Italy Introduces Comprehensive Online Gambling Licensing Regime

Italy-launches-online-betting-and-gaming-licence-processItaly has officially launched a new licensing framework for online gambling, finalizing the first phase of its gambling sector reorganization in 2024. The new licensing structure, which was documented in the EU’s Official Journal, enables operators to obtain nine-year concessions at a significantly higher fee of €7 million per license. This initiative reflects Italy’s effort to modernize its gambling regulations and align with European standards.

This framework follows an extended standstill period due to objections raised by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regarding B2B compliance. Despite these delays, the European Commission (EC) approved key changes sought by Italy’s Ministry of Finance (MEF) and Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), allowing the restructured system to move forward.

Licensing Requirements and Financial Provisions

Operators looking to apply must meet strict criteria, including maintaining a legal or operational headquarters within the European Economic Area (EEA), possessing valid licenses, and achieving at least €3 million in total revenues over the past two years. Each operator can apply for up to five licenses, with payments split into two installments: €4 million upon concession award and €3 million upon the launch of operations.

Additionally, operators must adhere to financial guarantees, starting with a €750,000 provisional deposit and a final guarantee of €3.7 million. Beyond these, a fixed annual operating fee of 3% applies. To support anti-corruption measures, applicants must pay a €560 fee to Italy’s National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC).

Applications for concessions are open until May 30, 2025, with the evaluation process expected to last nine months. Authorities predict approximately 50 operators will apply, generating an estimated €350 million in initial revenue and an additional €100 million annually through fixed concession fees.

Regulatory and Operational Enhancements

The ADM is planning the second phase of reforms in 2025, focusing on resolving conflicts in land-based gambling regulations and revising the controversial Dignity Decree, which banned gambling advertising and sponsorships in 2019. ADM Director General Roberto Alesse criticized the decree as “economically damaging” and anticipates reforms that balance consumer protection, economic growth, and regulatory oversight.

The second phase will also standardize gambling laws nationwide, addressing illegal gambling and ensuring better protections for consumers. The ADM views these reforms as an opportunity to position Italy as a leader in European gambling legislation.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the ambitious plans, Italy’s gambling reforms face challenges, including declining tax revenues, which fell 6% in 2023 to €11.62 billion. Projections indicate further declines in 2024, prompting the need for efficient implementation of the new framework.

The framework has also sparked concerns from smaller operators over the increased licensing fees and stricter requirements. These measures, combined with limitations on branding and platform flexibility, may lead to further consolidation within the market.

Furthermore, anomalies in online gambling behaviors, particularly in smaller municipalities, are under scrutiny. A recent study in Calliano revealed disproportionately high per capita gambling expenditures, highlighting the need for targeted municipal regulations to mitigate potential societal impacts.

A New Era for Italy’s Gambling Industry

With the approval of the licensing framework, Italy is setting the stage for a more structured and transparent online gambling market. As the ADM finalizes its response to the MGA’s concerns, the extended standstill period offers an opportunity to refine the system further.

As Roberto Alesse noted, “In a liberal state, legal gambling cannot endure excessive prohibitions. We must adapt national standards to those required by Europe.” By implementing balanced regulations, Italy aims to stimulate economic activity, enhance consumer protections, and address illegal gambling effectively.

Source:

Italy Launches New Licensing Framework for Online Gambling, lcb.org, December 19, 2024.

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Italy Pushes New Gambling Law Amid Malta’s Opposition

italy-defies-malta-and-forges-ahead-with-new-gambling-lawThe Italian government has confirmed its decision to move forward with its revamped gambling legislation, despite objections from Malta. This development marks a significant milestone in Italy’s effort to consolidate and reform its gambling regulations, with the new law expected to reshape the sector and generate substantial tax revenue.

Italy Dismisses Malta’s Concerns

Malta’s objections centered on several key areas of the proposed legislation, including the licensing requirements for B2B operators, restrictions on managing “skins” or secondary brands under a single license, and enhanced safeguards to prevent underage gambling. Malta argued that the new rules could create unnecessary barriers for operators and urged Italy to account for existing European licenses.

However, the Italian government dismissed these concerns, emphasizing the law’s adherence to EU principles. It clarified that B2B companies will not require separate concessions, as the term “service provider” applies only to operators offering direct services to consumers. Furthermore, Italy defended its approach to technological neutrality, stating that the measures governing websites and apps are identical, ensuring fair treatment across platforms.

“The proposed Technical Rules are adherent to the principles and EU law,” the Italian government asserted, adding that the new regulations aim to enhance consumer protections and ensure fair competition in the Italian gambling market.

Key Features of the New Law

The new legislation in Italy introduces significant reforms designed to streamline the gambling industry and prioritize responsible gaming. Key aspects include:

  • Licensing and Fees: Online gambling operators must pay a €7 million fee for a nine-year license. A concessionaire’s operating fee of 3% and a 0.2% levy on annual net revenues will also be implemented.
  • Player Protections: Stricter safeguards for young players aged 18 to 24, including mandatory monetary and session limits during account registration. Self-exclusion options and time-limit warnings will also be required.
  • Technological Neutrality: Equal treatment for websites and mobile apps, ensuring consistent regulatory standards across platforms.
  • Data Hosting Compliance: Gambling platforms must host IT infrastructure within the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with EU data protection standards.

