Italy Lists 46 Operators for New Online Gaming Licences

Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) has announced a major regulatory milestone by officially listing 46 operators eligible to advance to the next phase of Italy’s revised online gaming licensing process. This move represents a key development in the country’s broader efforts to reform its remote gaming framework, with the goal of modernizing operations and consolidating regulatory oversight under a unified legal structure.

The list of selected operators includes some of the most prominent names in the global iGaming industry, such as LeoVegas, Snaitech, Sisal, and Stake Italia. The inclusion of these entities signals the government’s confidence in their compliance capabilities and operational integrity. Conversely, operators not mentioned in the ADM's official list are considered excluded from the current licensing process.

Regulatory overhaul and legal foundations

The current licensing initiative stems from Article 6 of the Legislative Decree dated 25 March 2024, which introduced a revised process for the granting of remote gaming licences in Italy. This decree is part of a broader regulatory reform package aimed at ensuring greater transparency, competitiveness, and consumer protection within the Italian online gaming market.

The selection process is being supervised by the ADM’s Games Directorate – Remote Gaming and Betting Office, under the authority of Antonio Giuliani, Head of the Online Gaming Division. Giuliani signed the official document listing the approved operators, thereby formalizing their eligibility for licence progression.

Scope and implications of the new licensing framework

The licensing reform represents a significant shift from previous practices. Historically, Italy’s online gambling market operated under a fragmented regime, with disparate compliance standards and inconsistent enforcement. The new model seeks to rectify these issues by centralizing oversight under the ADM, improving both legal clarity and technical compliance.

Operators who have been approved will now move forward in the process to obtain a remote gaming licence, which permits the offering of various online gaming and betting services to Italian consumers. These licences will be valid under the revised framework, which is still awaiting final ratification, but is expected to become law later this year.

While the reform is largely welcomed by major operators, the exclusion of others has sparked industry commentary. The list clearly delineates between those who meet the rigorous standards now demanded by ADM and those who, for various reasons, may not have fulfilled the necessary requirements.

Key approved operators and industry impact

Among the 46 operators cleared to move forward are a number of globally recognized brands. Some of the most notable include:

• LeoVegas, a well-known mobile-first casino operator with a substantial European footprint.
• Snaitech and Sisal, both part of the Flutter Entertainment group, which continues to expand its influence in European markets.
• Admiral Sport and Betfair Italia, both established players in the betting space.
• Greentube, the interactive division of Novomatic, which is known for its strong regulatory track record.

These operators bring not only brand recognition but also extensive regulatory experience, which aligns with ADM’s intention to cultivate a compliant and secure digital gambling environment.

The inclusion of Stake Italia is particularly noteworthy, as the operator has recently faced scrutiny and regulatory action in the United Kingdom. Despite this, the Italian authorities appear to have deemed Stake’s local entity as compliant under domestic requirements, highlighting the jurisdictional independence of Italian licensing decisions.

Exclusions and notable absences

Just as significant as the names included are those that have been excluded. One such absence is Brightstar Lottery, formerly IGT, which recently secured Italy’s national lottery licence. Its omission from the remote gaming licence list is, however, not entirely surprising. Brightstar’s operational focus remains squarely on lottery services, in partnership with entities such as Allwyn, Arianna 2001, and Novomatic Italia—none of whom appear on the ADM’s online gaming list.

This absence underscores a clear regulatory boundary between Italy’s lottery concessions and remote gaming licences, suggesting that companies active in one area may not necessarily engage in the other under the new framework.

The exclusion of certain international operators also raises questions about the criteria used in the selection process. While the ADM has not published detailed reasons for individual exclusions, it is widely believed that financial standing, technical infrastructure, AML compliance, and consumer protection mechanisms played a crucial role in eligibility decisions.

