Upcoming Betting and Lottery Licence Tenders in Italy

Plans for Upcoming Tenders

Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has a critical impact on combating illegal actions, such as smuggling, and ensuring criminal organisations are kept out of the industry.

Roberto Alesse, the agency’s Director General, confirmed that auctions for betting licences will be announced soon, with lotteries following shortly after. The authority also works closely with the Ministry of Economy to design strategies that deter unlawful practices and ensure transparency in the bidding process.

The government’s updates aim to:

• create a unified legal framework across the country;
• align Italian laws with European standards;
• improve tax collection from legitimate operations;
• reduce the appeal of unauthorised services;
• boost economic growth through better industry oversight.

Italy is also working to harmonise its inner guidelines with broader European models. The country’s Deputy Minister has been praised for their efforts to create consistent regulations across regions while aligning with EU requirements.

Advertising Ban Still in Effect

One significant issue is the promotion restrictions introduced by the Dignity Decree in 2018. This law prohibited campaigns related to betting and lottery activities, including sponsorships with athletic teams, to address addiction and social concerns. The ban applies to both physical and digital promotions.

While it is unclear if the upcoming changes will affect these restrictions, Mr Alesse noted that supporting licensed operations is essential. The Director warned that overly strict rules could push consumers toward unregulated platforms.

Italy’s situation mirrors debates in other European countries, such as the United Kingdom, where overly harsh measures in the legal sector risk driving users to unauthorised providers.

By balancing enforcement with support for licensed businesses, the country is taking steps to create a fair and sustainable environment for these industries.