Major industry shift: ADM picks 46 firms to lead the next era of digital gaming

Italy's digital gaming sector is poised for a historic shift. The initial screening round by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) for granting fresh licenses has now concluded. A select group of 46 operators, featuring prominent brands like 888 Italy, Betfair Italy, Sisal, William Hill Malta and LeoVegas, has been approved to advance. This decision is deliberate: by favoring operators with proven technological robustness and financial stability, the focus shifts toward cultivating a more secure, accountable, and open market environment. The directive is unambiguous: the evolution of Italy's gaming landscape will be driven by those committed to delivering superior service and safeguarding participants.

A condensed schedule for transformation

The clock is now ticking. Existing authorizations are set to lapse on September 17, 2025, potentially extending briefly until the 30th of that month. Concurrently, ADM will finalize its technical and financial assessment of the chosen firms by July. Successful candidates must promptly submit the initial concession installment—4 million—and demonstrate they hold no less than 3.7 million in accessible capital. Agreements will be executed in August and September to ensure seamless operations, maintaining uninterrupted gaming machine functionality.

Technology at the center of the new era

The transformation extends beyond paperwork: chosen operators must implement cutting-edge digital infrastructures that seamlessly connect with ADM’s protected platform. A six-month adaptation phase is set, aiming for complete implementation by March 2026. During this interval, legacy and modern frameworks will operate in parallel, ensuring uninterrupted service for users. Upon completion, firms are required to submit the second licensing payment – 3 million euros – finalizing their formal integration into the modernized, regulated gaming landscape.

Enhanced safeguards for players and more rigorous regulations

A pivotal aspect of the reform addresses the handling of gaming accounts. Players will gain the ability to transfer their accounts to a new licensed operator, following tax regulations and with necessary prior approval. Companies excluded from the system must shut down all user accounts by August 17, 2025, returning all customer deposits. Any unclaimed funds after a two-month period will be transferred to the State Treasury. Furthermore, weekly reporting on account activity will become compulsory, and firms are required to convert into S.p.A. entities before securing operating concessions. The objective is unequivocal: to foster a more transparent, secure, and sustainable market, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to responsible gaming.