Must meet requirements around security, duty of care, etc.
- Annual fees to maintain compliance.
By requiring gambling licenses, Italy ensures proper oversight and accountability. Licenses guarantee operators follow Italy’s gambling laws.
Allowed Gambling Activities Under Italian Law
Italy allows various regulated gambling options. Gamblers must be 18+ to participate in legal gambling activity.
Permitted Gambling Formats
- Land-based casinos
- Licensed betting shops
- Online gambling sites
- Cash poker tournaments
- Bingo halls
- Lotteries
- Horse race betting
Specifically Legal Gambling Games
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Poker
- Bingo
- Sports betting
- Slot machines
- Lottery games like SuperEnalotto
While not fully comprehensive, this list covers the major gambling formats legal for licensed operators to offer under Italian gambling regulations. Players in Italy can enjoy these popular gambling activities in a regulated setting.
Gambling Taxes and Player Protection in Italy
Italy aims to generate tax revenue from gambling while protecting players. Laws hold operators accountable.
Italian Gambling Taxes
- Gambling tax rates vary by activity type.
- Online casinos/poker taxed at 20% of gross gaming revenue.
- Betting at 22% fixed tax rate on payouts.
- Bingo/lotteries taxed the lowest.
- Taxes fund Italy’s public health system.
Responsible Gambling Requirements
- Strict rules to prevent underage gambling.
- Mandatory player loss limits imposed.
- Operators must provide self-exclusion options.
- No alcohol service permitted in gambling areas.
- Extensive player activity monitoring required.
High taxation funds public services. And responsible gambling rules protect players. This twin approach underpins Italy’s gambling regulatory environment.
Legal Land-based Gambling Options
Italy has a well-developed land-based gambling industry operating under license within the law. Players can legally enjoy location-based gambling at:
Licensed Casinos
- Italy has around 58 legal land-based casinos.
- Mainly located in major cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice.
- Table games like roulette, blackjack, poker offered.
- Also feature slots, video poker, other electronic gaming machines (EGMs).
Regulated Betting Shops
- Over 12,000 licensed betting shops across Italy.
- Offer sports betting, horse race betting, virtual sports.
- Many betting brands with retail locations.
Bingo Halls
- Almost 800 legal bingo halls in Italy.
- Allowed to offer electronic bingo terminals.
- Prize bingo games like Tombola popular.
With many licensed gambling venues across major cities, Italy enables access to legal land-based gambling under the watch of gambling authorities.
Requirements for Legal Online Gambling
For online gambling sites to operate legally in Italy’s regulated market, they must obtain an Italian license and meet strict standards including:
Licensing
- Must hold valid Italian online gambling license
- Annual fees to maintain compliance
- Sites regularly audited by the ADM
Responsible Gambling
- Mandatory player protection measures
- Self-exclusion options clearly available
- Deposit limits auto-set; voluntary lowering allowed
- No bonuses for problem gamblers
Security & Testing
- Data protection and encryption to ensure security
- Games tested for fairness by approved labs
- Payout percentage requirements per game type
By complying with Italy’s online gambling regulations, sites can legally cater to the Italian market while providing a safer gambling environment.
Popular Legal Gambling Sites in Italy

With Italy’s regulated online gambling market valued at over €1.7 billion, players have many licensed site options including:
Online Casinos
- StarCasinò
- Sisal Casino
- Betway Casino
- 888Casino
- LeoVegas
Sports Betting
- Snai.it
- PlanetWin365
- BetFlag
- Bwin
- Bet365
Poker
- PokerStars
- PartyPoker
- 888Poker
- People’s Poker
- Bet365 Poker
Bingo
- Sisal Bingo
- EuroBingo
- Gioco Digitale
- BetFlag Bingo
- Tombola.it
Sports Betting Industry in Italy
Sports betting is a major part of Italy’s regulated online gambling market under the oversight of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies (AAMS). Key aspects include:
- AAMS oversees licensing and regulation of sports betting operators.
- Companies must meet strict requirements around player protection, security, responsible gambling and more to be authorized.
- The sports betting industry continues to grow, with revenues of €1.4 billion in 2022.
- Italians can legally bet on sports at licensed sites, both online and retail.Popular sports include soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, cycling and motorsports.
- Italy blocks unregulated foreign sportsbooks from offering services to citizens.
- Under Italian law, minors cannot participate in any form of real money gambling.
With strong gambling legislation and enforcement by AAMS leading oversight, sports betting provides safe regulated entertainment for adults in Italy’s €80 billion gambling sector.
With so many popular and legal options across gambling verticals, Italian players can enjoy online gambling safely and legally at regulated sites.
Illegal Unregulated Gambling Sites
While licensed sites provide safe regulated gambling to Italians, unlicensed foreign sites should be avoided due to:
Safety Risks
- No oversight means unfair games and lack of protection.
- Little recourse for players with issues.
Financial Risks
- No guarantees players will get paid if they win.
- Bank/payment blocking likely.
Legal Repercussions
- Italian laws prohibit playing on unlicensed sites.
- Sites breaking ad rules face ISP blocking.
- Players warned; large fines theoretically possible.
While black market sites may seem attractive, using regulated legal Italian gambling sites is the only way to ensure safety, security and compliance with local laws.
Enforcement of Italian Gambling Laws
Italian authorities strictly enforce gambling laws and regulations through:
Site Blocking
- ISPs required to block access to unlicensed sites.
- Includes casinos, poker, sports betting sites.
- Thousands of domains blocked to date.
Financial Blocking
- Banks must block transactions with illegal sites.
- Aims to cut off money flow.
- Fines for non-compliant banks.
Advertising Sanctions
- Heavy fines for unlicensed operators that advertise illegally.
- Up to €50,000 per violation.
- Repeat offenders face multiplied fines.
Gambling License Removal
- Licensed sites can lose permit for serious violations.
- Revocation of license as ultimate punishment.
Through multi-pronged approach targeting sites, banks and ads, Italian authorities strongly enforce gambling laws.
Future Outlook for Italian Gambling Market
With Italy having one of Europe’s largest regulated online gambling markets, the industry is poised for further growth in coming years through:
Increasing Revenues
- Total market projected to reach €2 billion by 2025.
- Mobile gaming driving higher revenue rates.
Additional Products
- Italy may regulate online bingo and casino table games.
- More variety would attract new players.
Higher Participation
- As more Italians gamble online, market size increases.
- Convenience and security bring in new demographics.
Privatization
- Italy may privatize some state gambling brands.
- Could increase competition.
With a strong regulatory framework now in place, Italy’s online gambling industry has a bright future. Expanding products, participants and revenues signal continued expansion under current gambling laws.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points:
- Italy has regulated online gambling since 2006 under a licensing framework.
- Legal sites must follow strict regulations on safety, security and responsibility.
- Players should only use licensed Italian gambling sites.
- Unlicensed foreign sites violate laws and carry big risks.
By following Italy’s online gambling laws and using regulated gaming sites:
- Players can enjoy safe, fair and compliant entertainment.
- The industry will continue growing under Italy’s regulatory structure.
- Billions in projected market growth signals a bright future.
In the end, playing legally at certified Italian sites is the wise choice – it’s both safe and avoids trouble with the law. Gamblers that use unregulated foreign operators face money risks and violate Italy gambling laws.
MOST COMMENTED
Identity Theft
Navigating Legal Solutions for Victims of Identity Theft
Gambling Laws
Online Gambling Laws in Denmark: How to Gamble Legally
Gambling Laws
Online Gambling Laws in Austria: How to Gamble Legally
Gambling Laws
Online Gambling Laws in Netherlands: How to Gamble Legally