Online casinos are legal in Italy under a strictly regulated framework overseen by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), the country's primary gaming regulatory authority (1). The Italian government has established a comprehensive licensing system that allows both domestic and international operators to offer online casino services to Italian residents, provided they obtain proper authorization from the ADM. This regulatory approach ensures consumer protection while generating substantial tax revenue for the state, with legal gaming contributing EUR11.6 billion to state coffers in 2023.
The legal foundation for online casinos in Italy was established through several key legislative measures, beginning with Law No. 266/2005 which gave the ADM authority to regulate the online gaming sector (2). The regulatory framework was further strengthened by the Bersani Decree and subsequent legislation that opened the market to foreign operators meeting specific reliability requirements. Under current regulations, online casino operators must pay substantial licensing fees, with new concessions requiring a one-off payment of EUR7 million, plus annual taxes ranging from 15% to 25% on gross gaming revenue.
"All activities are legal, as long as the gambling operator holds an Italian gambling licence or has a business arrangement with an Italian licence holder. Only operators (licensees) need to hold a licence."
The Italian online casino market has experienced significant growth, with the online sector representing 21% of total gambling spending in 2023, generating EUR4.3 billion in revenue (2). Casino games account for approximately 55% of online spending, demonstrating the popularity and acceptance of regulated online casino gaming among Italian consumers. The ADM maintains strict oversight of all licensed operators, ensuring compliance with responsible gaming measures, anti-money laundering protocols, and consumer protection standards. Players can only access licensed online casinos, as unauthorized sites are blocked by internet service providers, maintaining the integrity of the regulated market.
Source:
https://www.adm.gov.it/portale/en/giochi
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/italy
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
