Italy Jurisdiction

The Italian online gambling market has grown to be one of the biggest in Europe since being legalized in 2007. However, it was somewhat of a closed shop until now.

Thankfully after the decision of the European Court of Justice in the Placanica case, the Italian law surrounding online gambling underwent a number of changes and as a result Italian players will soon enjoy access to a greater number of authorised online casinos and sportsbooks. 

The State Monopolies Autonomous Administration  (AAMS) is the government body that oversees the Italian gaming industry. AAMS recognized the need for tightened security in the industry and built a strict set of regulations to control all gaming activity in Italy. 

The government of Italy has entrusted to AAMS (Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stado – Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies) all matters related to gambling, from the issuance of license for offering gambling schemes and services to the enforcement of all administrative legal aspects of gambling. So, for gaming, betting, lotteries, games of chance, and likes to be legal, they are to be offered, organized, and managed in compliance with specific laws, regulation, and licenses.

In 2006 Italy introduced a new set of regulations for land-based and online gambling allowing companies to operate sports betting at retail locations as well as over the Internet. Regulations for remote and land-based casino gaming were also introduced in 2006.

In addition to skill gaming and person-to-person betting, licenses are being granted that allow fixed odds and pari-mutuel horse and sports betting to be conducted online. As the majority of the European Union increases restrictions on online gambling, Italy acts in contrast by liberalizing its policies.

License holders will be subject to the supervision of Italian authorities. These additional obligations are in the interest of all players as it will protect vulnerable consumers, prevent problem gambling and fraudulent activities.

Due to internet filters blocking access to non-licensed gaming websites, Italian players will only be able to access online casinos which have been given the green light of approval from the Italian Gaming Authority. This will great minimize, if not totally prevent, the chance that Italian players will fall victim to rogue online casinos.

The Italian gambling market is expected to grow to Euro 61 billion (turnover) by 2010 (+64%). By 2010, the  retail betting market is expected to grow to ca. Euro 14 billion, which is about 200% its current size (CAGR of 32%). Another growth driver will be interactive gambling, which is expected to reach ca. Euro 3.7 billion by 2010, a growth of ca. 240% over the current level (CAGR of 40%).

Amministrazione Autonoma Dei Monopoli Di Stato
Piazza Mastai
Rome