Landmark digital gaming transformation: ADM picks 46 firms to lead the sector's evolution

Italy's online gaming sector is poised for a landmark transformation. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has recently completed the initial evaluation round for granting fresh licenses. A mere 46 operators have been approved to advance, featuring prominent brands like 888 Italy, Betfair Italy, Sisal, William Hill Malta and LeoVegas. This decision is deliberate: by favoring entities that prove their technological resilience and financial stability, the focus shifts toward cultivating a more secure, accountable, and clear-cut marketplace. The directive is evident: the evolution of gaming in Italy will be driven by those committed to delivering superior standards and safeguarding participants.

A swift schedule for transformation

The clock is ticking down. Existing authorizations are set to lapse on September 17, 2025, though a brief grace period could stretch to the month’s 30th. In the interim, ADM will finalize its technical and fiscal evaluation of qualifying firms by July. Successful applicants must then promptly settle the initial concession installment—4 million—and demonstrate readily accessible capital of no less than 3.7 million. Agreements will be executed in August and September to prevent any interruption in service, ensuring seamless operation of the gaming apparatus.

Technology at the center of the new era

This transformation extends beyond paperwork: chosen operators must deploy cutting-edge digital systems that link with ADM’s protected platform. A six-month transition phase is planned, aiming for a complete rollout by March 2026. In the interim, legacy and updated systems will operate side by side, ensuring uninterrupted service for participants. Upon completion, the firms will be required to submit the second licensing payment—3 million euros—finalizing their formal transition into the new age of supervised gaming.

Enhanced safeguards for players and more rigorous regulations

A pivotal aspect of the reform involves the handling of gaming accounts. Players will gain the ability to migrate their accounts to a different licensed operator, adhering to tax regulations and obtaining necessary approval beforehand. Firms excluded from the market must shut down all user accounts by August 17, 2025, while reimbursing customer balances. Any unclaimed funds after a two-month period will be transferred to the State Treasury. Furthermore, submission of weekly activity reports for accounts will become compulsory, and companies are required to convert into S.p.A. entities prior to securing operating concessions. The objective is unequivocal: to foster a more transparent, secure, and sustainable market, all while upholding the principle of responsible entertainment.