Italy welcomes new iGaming dawn
Summary
Italy activated 52 online gambling licences on 13 November 2025 as part of a major regulatory reset overseen by the customs and monopolies agency (ADM). The reboot — described by ADM as a “smooth and decisive reset” — includes tougher compliance, upgraded tech enforcement, stronger anti-money laundering measures and a crackdown on the black market.
A central change is the ban on “skins” (multiple affiliate sites operating under one master licence), which led to the closure of hundreds of websites. Of the 52 licences, 46 operators are live because some hold multiple licences. Each licence cost €7m, bringing in €364m for the state. Italy’s 2024 online market recorded €5bn in wagers, €1.1bn in tax receipts and €3.8bn in operator revenues.
Key Points
- ADM activated 52 licences at 7am on 13 November 2025, initiating a regulatory overhaul of Italy’s iGaming market.
- The reform focuses on stricter compliance, enhanced tech enforcement and tougher anti-money laundering controls.
- A ban on “skins” forced the closure of hundreds of affiliate sites and reduced opaque multi-site operations.
- Each licence cost €7m, generating €364m for the state; 46 operators are currently live under the new regime.
- Major operators such as Betway, Unibet and 1xBet did not apply for licences and have exited the market; Flutter (via Snaitech and Sisal) is significantly increasing market share.
Content summary
The article outlines the mechanics and immediate effects of Italy’s regulatory reset. ADM pushed the activation through after minor technical delays, implementing measures intended to reduce illegal play and increase market transparency. The skin ban is the headline move, reshaping how affiliates and operators structure themselves. The piece also highlights industry shifts: big-name absences, Flutter’s expansion after acquiring Snaitech, and the financial scale of the market.
It closes by noting ongoing political and regulatory discussions — notably a possible rethink of the Dignity Decree’s advertising ban — with industry voices arguing that the total ad ban has expanded the illegal market (estimated at about €1bn annually).
Context and relevance
This is a major regulatory reset in one of Europe’s largest online gambling markets. Operators, affiliates, suppliers and compliance teams need to understand the new licensing landscape, the practical impact of the skins ban, and the potential reopening of gambling advertising via reconsideration of the Dignity Decree.
For market watchers, the shift alters competitive dynamics (exits from several global brands; Flutter enlarging its foothold) and could influence similar regulatory thinking across the region about balancing consumer protection with bringing players into the regulated market.
Author style
Punchy — the piece flags a consequential market reboot and why it matters now. If you work in or follow European iGaming, the details here are worth your time: licences, revenue, market exits and potential advertising rule changes are all game‑changers.
Why should I read this?
Short version: big rule changes, lots of money and a major reshuffle of who’s in and who’s out. If you run an operator, affiliate or provide services to the Italian market (or compete against those who do), this is the quick brief you actually need — no fluff, just the stuff that affects licences, revenue and market strategy.
Source
Source: https://igamingexpert.com/regions/europe/italy-igaming-reset/