Gambling in Italy has existed for thousands of years. It dates back to Ancient Rome, where Romans gambled daily for entertainment. You could find people in taverns and gambling houses playing Tesserae, a game in which two players try to guess the outcome of the dice, or Tabula, now commonly known as backgammon. Romans even bet on chariot races and gladiator fights.
Nowadays, Italy is considered one of the most liberal countries, and gambling is still legal and regulated by a state authority called the ADM. A 2006 law specifically allowed operators to provide sports betting services in land-based venues as well as online. Additionally, in 2011 the government permitted authorities to issue licenses for poker and casino games.
There were four land-based casinos in Italy, but in 2018 one of them, Casinò di Campione, declared bankruptcy and officially closed its doors in early 2019. The gambling industry has faced difficult times since the 2019 advertising ban, which prohibited all kinds of advertisements for games with cash or monetary prizes on television and radio broadcasts, as well as in cinemas, theaters, and newspapers.
Regulation and Licensing
The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), the Italian Agency of Customs and Monopolies, manages and regulates the Italian gambling market.
Responsibilities
As the regulatory authority, the ADM has several responsibilities:
- monitoring and controlling gambling activities in the country
- ensuring that licensed operators comply with current gambling laws and regulations
- issuing gambling licenses and revoking them if it detects any infringement by an operator
- limiting and prosecuting illegal gambling
- collecting gambling taxes
Requirements
Under current laws, any individual or business that wishes to operate in the Italian gambling market must meet certain requirements. These include:
- holding a valid license issued by the ADM or another European gaming authority
- possessing the technical capacity and infrastructure needed to provide the services
- maintaining capital of at least EUR1,500,000
- hosting servers in Italy or another EU/EEA country
Applicants that are not yet licensed but wish to obtain an ADM license must satisfy the same criteria. Licenses are valid for a specific period, which depends on the type of gambling activity and the operator’s capacity. Once licensed, operators may offer only those games regulated by the state.
Taxes
Licensees must also pay taxes to the Italian Government. The rates depend on the type of gambling activities offered and the operator’s revenue:
- distance skill games and distance bingo: 25% of the amount not returned to players
- fixed-odds bets, excluding horse racing: 20% for land-based betting and 24% for online betting, calculated on the difference between the amount wagered and the winnings paid to players
- fixed-odds bets on simulated events: 22% of the collection net of sums returned to players as winnings
Operators must also meet social responsibility standards. All casinos have to protect minors, assist problem gamblers, and train customer support staff to detect problematic behavior. In addition, they must guarantee secure payments to preserve public trust.
Players’ Security
There are several essential practices and systems that every casino should have. We have compiled a list of features Italian players should look for before registering on any gambling website. If a casino does not appear reliable, choose another one that offers all of the elements described below.
Valid license
A valid license should be the first thing players look for. Reputable casinos post information about their licenses and regulating authorities at the bottom of their websites. Italian casinos must hold a valid ADM license. International casinos may be licensed by other regulators, but for maximum safety Italian players should choose operators approved by trusted authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, or the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
RNG technology
A Random Number Generator (RNG) is mandatory technology for all casinos. It ensures that game outcomes are not predetermined and are instead based purely on chance. This randomness guarantees fair gameplay and reassures gamblers that both wins and losses depend solely on luck.
RTP rates
Return to Player (RTP) rates are another key factor. Most reputable casinos display their RTP percentages at the bottom of the site. RTP indicates the proportion of wagers that is returned to players over time. Although a portion of each bet goes to the casino’s coffers, slot RTP rates should remain reasonable, typically above 90 percent.
Security measures
Because players deposit real money, casinos must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data. The most common tools are strong firewalls and SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption, which ranges from 128-bit to 2048-bit. SSL is now standard for online transactions and is used by leading companies and financial institutions worldwide. Always verify that your chosen casino uses SSL, as it enhances security and makes the gambling experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
Responsible gambling
The Italian Government requires all domestic casinos to adopt precautionary measures that assist players who show signs of problem gambling. Every operator, Italian or foreign, should promote responsible gaming because problem gambling is widespread and can harm both personal and professional life. Before playing, check whether the casino offers self-exclusion, daily, weekly, or monthly limits, and “cool-down” breaks. These tools are essential, and support agents should be trained to help players activate them whenever a break is needed.
Popular Software Providers
Play’n GO
NetEnt
Microgaming
Evolution GamingPlay’n GO
Play’n GO is a leading game developer that supplies content to hundreds of online gambling operators. The company produces outstanding games with spectacular graphics and multiple ways to win. Popular Play’n GO slots include Doom of Dead, Book of Dead, Win-a-Beest, Riddle Reels, Reactoonz, and many more.
