On May 30, 2025, Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) concluded its name for purposes for new distant gaming licenses, signaling a pivotal second for the nation’s on-line playing sector. The transfer has sparked a combination of concern and anticipation from trade stakeholders. In an unique interview with SiGMA News, Moreno Marasco, President of LOGiCO, an affiliation representing each Italian and worldwide licensed operators, shared his insights on the impression these adjustments could have on the market.
Steep License Fees and Market Access
One of the most contentious points of the new licensing framework is the substantial enhance in entry charges. Marasco defined, “The call has been heavily criticized as it significantly reshapes Italy’s remote gaming landscape. Most notably, the cost of entry has skyrocketed – the license fee has increased by a factor of 35 compared to the previous tender.”
With the price of every license set at €7 million, Italy now ranks amongst the highest in Europe for market entry. This drastic payment enhance has raised issues about the way forward for competitors, as solely the largest operators could possibly afford to enter the market. As Marasco identified, this might result in a state of affairs the place “competition is limited, with control concentrated in the hands of just a few major players,” probably stifling innovation and client selection.
A Decline in Applications: Fewer Operators on the Horizon
The new licensing circumstances are anticipated to trigger a pointy decline in purposes. The earlier spherical of licensing noticed 93 purposes, however Marasco forecasts that this time round, solely 52 or 53 operators will apply, with the variety of lively licensed operators shrinking from 81 to simply 33. “This significant drop in applications is all the more surprising considering the market’s substantial growth in both revenue and the number of legal operators,” he mentioned. LOGiCO has expressed concern that such a discount in the variety of operators will diminish market plurality, leaving fewer choices for customers.
Legal Challenges and Regulatory Rulings
While the licensing tender has attracted appreciable curiosity, it has additionally confronted authorized challenges. Operators raised issues over the excessive charges and sure regulatory restrictions. However, the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio dismissed these challenges, ruling that the charges have been clear and according to the sector’s common margins. Marasco famous that whereas smaller operators have been notably deprived by the prices, the courtroom upheld the legitimacy of the tender course of, emphasizing that the guidelines have been structured to replicate Italy’s worthwhile and extremely regulated market.
The Council of State additionally reviewed these authorized challenges and upheld TAR’s determination, guaranteeing that the licensing course of would proceed as deliberate. A remaining listening to is ready for June 12, 2025, however for now, the market seems to be transferring ahead beneath the present guidelines.
Player Protections and Responsible Gaming
A main shift beneath the new rules entails stronger participant safety measures, particularly for youthful and extra susceptible demographics. Marasco highlighted the introduction of age segmentation as one in all the most vital improvements. “The 18-24 demographic will receive targeted protections to help avoid compulsive behavior,” he defined. These further safeguards are designed to place Italy as a European chief in accountable gaming insurance policies.
Italy’s current regulatory infrastructure additionally performs a vital position in participant safety. Marasco famous that Italy is exclusive in Europe in requiring real-time monitoring of each transaction, login, and wager, making it one in all the most stringent playing markets when it comes to client security and authorized compliance.
A Paradox in Public Perception
Despite Italy’s standing as the second-largest regulated on-line playing market in Europe, following the UK, the public notion of the sector stays largely detrimental. Marasco identified that many Italians view on-line playing with suspicion, typically associating it with criminality. “The industry is misunderstood, with many people seeing it as a ‘black hole,’ but this is only true for illegal operators,” he mentioned. LOGiCO has lengthy argued that stringent promoting restrictions push gamers towards unlicensed websites.
“The media’s sensational coverage of the industry has further fueled this negative perception,” Marasco famous. “Some media outlets have absurdly compared iGaming growth with Italy’s GDP, further distorting the reality.”
LOGiCO’s Advocacy for a Sustainable Industry
Founded in 2016, LOGiCO has been a driving pressure behind advocating for a sustainable and accountable iGaming trade in Italy. Marasco takes delight in the affiliation’s position in representing each operators and customers. “We maintain continuous dialogue with authorities, particularly ADM, and work to ensure that Italy remains a leader in responsible gambling,” he mentioned.
LOGiCO additionally collaborates with worldwide organizations reminiscent of the European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to outline behavioral threat indicators and assist form EU-wide rules.
Looking Ahead: A Critical Crossroads
As Italy’s new licensing tender closes, the iGaming sector stands at a crossroads. Marasco emphasised that collaboration amongst regulators, operators, and society is essential for the future. “We cannot allow the industry to be defined by distortion or lawlessness. Legal gaming must be protected—it is the only defense against illegality,” he concluded.
The subsequent part in Italy’s on-line playing evolution guarantees to carry each challenges and alternatives. While the elevated prices could restrict competitors, the regulatory adjustments are set to strengthen client protections and place Italy as a mannequin for accountable gaming in Europe.
Source:
ADM Online Gambling Tender 2025: New Licensing Era Begins, sigma.world, May 30, 2025.