Political and commercial ramifications

The reorganisation of Italy’s online gaming sector comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over gambling practices in Europe. Governments across the continent are tightening regulations around player protection, advertising, and operator conduct. Italy’s reform effort is seen as a proactive measure to bring its regulatory model in line with modern European standards, particularly in relation to digital compliance and responsible gaming protocols.

The announcement has significant commercial ramifications for operators. Inclusion in the licensing process grants access to one of Europe’s largest regulated online gambling markets, while exclusion can mean the loss of substantial revenue opportunities. Legal recourse by excluded parties, while possible, is unlikely to succeed given the discretion ADM is afforded under Italian administrative law.

ADM’s goals and future roadmap

ADM’s stated goal is to foster a transparent, accountable, and technologically advanced gambling market that prioritizes consumer safety and fiscal responsibility. The remote gaming licence is a cornerstone of this vision, as it allows the agency to monitor activity in real-time, impose regulatory conditions, and ensure tax compliance.

Looking ahead, further updates to Italy’s regulatory code are expected. These could include more detailed technical standards for platform operations, restrictions on advertising, and mandatory integration with centralised monitoring systems.

The agency may also review the possibility of periodic public consultations or stakeholder feedback mechanisms to ensure that future reforms reflect market realities while safeguarding public interest.

Industry reactions and legal caution

Initial reactions from listed operators have been cautiously optimistic. Many view inclusion in the list as a vote of confidence in their long-term commitment to compliance. However, legal advisers for several excluded companies have indicated that they are closely examining the ADM’s criteria, suggesting that limited legal challenges may emerge.

It is important to note that Italy’s administrative law traditionally affords significant leeway to regulatory bodies like ADM, particularly when operating within the bounds of legislative mandates. Therefore, successful legal challenges would require demonstrating procedural error or disproportionate decision-making—claims that are difficult to substantiate.

Given that prior legal correspondence with some companies or their representatives has included threats of litigation, this article has taken particular care to ensure factual accuracy and neutrality. All entities named have been referenced based on publicly available regulatory documentation, and no allegations of wrongdoing have been made.

Conclusion

The ADM’s publication of 46 eligible operators for Italy’s new online gaming licensing regime represents a turning point in the country’s regulatory approach. It signals a commitment to transparency, technical rigour, and consumer protection in a market that has historically operated under multiple layers of complexity.

Operators fortunate enough to be on the list are poised to play a central role in Italy’s digital gaming future. For those excluded, the challenge now lies in reviewing eligibility gaps and potentially preparing for future regulatory opportunities, should they arise.

FAQs

What is the ADM in Italy?
The ADM, or Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, is the regulatory authority overseeing gambling, customs, and excise operations in Italy, including remote gaming.

Why were only 46 operators approved?
The selection was based on criteria outlined in Article 6 of the March 2024 legislative decree, focusing on compliance, technical capacity, and regulatory history.

Is Stake allowed to operate in Italy?
Stake Italia has been listed among the approved operators, meaning it is eligible to proceed with the licensing process under Italian law, despite UK sanctions.

Are Sisal and Snaitech part of the same company?
Yes, both operators are subsidiaries of Flutter Entertainment and have been approved for remote gaming operations in Italy.

Why is Brightstar Lottery not on the list?
Brightstar focuses on national lottery services and recently secured the lottery licence. Its business activities are distinct from remote gaming licences.

Can excluded operators appeal the decision?
Under Italian administrative law, operators may challenge the decision if procedural errors are proven, but success is generally limited.

What happens next for the approved operators?
They will move forward in completing the licensing process, subject to meeting any remaining technical and administrative conditions.

Is this part of a broader regulatory reform?
Yes, the March 2024 decree is part of Italy’s effort to overhaul and modernize its online gambling regulations to align with EU standards.

When will the new framework be fully implemented?
While a final timeline has not been confirmed, full implementation is expected by late 2025, following final ratification by relevant authorities.

How will this impact Italian consumers?
Consumers can expect improved platform reliability, greater protection standards, and enhanced transparency from licensed operators.