NetEnt
NetEnt is one of the most renowned software providers in the casino community. Virtually every gambler has heard of NetEnt or played one of its games. NetEnt titles are featured at all major casinos and are known for unique gameplay and top-notch quality.
Microgaming
Microgaming revolutionized the casino industry by producing exclusive online casino games as early as 1994. Today, no reputable casino is without Microgaming titles, which exemplify top-notch quality and meticulous attention to detail.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming powers the live casino sections of hundreds of operators worldwide. Its live tables are hosted by professional dealers and deliver high-quality, smooth gameplay.
Popular Payment Methods
Casinos should support a variety of payment methods so that players worldwide can deposit and withdraw using the options they find most convenient. Our team has compiled a list of popular methods available to Italian players. These options appear both at Italian casinos and many international sites. Take a look at our top picks:
Credit/Debit cards
Skrill
PostePay
ecoPayz
Sofort Banking
PaysafecardCredit/Debit cards
Credit and debit cards are the most common way to pay online. They are convenient and easy to use, and although processing may take slightly longer, card transactions are still considered among the safest methods.
Skrill
Skrill is a UK-based company that facilitates international payments with fairly low transaction fees. It is a preferred option for players worldwide, and many Italian casinos accept it.
PostePay
PostePay is an Italian prepaid payment method available at many local casinos. Co-branded with Visa or MasterCard and operated by “Poste Italiane,” these cards are accepted wherever Visa and MasterCard are supported.
ecoPayz
ecoPayz has over 20 years of experience and provides safe, secure online payments worldwide. Simply open a free ecoAccount and you can send or receive money immediately.
Sofort Banking
Sofort Banking operates in eight European countries and is particularly popular in Germany and Italy. It functions like a bank transfer, charging 0.9% of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee of €0.25 per transaction.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard provides prepaid cards with 16-digit codes that can be used to pay online, making them especially convenient for gaming and casino sites. They do not require credit card information, allowing you to pay without sharing extensive personal data.
Popular Bonuses
Casinos offer many types of bonuses. Some are reserved for VIP players, while others are available to everyone. Below are the six most common promotions Italian players will encounter at both domestic and international casinos:
Welcome bonus
Welcome packages are the most common reward for new users. They usually include extra funds and free spins, allowing players to explore the casino and try different games. These bonuses carry wagering requirements that must be followed carefully, as even minor mistakes can breach the terms and void your winnings.
No-deposit bonus
No-deposit bonuses, as the name suggests, do not require players to fund their accounts. Available only to new users, they usually come as free cash or spins.
Weekly and monthly promotions
To maintain player interest, many casinos run weekly or monthly promotions tied to trending games. These offers typically award free spins that can be used exclusively on the featured titles.
Free spins
Free spins may be awarded to any player at any time. They often come as a gift from the casino, though some offers require a deposit to claim them.
Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs help casinos retain players over the long term. Every wager earns points, and accumulating points moves you to higher tiers with better rewards. VIP members receive exclusive bonuses, cashbacks, special events, and many other perks.
TOP 10 Online Casinos for Players from Italy
With the evolution of the internet, online casinos have become commonplace and a popular source of entertainment, sometimes even extra income. In the list below, players can explore the best gambling providers available to users in Italy. Most operators are domestic, while some are foreign casinos that still accept Italian players.
888casino
LeoVegas Casino
Betway Casino
SNAI Casino
Casino.com
StarCasino
StarVegas Casino
NetBet Casino
Unibet Casino
Slottery Casino888casino
888casino is one of the most respected names in the industry. Operating for more than 20 years, it has built an excellent reputation. Gamblers worldwide choose 888 because it is reliable, transparent, and offers a diverse gaming catalog.
The site features titles from renowned developers such as NetEnt, Playtech, Yggdrasil, and NextGen, among others. Players also enjoy generous bonuses and promotions that enhance the overall experience. 888casino holds licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, and the ADM, and it applies robust security measures alongside a comprehensive responsible gambling policy.
LeoVegas Casino
Much like a lion, LeoVegas aims to be the king of the gambling industry. Launched in 2012, the casino quickly gained fame and is now regarded as one of the most reliable platforms on the market. It offers a user-friendly interface and a range of customer services that ensure enjoyable gameplay and convenient banking.
The gaming library features hundreds of engaging slots, table games, poker variants, and progressive jackpots. Fans of real-time action can explore the live casino section powered by industry giants such as Evolution Gaming and NetEnt.
LeoVegas supports numerous banking methods, 10 different currencies, and responsive live chat available 24/7.
Betway Casino
Betway has been a leader in the casino industry since its debut in 2006. The casino prides itself on high-quality customer service, cutting-edge games, and an immersive live casino. Its library features more than 450 titles from top developers, along with a robust sportsbook where enthusiasts can wager on their favorite teams.
