On May 30, 2025, Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) concluded its call for applications for new remote gaming licenses, signaling a pivotal moment for the country’s online gambling sector. The move has sparked a mixture of concern and anticipation from industry stakeholders. In an exclusive interview with SiGMA News, Moreno Marasco, President of LOGiCO, an association representing both Italian and international licensed operators, shared his insights on the impact these changes will have on the market.

Steep License Fees and Market Access

One of the most contentious aspects of the new licensing framework is the substantial increase in entry fees. Marasco explained, “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 cost of each license set at €7 million, Italy now ranks among the highest in Europe for market entry. This drastic fee increase has raised concerns about the future of competition, as only the largest operators may be able to afford to enter the market. As Marasco pointed out, this could lead to a situation where “competition is limited, with control concentrated in the hands of just a few major players,” potentially stifling innovation and consumer choice.

A Decline in Applications: Fewer Operators on the Horizon

The new licensing conditions are expected to cause a sharp decline in applications. The previous round of licensing saw 93 applications, but Marasco forecasts that this time around, only 52 or 53 operators will apply, with the number of active licensed operators shrinking from 81 to just 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 said. LOGiCO has expressed concern that such a reduction in the number of operators will diminish market plurality, leaving fewer options for consumers.

Legal Challenges and Regulatory Rulings

While the licensing tender has attracted considerable interest, it has also faced legal challenges. Operators raised concerns over the high fees and certain regulatory restrictions. However, the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio dismissed these challenges, ruling that the fees were transparent and in line with the sector’s average margins. Marasco noted that while smaller operators were particularly disadvantaged by the costs, the court upheld the legitimacy of the tender process, emphasizing that the rules were structured to reflect Italy’s profitable and highly regulated market.

The Council of State also reviewed these legal challenges and upheld TAR’s decision, ensuring that the licensing process would proceed as planned. A final hearing is set for June 12, 2025, but for now, the market appears to be moving forward under the current rules.

Player Protections and Responsible Gaming

A major shift under the new regulations involves stronger player protection measures, especially for younger and more vulnerable demographics. Marasco highlighted the introduction of age segmentation as one of the most important innovations. “The 18-24 demographic will receive targeted protections to help avoid compulsive behavior,” he explained. These additional safeguards are designed to position Italy as a European leader in responsible gaming policies.

Italy’s existing regulatory infrastructure also plays a crucial role in player protection. Marasco noted that Italy is unique in Europe in requiring real-time monitoring of every transaction, login, and bet, making it one of the most stringent gambling markets in terms of consumer safety and legal compliance.

A Paradox in Public Perception

Despite Italy’s status as the second-largest regulated online gambling market in Europe, following the UK, the public perception of the sector remains largely negative. Marasco pointed out that many Italians view online gambling with suspicion, often associating it with illegal activity. “The industry is misunderstood, with many people seeing it as a ‘black hole,’ but this is only true for illegal operators,” he said. LOGiCO has long argued that stringent advertising restrictions push players toward unlicensed sites.

“The media’s sensational coverage of the industry has further fueled this negative perception,” Marasco noted. “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 force behind advocating for a sustainable and responsible iGaming industry in Italy. Marasco takes pride in the association’s role in representing both operators and consumers. “We maintain continuous dialogue with authorities, particularly ADM, and work to ensure that Italy remains a leader in responsible gambling,” he said.

LOGiCO also collaborates with international organizations such as the European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to define behavioral risk indicators and help shape EU-wide regulations.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Crossroads

As Italy’s new licensing tender closes, the iGaming sector stands at a crossroads. Marasco emphasized that collaboration among regulators, operators, and society is crucial 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 next phase in Italy’s online gambling evolution promises to bring both challenges and opportunities. While the increased costs may limit competition, the regulatory changes are set to strengthen consumer protections and position Italy as a model for responsible gaming in Europe.

Source:

ADM Online Gambling Tender 2025: New Licensing Era Begins, sigma.world, May 30, 2025.

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