Groundbreaking digital gaming transformation: ADM authorizes 46 providers to shape the industry's next chapter

Italy's digital gaming sector is poised for a major transformation. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has wrapped up the preliminary stage in granting fresh operator licenses. A mere 46 contenders, featuring prominent brands like 888 Italy, Betfair Italy, Sisal, William Hill Malta and LeoVegas, have been approved to advance. This selective process is deliberate: by favoring entities with proven technological robustness and financial stability, the aim is to cultivate a more secure, open, and ethically managed marketplace. The directive is evident: the evolution of Italian gaming will favor those operators committed to delivering superior service and ensuring user safety.

A demanding schedule for transformation

The clock is now ticking. Existing permits are set to lapse on September 17, 2025, potentially stretching to the 30th of that month with a brief grace period. In parallel, ADM will finalize its technical and financial assessments of the chosen firms by July. Successful candidates must then promptly settle the initial concession payment—4 million—and demonstrate accessible funds of no less than 3.7 million. To ensure seamless operation and prevent any interruption in service, agreements will be executed throughout August and September, maintaining the uninterrupted flow of gaming machine activities.

Technology at the center of the new era

The transformation extends beyond paperwork: chosen operators must implement cutting-edge digital frameworks that seamlessly connect with ADM’s protected platform. A six-month adaptation phase is set, aiming for complete rollout by March 2026. During this interval, legacy and modern systems will operate in parallel, ensuring uninterrupted service for participants. Upon completion, firms are required to settle the subsequent licensing charge – 3 million euros – finalizing their formal transition into the new age of governed gaming.

Strengthening player safeguards and enforcing more rigorous regulations

A central element of the overhaul focuses on the administration of player accounts. Individuals will gain the ability to migrate their accounts to a different licensed provider, provided they adhere to fiscal regulations and obtain necessary clearance beforehand. Operators excluded from the new framework are required to terminate all user accounts by August 17, 2025, and reimburse client balances. Any unclaimed funds remaining after a 60-day period will be transferred to the State Treasury. Furthermore, submitting weekly reports detailing account transactions will become compulsory, and firms must convert to a S.p.A. corporate structure prior to securing operating concessions. The objective is unequivocal: fostering a more transparent, secure, and durable market, while continuing to promote responsible entertainment.