Historic digital gaming overhaul: ADM appoints 46 operators to shape the sector's evolution

Italy's digital gaming landscape is poised for a historic transformation. The initial qualifying round for new licenses, conducted by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), has just concluded. A mere 46 contenders have earned the right to proceed, featuring established brands like 888 Italy, Betfair Italy, Sisal, William Hill Malta and LeoVegas. This selective approach is deliberate: by favoring entities that prove their operational stability and technological robustness, the authorities are steering the market toward greater security, clarity, and player accountability. The directive is unambiguous: the evolution of gaming in Italy will be shaped by those committed to superior standards and user safeguarding.

A swift schedule propelling transformation

The clock is already ticking. Existing permits are set to lapse on September 17, 2025, though a brief extension may push the deadline to the 30th. In the interim, ADM will finalize its technical and financial assessment of chosen firms by July. Successful candidates must then promptly settle the initial concession installment—4 million—and demonstrate they hold no less than 3.7 million in liquid funds. Agreements will be inked throughout August and September to ensure seamless continuity, maintaining uninterrupted operation of the gaming terminals.

Technology at the center of the new era

The transformation extends beyond paperwork: chosen operators will be required to deploy advanced digital infrastructures that seamlessly connect with ADM’s protected platform. A six-month transition phase is set, aiming for complete implementation by March 2026. Throughout this interval, legacy and modern systems will operate in parallel, ensuring uninterrupted service for users. Upon completion, the firms must submit the second licensing payment—3 million euros—finalizing their formal participation in the new age of authorized gaming.

Enhanced player safety measures and reinforced regulatory standards

A central element of the regulatory overhaul involves the handling of player accounts. Customers will have the option to move their accounts to a different licensed provider, adhering to fiscal regulations and securing advance approval. Operators excluded from the new framework must terminate all user accounts by August 17, 2025, reimbursing client balances. Unclaimed funds after a sixty-day period will be transferred to the State Treasury. Furthermore, weekly activity reports for accounts will become compulsory, and firms must convert to a public limited company (S.p.A.) structure before obtaining concessions. The objective is evident: to foster a more transparent, secure, and viable market, while maintaining a focus on responsible gaming.