Italian Gaming Authority Advances Online Gambling License Process
The Italian Agency for Customs and Monopolies (ADM) has announced a significant step forward in the process of issuing new licenses for online gambling. They have officially published a list of 46 entities that have successfully passed the initial phase of the application procedure for these coveted concessions. This milestone marks the beginning of a critical stage, requiring admitted operators to fulfill a series of technical and financial obligations.
ADM aims to complete the verification of formal documentation submitted by the operators by the end of July 2025. This preliminary assessment is crucial, as it confirms the eligibility of participants to proceed to the actual bidding phase.
Only after successfully navigating this initial stage will operators be required to provide definitive guarantees amounting to €3.7 million. This substantial commitment underscores the seriousness and financial stability of the candidates. Furthermore, within the same timeframe, the first installment of the concession fee, totaling €4 million, will be due.
Key Deadlines
ADM has identified September 17, 2025, as the expiration date for the currently valid concessions, although some sources suggest a possible extension until September 30. To meet this deadline, the first phase must be completed by the end of July, allowing concessionaires the months of August and September to finalize all administrative and financial procedures.
Phase 2: The Technical Challenge by March 2026
Upon successful completion of the first phase, the second phase, representing the most complex part of the bidding process – the technical phase – will commence. During this stage, operators must adapt to the new rules established by the technical protocol and implement the necessary systems to provide online gaming in accordance with the new concessions.
ADM has allocated a six-month period for the completion of this phase, with an indicative deadline set for March 2026 for the operational launch of the new systems.
During this phase, both old and new systems will be allowed to coexist through a period of operational continuity, until the definitive “D-day,” when the exclusive transition to the new regime will occur. On this occasion, the second installment of the concession fee, amounting to €3 million, will also be required, payable upon the effective activation of the gaming service by the new concessionaire.
Migration and Cessation of Activities for Non-Admitted Concessionaires
Another sensitive aspect concerns the migration of platforms and gaming accounts. ADM will allow, on a voluntary basis and subject to authorization, the mass migration of gaming accounts from old concessionaires to new ones, provided that fiscal conditions are met and user consent is obtained.
For concessionaires who have not participated or have not been admitted to the bidding process, the obligation to cease all collection activities by August 17, 2025, will take effect, including the closure of gaming accounts and the management of any residual funds, which will become dormant funds to be paid to the treasury after two months.
Excluded or non-participating concessionaires must communicate any changes in the current accounts linked to the gaming accounts. Starting today, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, it will also be mandatory to send weekly updated data on balances and account movements via the dedicated ADM application. Failure to comply with this obligation will result in the suspension of collection activities without further notice.
To ensure management continuity, Temporary Groups of Companies (RTI) must transform into joint-stock companies before signing the concession agreement. Any corporate changes must be communicated and justified.
Within two months of the termination of the current concessions, ADM will conduct thorough checks on compliance with tax obligations, the correct management of inventories, and the closure of accounts. The surety bonds will remain bound until the complete closure of outstanding issues, with the possibility of enforcement in case of non-compliance.
The bidding process for the issuance of new online gaming concessions has entered a crucial phase, requiring rigorous commitment from operators and close collaboration with ADM. The tight deadlines and technical complexity of the transition make careful planning essential to ensure service continuity, user protection, and compliance with tax regulations. The work carried out in these summer months will be crucial to meet the strict deadlines set by the agency and avoid delays that could compromise the launch of the new era of Italian online gaming.
Stay ahead of the game in the licensed betting world – get the latest insights at LicensedBettingSites.com.