The reforms are expected to bring substantial economic benefits, with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) projecting that at least 50 operators will apply for licenses, generating €350 million in initial revenue.

Implications for the Industry

The new law signals a shift in Italy’s approach to gambling regulation, prioritizing sustainability and consumer protection while streamlining processes for operators. A dedicated department within the Agency of Customs and Monopolies will oversee gambling activities, ensuring compliance and managing the tender process for licenses.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has endorsed the reforms, which aim to combat gambling addiction, protect minors, and support social initiatives through increased tax revenue. The Italian gambling sector, which raised €11 billion in 2022, is poised for further growth under the new framework.

Industry Response

While Malta’s objections led to a brief delay during the European Commission’s mandatory review period, the Italian government has remained steadfast in its position. With the upcoming issuance of licenses, the focus now shifts to how these reforms will impact operators and consumers alike.

The streamlined licensing process, coupled with robust player protections, sets the stage for a more responsible and transparent gambling environment in Italy. Industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the rollout of the new concessions and their long-term effects on the market.

Source:

Italy to Go Ahead with New Gambling Law“, ICLG, November 21, 2024. 

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Peter & Sons Expands Reach in Italy with Octavian Lab Partnership

Peter-Sons-Bolsters-Italian-Market-Presence-Via-Octavian-Lab-DealBarcelona-based game studio Peter & Sons continues to expand its footprint in Italy through a new partnership with Octavian Lab, a prominent Rome-based software provider. This collaboration marks a major milestone for Peter & Sons, enabling its games to reach a wider audience through Octavian’s platform, which supports industry giants like Eurobet, Snaitech, Sisal, and Betfair.

Octavian Lab, recently honored as the “Best Aggregator of the Year” at the EGR Italy Awards 2024, is recognized for its cutting-edge solutions tailored to the Italian gaming market. The partnership has already borne fruit, as Peter & Sons’ games debuted on Eurobet, one of Italy’s leading iGaming operators, known for its innovation and heritage in digital gaming since 1999.

Strengthening Italian Market Presence

This collaboration builds on Peter & Sons’ recent launch with Eurobet in October, which introduced Italian players to the studio’s creative titles, such as Barbarossa and Dragon Blox. Eurobet’s gaming director, Alfredo Melloni, highlighted the alignment between the two companies, stating, “Their commitment to quality and creativity aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional gaming experiences.”

Peter & Sons founder and Commercial Director Yann Bautista also emphasized the significance of this expansion. “Italy is a very exciting market that has doubled in size over the last seven years,” he said. “To move forward with a player as influential as Octavian Lab was the next logical step for us.”

Octavian Lab’s CEO, Emanuele Nocentelli, praised the studio for its originality, saying, “Peter & Sons are a breath of fresh air. Their inventive games have a unique power to delight, making them a standout addition to our platform.”

Innovation Driving Growth

Founded in 2019, Peter & Sons has quickly gained acclaim for its distinct approach to game design, blending storytelling, artistic visuals, and captivating gameplay. Drawing inspiration from cult comic books, science fiction, and pop culture, the studio’s portfolio stands out in a competitive market. Its commitment to quality has been recognized with multiple awards, including Best New Slots Developer of the Year at the MiGEA Malta iGaming Excellence Awards 2024.

The studio’s partnership with Octavian Lab will allow its innovative games to reach even more players across Italy. Octavian’s HubCasino Aggregator platform is instrumental in this growth, offering seamless integration for leading content providers into the portfolios of major operators like Entain-owned Eurobet and Sisal.

A Shared Vision for Expansion

Both companies share a vision of delivering unique, high-quality gaming experiences. With Italy’s gaming market experiencing rapid growth, this partnership positions Peter & Sons to become a key player in the region while bolstering Octavian Lab’s reputation for offering diverse and innovative content.

The collaboration reinforces Peter & Sons’ strategy to expand internationally by partnering with operators who value creativity and excellence. Italian players can now look forward to enjoying a wider array of immersive games, setting the stage for further growth and success in the region.

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Peter & Sons Expands Reach in Italy with Octavian Lab Partnership

Peter-Sons-Bolsters-Italian-Market-Presence-Via-Octavian-Lab-DealBarcelona-based game studio Peter & Sons continues to expand its footprint in Italy through a new partnership with Octavian Lab, a prominent Rome-based software provider. This collaboration marks a major milestone for Peter & Sons, enabling its games to reach a wider audience through Octavian’s platform, which supports industry giants like Eurobet, Snaitech, Sisal, and Betfair.

Octavian Lab, recently honored as the “Best Aggregator of the Year” at the EGR Italy Awards 2024, is recognized for its cutting-edge solutions tailored to the Italian gaming market. The partnership has already borne fruit, as Peter & Sons’ games debuted on Eurobet, one of Italy’s leading iGaming operators, known for its innovation and heritage in digital gaming since 1999.

