Italy postpones online gambling certification system until February 2027

Italy's online gambling regulatory transition is facing another adjustment after the Customs and Monopolies Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, ADM) revised the timetable for introducing its new certification system. The framework was initially expected to reach its operational stage in November 2026 but the regulator has now established a phased schedule, with the new systems due to enter production on 15 February 2027.

The revised timetable reflects the technical and procedural work required from licensed concessionaires, service providers and independent verification bodies. ADM has acknowledged difficulties in completing the necessary preparations within the original timeframe. The regulator has also indicated that the number of certification applications submitted by early October was insufficient to complete the process for all affected concessionaires by the November deadline.

The postponement gives the industry additional time to meet the technical requirements while preserving the wider objectives of Italy's gambling regulatory reform. Meanwhile, separate proposals in the government's 2027 Budget Bill could introduce further changes to the country's land-based gambling concessions and taxation arrangements.

ADM establishes a revised certification timetable

The revised schedule is designed to manage the transition through several connected stages rather than requiring all participants to complete their obligations simultaneously. This approach recognises the relationship between concessionaires, gaming suppliers and the organisations responsible for checking technical compliance.

ADM has identified difficulties involving the development and adaptation of the new concessionaire system. The updated technical requirements involve a substantial adjustment to existing processes and require the participation of multiple parties throughout the certification chain.

According to the regulator's October communication, only a very small number of applications had been submitted through the dedicated concessionaire portal by 7 October 2026. This made it impractical to complete the certification process for all relevant operators by 13 November.

The revised ADM certification timetable therefore introduces additional milestones extending into February 2027. The intention is to allow the necessary conformity assessments to progress in an organised sequence while giving operators greater clarity about their individual responsibilities.

SOGEI, the public-sector technology partner supporting the regulator, will continue providing technical assistance during the implementation process. Its involvement is particularly relevant because the transition requires coordination between administrative procedures and the technical infrastructure used by licensed operators.

Important certification deadlines for operators

The updated timetable contains several important dates that different categories of concessionaires must observe.

The first milestone remains 13 November 2026. By this date, the results of conformity checks for applications involving concessionaires operating as Concessionaires Providing Services (CFS) must be uploaded. These entities provide gaming systems to other licensed concessionaires.

The same deadline also applies to certain applications involving gaming platforms that must be included in the shared certification library. This requirement is important because other concessionaires need access to appropriately certified platforms to complete their own conformity procedures.

The next significant date is 13 January 2027. By then, concessionaires using gaming systems supplied by CFS providers must upload the results of their respective conformity assessments. This stage allows the certification process to progress beyond the initial verification of service-provider systems.

The third milestone falls on 12 February 2027. All relevant technical and functional checks are expected to have been completed by this date.

Finally, 15 February 2027 has been established as the planned production launch date for concessionaire systems certified under the revised technical rules.

These deadlines are interconnected. Delays at an earlier stage could affect the ability of other participants to complete their own assessments. For this reason, ADM has emphasised cooperation between concessionaires, gaming manufacturers and verification organisations.

What the new certification framework means for Italy

The certification system forms part of Italy's wider restructuring of the regulated online gambling market under Legislative Decree 41/2024, which entered into force on 4 April 2024.

The legislative framework establishes broader rules for public gambling, including remote gaming activities, concessionaire responsibilities and player protection. The technical certification process supports these objectives by introducing more structured checks on the systems and components used to provide licensed gambling services.

Under the new arrangements, verification bodies are responsible for assessing whether relevant systems and gaming components meet the applicable technical requirements. The process also involves checking the relationship between different platform elements and their integration within the concessionaire's wider operating environment.

The shared certification library is another important element. It is intended to provide a common reference point for approved gaming platforms and components, allowing concessionaires to complete the required technical procedures without unnecessarily duplicating work already carried out elsewhere in the certification chain.

ADM's stated regulatory objectives include strengthening security, improving transparency and maintaining effective oversight of licensed gambling technology. A properly coordinated certification process could also provide greater consistency in the way operators demonstrate compliance.

Importantly, the revised technical timetable should not be interpreted as a general suspension of existing regulatory responsibilities. Operators remain subject to their applicable legal obligations concerning customer identification, self-exclusion procedures and player protection.

The distinction is significant. The delay concerns the implementation of the new certification and technical verification arrangements. It does not automatically remove other requirements imposed on licensed gambling businesses.

2027 Budget Bill proposes extensions for land-based concessions

While the online gambling certification process is being rescheduled, Italy is also considering transitional measures for its retail gambling market.

The government's 2027 Budget Bill contains proposals to extend several existing land-based gambling arrangements until 31 December 2029. These provisions cover sports and other betting concessions, telematic networks supporting amusement-with-prizes machines and video lottery terminals as well as bingo concessions that expire by the end of 2026.

The proposed extensions are intended to maintain continuity while a broader reform of the physical gambling network remains outstanding.

Rather than establishing an entirely new concession structure, the measures would extend existing arrangements subject to the financial conditions and payments specified in the draft legislation.

For betting concessions, the proposal provides for annual concession payments of €14,250 for each right associated with a retail location where gambling is the principal commercial activity. A lower annual amount of €8,550 would apply to rights connected with locations where gambling is an additional activity.

The proposed arrangements for AWP and VLT networks also include payments linked to the number of relevant authorisations and rights held by concessionaires.

Bingo operators would face a separate payment structure based on the turnover generated by each concession. Under the draft proposal, monthly payments would range from €6,500 to €14,500 depending on the applicable turnover band.

