iGaming in Italy: new ADM concessions and the prospect of LOGiCO. Exclusive interview with President Moreno Marasco
On 30 May 2025, Italys Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) officially closed its new call for applications for remote gaming licenses. This deadline marks a turning point for the Italian iGaming industry, generating a wave of mixed reactions from market stakeholders. In this context, SiGMA News spoke with Moreno Marasco, President of , the leading industry association representing both Italian and international licensed online gaming operators, including major names such as Bet365, Kindred Group, Leovegas, NetBet, William Hill, Betsson, and Betway.
Marasco expressed serious concern over the impact of the new tender:
The call has been heavily criticised as it significantly reshapes Italys 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 a new licensing threshold set at 7 million per concession, Italy now ranks among the highest in Europe in terms of market entry costs. The move could act as a barrier to competition, potentially narrowing the playing field to only the largest operators.
Forecast: a sharp decline in licensed operators
Marasco highlighted the stark contrast between previous and current application volumes. While the last round drew 93 applications, current forecasts suggest only 52 or 53 applications, with active operators possibly declining from 81 to just 33.
This is a significant drop, despite the Italian markets exponential growth in both revenues and legal operators. The competitive landscape will be thoroughly redrawn.
According to LOGiCO, this restructuring could limit market plurality, concentrating control in fewer handsan outcome that may stifle innovation and consumer choice.
New licenses expected after summer – with transitional rules
Whats next? The new licenses are expected to be issued shortly after summer. However, new technical regulations will not come into immediate effect. Operators will likely continue under existing rules during a transitional phase.
The new concessions will be activated after ADM completes the verification process. Yet, the old regulations will remain in force until the new ones are implemented. Its important to note that Italy is the only country in Europe where every login, bet, and transaction is conducted in real time through the state regulator.
This unique infrastructure stands as a hallmark of Italys strict control measures and a guarantee of consumer protection and legal compliance, Marasco emphasised.
A European model in the making: stronger player protections
One of the most groundbreaking changes expected under the upcoming technical rules is the introduction of new tools to protect players, especially the most vulnerable.
Additional safeguards will be introduced to help players avoid compulsive behaviour. The most notable innovation will be age segmentation – the 18-24 demographic will receive even more targeted protections.
Italys system, therefore, aims to become a European benchmark for responsible gaming policies.
The Italian paradox: public perception remains negative
Despite being the second-largest regulated online gambling market in Europe – after the UK – Italys public perception of the sector remains largely unfavourable.
Paradoxically, the industry is misunderstood. Many view online gambling as a black hole . That may be true – but only in the case of illegal, unlicensed operators.
Marasco also pointed to a lack of brand visibility for legal operators, which often leads players toward illegal platforms:
Strict restrictions on advertising for licensed brands push users into the arms of illegal sites. Sensationalist media coverage hasnt helped either – some headlines have even absurdly equated iGaming growth with Italys GDP.
LOGiCO: a decade of advocacy for a sustainable sector
Founded in 2016, LOGiCO was the first Italian association to launch a TV campaign promoting responsible gambling. Marasco takes pride in LOGiCOs dual role – as both an industry representative and a policy advocate.
We maintain continuous dialogue with authorities, especially . LOGiCO represented Italy in the working group, in partnership with , and based on proposal, to define behavioural risk indicators in a unified EU framework.
LOGiCOs approach is collaborative rather than confrontational:
We believe in the value of differing opinions, but on shared goals like industry sustainability, we can create synergistic projects. More initiatives are already underway, and others will emerge.
Legal online gaming in Italy: a sector at a crossroads
The new licensing phase opens a critical chapter for legal iGaming in Italy. Through Marascos voice, LOGiCO calls for collaboration among institutions, operators, and civil society to build a regulated, safe, and sustainable future for the sector.
We cannot allow the industry to be defined by distortion or lawlessness. Legal gaming must be protectedit is the only defence against illegality, concludes Marasco.
This article was first published in Italian on 2 June 2025.