Strengthening Italian Market Presence

This collaboration builds on Peter & Sons’ recent launch with Eurobet in October, which introduced Italian players to the studio’s creative titles, such as Barbarossa and Dragon Blox. Eurobet’s gaming director, Alfredo Melloni, highlighted the alignment between the two companies, stating, “Their commitment to quality and creativity aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional gaming experiences.”

Peter & Sons founder and Commercial Director Yann Bautista also emphasized the significance of this expansion. “Italy is a very exciting market that has doubled in size over the last seven years,” he said. “To move forward with a player as influential as Octavian Lab was the next logical step for us.”

Octavian Lab’s CEO, Emanuele Nocentelli, praised the studio for its originality, saying, “Peter & Sons are a breath of fresh air. Their inventive games have a unique power to delight, making them a standout addition to our platform.”

Innovation Driving Growth

Founded in 2019, Peter & Sons has quickly gained acclaim for its distinct approach to game design, blending storytelling, artistic visuals, and captivating gameplay. Drawing inspiration from cult comic books, science fiction, and pop culture, the studio’s portfolio stands out in a competitive market. Its commitment to quality has been recognized with multiple awards, including Best New Slots Developer of the Year at the MiGEA Malta iGaming Excellence Awards 2024.

The studio’s partnership with Octavian Lab will allow its innovative games to reach even more players across Italy. Octavian’s HubCasino Aggregator platform is instrumental in this growth, offering seamless integration for leading content providers into the portfolios of major operators like Entain-owned Eurobet and Sisal.

A Shared Vision for Expansion

Both companies share a vision of delivering unique, high-quality gaming experiences. With Italy’s gaming market experiencing rapid growth, this partnership positions Peter & Sons to become a key player in the region while bolstering Octavian Lab’s reputation for offering diverse and innovative content.

The collaboration reinforces Peter & Sons’ strategy to expand internationally by partnering with operators who value creativity and excellence. Italian players can now look forward to enjoying a wider array of immersive games, setting the stage for further growth and success in the region.

The post Peter & Sons Expands Reach in Italy with Octavian Lab Partnership appeared first on Casino News Daily.

EGT Digital and Casino Sanremo Form Strategic Partnership in Italy

EGT-Digital-and-Casino-Sanremo-High-potential-partnership-in-ItalyEGT Digital has announced a significant collaboration with Casino Sanremo, marking another milestone in the Bulgarian company’s expansion across the Italian gaming market. As part of this partnership, EGT Digital now provides a diverse selection of slot games and jackpots for Casino Sanremo’s online betting platform. This collaboration is expected to enhance the casino’s digital offerings, allowing its customers to enjoy an extensive range of high-quality gaming content.

Strengthening Online Presence

Zornitsa Boncheva, EGT Digital’s Regional Manager for Italy, expressed her enthusiasm about the new venture. “Thanks to the excellent reputation of our brands, whose products are well known in the country, Casino Sanremo decided to enhance its portfolio with EGT Digital’s slot titles. We are very happy to have the opportunity to work with them and support them in increasing their online presence.”

The partnership with Casino Sanremo aligns with the company’s strategic goals to strengthen its presence in Italy’s rapidly growing iGaming sector. Boncheva highlighted that this collaboration would help EGT Digital solidify its position as one of the preferred providers of slot solutions and iGaming content in the region.

Casino Sanremo’s Cross-Media Strategy

Gian Carlo Ghinamo, President and CEO of Casino Sanremo, echoed this sentiment, noting that the integration of EGT Digital’s slot games was part of the casino’s broader cross-media strategy. This approach seeks to provide customers with a seamless gambling experience, both online and at the casino’s physical venue. By enhancing its digital portfolio, Casino Sanremo aims to cater to the evolving preferences of its customers, offering a blend of traditional and modern gaming options.

G2E Las Vegas Showcase

This new partnership with Casino Sanremo comes on the heels of EGT Digital’s impressive showcase at the G2E Las Vegas 2024 event, where the company demonstrated its cutting-edge iGaming solutions. EGT Digital unveiled its top-performing jackpot systems, including Bell Link, High Cash, Clover Chance, and the Single Progressive Jackpot, as well as its latest slot game Senor Muerto, which features a vibrant Dia de los Muertos theme. The company’s proprietary betting platform, X-Nave, was also on display, showcasing its ability to streamline operator functions with advanced CRM, gaming aggregation, and payment gateway solutions.

Future Prospects

As EGT Digital continues to expand its footprint across Europe, the partnership with Casino Sanremo signifies its growing influence in Italy’s competitive iGaming landscape. The collaboration promises to not only enhance Casino Sanremo’s offerings but also allow EGT Digital to further penetrate the European market, building on its reputation for delivering engaging and innovative gaming experiences.

Source:

EGT Digital and Casino Sanremo: High-potential partnership in Italy, EGT Digital, October 17, 2024.

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