These provisions remain proposals rather than established legal requirements. The Budget Bill must complete the parliamentary process and may be amended before final approval.

Proposed changes to AWP and VLT taxation

The draft budget also contains significant proposals affecting the taxation and operating limits of gaming machines.

From 1 January 2027, the standard Prelievo Erariale Unico (PREU), Italy's single state levy on gaming machines, would increase from 24% to 25% for AWP machines. For video lottery terminals, the proposed rate would rise from 8.6% to 9.6%.

The proposed amendments also address the maximum amounts that players can stake and win on AWP machines. The maximum stake would increase from €1 to €2 per game while the maximum prize would rise from €100 to €200.

However, the draft includes a separate provision for qualifying AWP machines programmed to provide a return in winnings of at least 70% of the amounts played. These machines would be eligible for a reduced PREU rate of 20% under the proposed arrangements.

The measure is linked to the planned transition towards alternative machine configurations and is presented alongside the government's objectives of maintaining regulated activity and addressing illegal gambling.

For operators and concessionaires, the proposals could have implications for tax planning, machine deployment and the commercial assessment of existing retail networks. Their practical effect will depend on the final legislation and any implementing measures issued by ADM.

Physical gambling reform remains an outstanding issue

The proposed extensions also highlight the difficulties surrounding Italy's broader land-based gambling reform.

The delegated legislative programme for reorganising the physical gambling network had a deadline of 29 August 2026 following an extension introduced by Law No. 120/2025. However, the wider reform remained incomplete when that period ended.

One of the central challenges is establishing an approach that addresses the responsibilities of national authorities alongside the regulatory powers of regional and local administrations.

Questions concerning the location of gambling venues, territorial restrictions and the organisation of retail distribution remain important elements of the debate.

The 2027 Budget Bill therefore offers a transitional approach while the longer-term regulatory framework remains unresolved. Extending existing concessions could provide operators with greater continuity, but it would not independently settle the wider policy questions surrounding the physical gambling market.

Whether a comprehensive reform will advance during 2027 remains uncertain. Much will depend on the government's legislative priorities and its ability to establish a workable agreement with the relevant regional and local authorities.

Conclusion

Italy's decision to move the new online gambling certification launch to February 2027 represents an important adjustment to the country's regulatory transition. The revised schedule recognises the practical complexity of introducing new technical requirements across a market involving concessionaires, service providers, gaming manufacturers and independent verification organisations.

The phased deadlines also demonstrate that certification is not simply an administrative exercise. The availability of approved platforms, the completion of conformity assessments and the coordination of different technical systems are all essential to the successful implementation of the new framework.

At the same time, the proposals contained in the 2027 Budget Bill show that regulatory adjustments are extending beyond online gambling. Potential concession extensions, changes to PREU rates and revised AWP operating limits could reshape important parts of the retail market if Parliament approves them.

For the industry, the coming months will therefore involve two related priorities: preparing for the new online certification requirements and monitoring legislative developments affecting land-based operations.

The February 2027 launch will be an important milestone, but the wider success of Italy's gambling reform will depend on consistent implementation, effective regulatory coordination and a clear framework that provides certainty for licensed operators while maintaining appropriate standards of security and player protection.

FAQs

Why has Italy delayed its new online gambling certification system?
Italy's Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has postponed the implementation because of technical difficulties and an insufficient number of certification applications submitted within the original timeframe. The additional time is intended to help operators complete the required conformity assessments.

When will Italy's new gambling certification system become operational?
The revised production launch date is 15 February 2027. This follows a phased implementation schedule involving gaming service providers, concessionaires and technical verification bodies.

What is the role of ADM in Italy's gambling certification process?
ADM is responsible for regulating and supervising Italy's licensed gambling market. Under the new framework, it oversees the certification process to ensure that gaming platforms and related technical components comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

What is SOGEI's role in the new certification framework?
SOGEI is Italy's state-owned information technology partner supporting the technical infrastructure used by public authorities. It provides technical assistance to ADM during the implementation of the new certification arrangements.

What is the significance of the 13 January 2027 deadline?
By 13 January 2027, concessionaires using gaming systems supplied by CFS providers must submit the results of their conformity assessments. This is an important stage in preparing the systems for final technical approval.

What is the shared certification library?
The shared certification library is a central reference system intended to contain information about approved gaming platforms and components. It helps concessionaires access relevant certification information and supports a more coordinated verification process.

Does the certification delay suspend existing player protection requirements?
No. The postponement concerns the implementation of the new technical certification arrangements. Existing obligations relating to customer identification, self-exclusion and player protection continue to apply to licensed gambling operators.

What changes does Italy's 2027 Budget Bill propose for gambling concessions?
The draft legislation proposes extending certain existing betting, gaming machine network and bingo concessions until 31 December 2029. The extensions remain subject to parliamentary approval and could be amended during the legislative process.

How would the proposed PREU increases affect AWP and VLT machines?
The proposed changes would increase the standard PREU rate for AWP machines from 24% to 25% and the rate for VLTs from 8.6% to 9.6%. The draft also includes changes to AWP stake and prize limits and a reduced levy for qualifying machines.

Will Italy complete its wider land-based gambling reform in 2027?
The timing remains uncertain. The government faces outstanding questions involving gambling venue distribution, regional authority responsibilities and the organisation of the retail gambling network. The proposed concession extensions would provide additional time to address these issues.