Italy’s gambling sector is undergoing one of its most transformative periods in recent memory, with sweeping regulatory adjustments, strengthened scrutiny of illegal betting networks and a newly formalised partnership intended to tighten ties between Italy and the broader international gaming community. These developments, taken together, reveal a market at a turning point as policymakers, enforcement bodies and industry groups look to redefine the sector’s future direction.
A Market Restructured From the Ground Up
Italy activated its long-debated online gambling overhaul in November 2025, replacing a vast collection of operating domains with a sharply condensed structure of 52 licences issued to 46 operators. The reform discarded the fragmented system built over years and required each operator to align with a single domain. According to industry specialist Christian Tirabassi, “the one domain per licence rule has driven operators to drop brands, rebrand, or merge.”
The shift has reordered the competitive landscape. A steep fee of €7 million for each nine-year licence—far above previous thresholds—has made scale essential. As WH Partners’ Quirino Mancini stated, “The new tender has completely reshaped the market. We now have a situation where basically only the big boys are fully equipped to operate in Italy. The bar is very high, and this was done on purpose.” Policymakers intended a more controlled and transparent system, but smaller operators have been unable to stay afloat under the new structure.
Market exits and consolidation have followed, while major groups such as Flutter Entertainment, Bet365, Betsson, LeoVegas and 888 Italia hold a reinforced position. Stake stands out as the only entirely new operator among successful applicants.
Illegal Gambling Investigation Exposes a Parallel System
At the same time the regulated market is consolidating, authorities have uncovered a substantial illegal betting network operating across the country. An investigation coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate of Salerno led to charges against Domenico Chiavazzo, Paolo Memoli and Giovanni Petruzzellis, described as organisers of an illegal online gambling syndicate.
Judicial orders resulted in imprisonment for Chiavazzo and Memoli, house arrest for Petruzzellis and seizures affecting companies linked to the alleged promoter, including luxury vehicles, properties and three plots of land. Investigators described their system as one that relied on totems placed in bars and other commercial venues, creating a shadow network separate from official Customs and Monopolies Agency infrastructure. Petruzzellis was identified as the technician behind the “sophisticated online gaming system called ‘Lireservice’.”
Authorities estimate evaded taxes at €3.2 million and calculate that the operation generated €25 million in turnover through machines linked to a central platform. The scheme allegedly channelled substantial funds into laundering structures involving paper companies and intermediaries.
Industry Looks Outward Through New International Partnership
While regulators tighten control and law enforcement dismantles illegal networks, the gaming sector is strengthening its outward-facing ties through a strategic partnership between the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE) and ICE Barcelona. Gn Media founder Alessio Crisantemi described the collaboration as a bridge between Italy and global stakeholders. He explained that the alliance seeks to unite the two markets through joint editorial work, shared projects and expanded participation from operators.
Crisantemi highlighted the role of ICE Barcelona as “the world’s most influential platform for innovation, business development, and strategic thinking in the gaming industry.” He said the partnership will help promote Italian regulatory strengths while encouraging dialogue on sustainability and responsible play.
Crisantemi reiterated the scale of illegal gambling as a challenge, noting that official estimates place the black market at up to €22 billion. He emphasised the need for regulators, media and operators to collaborate in order to diffuse knowledge and strengthen legal gaming culture.
As Italy progresses with its iGaming reset, prepares for the upcoming land-based tender and confronts ongoing illegal activity, the convergence of reform, enforcement and international engagement signals the start of a new chapter for one of Europe’s largest gambling markets.
Source:
“Italy’s iGaming reset: A new oligopoly emerges“, igamingbusiness.com, 9 December 2025
