Italy Gaming Reforms to Slash iGaming in Half
Summary
The Italian government is set to implement reforms that will significantly reduce the number of iGaming operators in the country. A recent tender process indicated that the number of operators could plummet from 81 to just 33 as stricter entry requirements take effect, aligning with governmental goals to consolidate the sector.
Key Points
- The recent tender process attracted around 50 applications compared to 93 in the last round, signalling a potential drastic decrease in operational licences.
- New regulations include an increased upfront licensing fee of EUR 7 million and a gross gaming revenue tax of 24.5% for sportsbooks and 25.5% for online casinos.
- Operators must also invest in responsible gambling initiatives, spending at least 0.2% of their GGR (up to EUR 1 million).
- The government plans tighter AML and player protection measures to safeguard vulnerable groups, including stricter self-exclusion options.
- Challenges remain for reforms in the brick-and-mortar sector due to regional authority hurdles.
Why should I read this?
If you’re tuned into the gaming scene, this article pulls back the curtain on Italy’s major regulatory shake-up. With potential implications for the industry and how gaming is approached in the country, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of iGaming!