Betway greets players with a wide range of promotions and continues to reward them with regular bonuses. Users can join live casino competitions and aspire to VIP status through the generous Betway loyalty program. The operator also prioritizes convenience, partnering with popular payment processors to provide safe and efficient banking.
SNAI Casino
SNAI Casino is a popular Italian operator that offers a wide range of gambling activities to deliver an outstanding experience. Players can choose from more than 700 slots, numerous table and card games, poker variants, bingo, lotteries, a live casino, and sports and racing betting. With such variety, every visitor will find something to enjoy at SNAI.
The casino also provides bonuses tailored to different interests. There is a slot welcome bonus, a separate offer for sports and racing, an exclusive poker package, and a dedicated bingo promotion.
Casino.com
Casino.com is recognized as one of the most reliable gambling providers in Italy. Licensed by the ADM, it operates in full compliance with local laws and regulations. The site offers a solid gaming catalog, featuring slots, classic casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, plus a few arcade titles.
Promotions include a welcome bonus for newcomers, daily and hourly rewards, and a special offer for players who submit verification documents within 10 days of registration. A VIP program grants access to exclusive events, bonuses, gifts, comp points, and higher betting limits.
Players benefit from multiple banking methods and responsive live chat support available daily from 8:00 to 00:00. The casino promotes safe, moderate gaming and provides detailed resources to prevent problem gambling.
StarCasino
StarCasino is a legal, safe, ADM-certified operator that claims to be Italy’s number one casino. Italian players will find everything they might expect from an international site, including a vast collection of games from leading software providers. Popular slots such as Starburst, Legacy of Dead, Sweet Bonanza, and Gonzo’s Quest are all available.
Fans of table and card games can choose from various blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker titles. A live section powered by Evolution Gaming and NetEnt offers real-time action, and a sportsbook lets players bet on football, basketball, hockey, and more.
StarVegas Casino
StarVegas is a trusted Italian gambling provider that features a diverse game selection and generous bonuses. Licensed by the ADM, it has earned a reputation for reliability.
Slots dominate the catalog, and while the number of table and poker games is smaller, each title is carefully chosen for quality. StarVegas also hosts an appealing live casino and a sportsbook.
Promotions include a no-deposit bonus, a welcome package, referral rewards, daily and weekly offers, and a comprehensive loyalty program. Multiple banking methods allow players to deposit and withdraw funds with ease.
NetBet Casino
NetBet ranks among the top casinos in the industry. Licensed by both the Malta Gaming Authority and the ADM, it operates with honesty and transparency.
The site offers an array of bonuses. New users receive an attractive welcome package, while existing players can participate in daily and weekly promotions, tournaments, and an extensive VIP lounge.
NetBet’s library features high-quality games from leading developers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, iSoftBet, Quickspin, 1×2, Amatic, and Microgaming. Players will find a vast collection of slots, classic casino games, poker variants, progressive jackpots, and numerous live titles.
Unibet Casino
Unibet Casino has been part of the gambling industry since 1997. Founded by Anders Ström, it was created to share expertise and help players make informed bets.
Unibet offers a wide range of activities, including sports and race betting, slots, classic table games, progressive jackpots, poker, live casino, and bingo. In short, it provides virtually everything a gambler could want.
The operator has earned several prestigious awards, including Online Poker Operator of the Year and Socially Responsible Operator of the Year at the International Gaming Awards 2020, as well as Sports Betting Operator and Socially Responsible Operator at the EGR Nordics Awards 2020.
Slottery Casino
Slottery Casino is a dynamic Italian operator that offers a wide array of gaming options to suit every type of player. The site features a sports and racing section for betting on football, horse racing, and dog racing. Players can also explore a diverse catalog of slots, table games, poker, bingo, scratch cards, and various lotteries.
Slottery provides numerous bonuses, including separate welcome packages for casino games and sports betting. Existing users can take advantage of ongoing promotions, while dedicated poker players have access to a distinct set of generous poker bonuses.
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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:
What is the legal age to register at Italian online casinos and do I need to verify my age?
Under Italian law, you must be at least 18 years old to join an online casino licensed in Italy. In line with ADM’s responsible gambling and player protection guidelines, licensed Italian casinos require new members to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) verification when they open an account. Because many casinos now use advanced KYC systems, this process is quicker and easier, letting newly registered players confirm their age and other personal details and start playing sooner.
Where can I see all casino operators who have obtained a license from the ADM?
To view all operators holding a remote gambling license in Italy, visit the official website of the ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli). Hover over the Activities section of the menu, select Gaming, and then click Remote Gaming. This page lists every operator that has obtained a remote gaming license from the ADM. If you are unsure whether a specific online casino is licensed, look for the ADM logo at the bottom of its home page. Additionally, all operators authorized to serve Italian players must use the “.it” domain extension, which is another clear sign that the casino holds an ADM license.