Gambling Laws in Italy

Italy's gambling laws have finally caught up with the rest of the EU, with just about all activites now being legal. Although until recently, online gambling was very restrictive, with many games of chance excluded and few licences issued. 

Though the region has opened up in recent years partly due to pressure from the EU, very high taxes mean some operators are on the verge of pulling out due to unviable business in the country.

Gambling in Italy: Which Activities Are Legal?

Legislative Decree No. 496 is the main piece of legislation on gambling in the country and this has been amended a lot over time. The ADM (Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato, Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies) licenses and oversees gambling in the country.

Online gambling sites only became legal in 2006 and on a very limited basis, with most games of chance excluded. The country came under fire from the EU regarding these laws, which prevented legitimate operators of other member states from accepting Italian players. The country's laws were amended to comply with EU regulations. This resulted in various games of chance being gradually legalised, with most types now accessible via licensed operators.

Playing at Online and Land-Based Casinos

Land-based gambling in Italy has been legal since 1948. Though venues are surprisingly rare compared to the number of establishments in other European countries. There are currently only five casinos for the country's 60 million+ inhabitants and numerous tourists.

The country's lack of casinos is more than made up for by the proliferation of hundreds of slot halls. These house nearly 400,000 machines which outnumbers those in casinos by 100 to 1.

Gambling at online casinos has been legal in Italy since 2006, with operators required to obtain a licence before accepting players. The country's ISPs block all new casino sites without licences attempting to serve residents.

Gambling on Poker

Poker is legal in Italy and although it is considered a game of skill rather than chance, it is still subject to licensing requirements. The game is played in casinos and the 30 or so clubs operating nationwide. Video poker is also legal.

Online poker was also made legal in 2006 though there are very few licensed operators which accept players from the country.

Betting on Bingo

Bingo has its roots in Italy, with the game invented as far back as the 16th century. It was officially legalised and regulated in 2000, with the first bingo hall opened in Treviso in 2001. The game is very popular in Italy, with some 250 licensed bingo halls operating nationwide.

Online bingo gambling is also legal and widely available since 2006. Several licensed operators provide games to residents.

Lottery Tickets and Scratch Cards

Italy is home to several lotteries and this type of gambling has been legal since 1955. However, the game's history dates back to the 16th century, with the most popular lottery the Gioco del Lotto, credited with its invention.

Playing online lottery games for real money is also legal, but only since 2011. Italians can access and buy tickets and scratchcards from Lottoitalia, with entries to other lotteries also available.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

The various online social casinos which allow members to access games with play chips are technically classed as gambling but are not legal in Italy.

The issues of loot boxes and skins gambling are under contention at the moment due to the potentially damaging effects, particularly on minors. Gambling legislation is expected to prohibit or at least regulate these activities shortly.

There are currently no legal online crypto casinos which operate in Italy. Though some sites still do try to accept players, they are breaking the law in doing so.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Italy?

Yes! Sports betting shops and offline bookmakers have been legal since 1948, with operators required to obtain a licence. The activity is big business in Italy - especially when it comes to football, with many bookies operating nationwide. Horse racing is also popular with betting on the sport regulated separately.

Online sports betting has been legal since 2007, but licences were only issued from 2010. Fantasy and virtual sports betting also fall under the sports betting category and are regulated as such in Italy. 

Online and offline operators were hit with an extra 0.5% tax on turnover as part of the country's efforts to make up for lost revenue due to the COVID pandemic. This resulted in some operators pulling out of the market completely.

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in Italy?

Only those aged 18 or over can legally participate in gambling activities in Italy. Those heading to land-based casinos or slot halls must show a valid photo ID as proof of age before entry is granted.

Italian Gambling Tax Regulations

These are just about the strictest in the world with operators subject to sometimes crippling amounts of tax on turnover or gross profits.

The lowest tax rates include 0.5% of turnover for land-based casinos, 6.75% of revenue for lottery machines and 11% of gross profits for bingo halls. The highest tax rates include 18%, 22% and 24% of gross profits for online/offline bookmakers, 25% for online casinos and a whopping 43% and 45% of gross revenue for horse race betting.

Online gambling sites also suffer some of the highest rates as well as the extra 0.5% COVID recovery tax. This results in an effective rate of over 100%, which makes the operation of some businesses unviable.

It's a different story for players though with winnings from licensed operators not subject to tax.

History of Gambling Laws in Italy

Gambling dates back to ancient Rome, where many types were permitted by law. Games such as an early form of baccarat and various dice games were played by many at the time.

The earliest form of lottery and bingo games came onto the scene in the 16th century, starting as Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia before becoming Gioco del Lotto. This is today's national lottery, which has now been operating for more than 500 years.

The first written record of a gambling house in Italy was in 1638 and referenced as the Ridotto in Venice. This was later moved to another location in Venice and renamed the Casino di Venezia during the 18th century.

Until 1861 Italy existed as a collection of autonomous states, each with its own legal stance regarding gambling. In the same year, the country passed its first unified laws on gambling. However, it wasn't until the 1930s that the country had any regulatory control, which resulted in the opening of numerous licensed gambling houses and the country's first proper casinos.

In 1948 the legislation was updated to include certain games of chance via Legislative Decree No. 496. However, online gambling wasn't specifically mentioned in law until 2006, when only a few activities were legalised, with more added in 2007 and 2011.

Key Facts

• The main takeaway is that all forms of gambling are legal in Italy though operators must have a licence to serve residents.

• Online casino slots, RNG tables, live dealer games, bingo, poker, sports betting and horse racing betting are all permitted to be offered under licence by the ADM (Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato).

• Loot boxes, social gambling and skins gambling may soon be under tighter control as the authorities look to crack down on potential sources of underage gambling.

• Due to a combination of very high tax rates and historically exclusive licensing restrictions, Italy has fewer gambling operators than many other EU countries. It may even struggle to maintain the ones it currently has in the future unless changes are made.