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Italy is taking major steps to combat its illegal gambling market, and as part of the upcoming Budget Law, the MEF plans to introduce a national “cybersecurity shield.” This shield will block access to unauthorized gambling websites on devices that provide public internet access.
The strategy, reported by AgiproNews, will require establishments offering public internet, such as cafes and libraries, to install specialized anti-illegality software. This software, developed in collaboration with Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) and the state-owned tech hub SOGEI, will automatically prevent connections to illegal gambling domains.
“The software will be made available for download to all operators and relevant authorities, creating a national safeguard against illegal gaming domains,” AgiproNews reported.
ADM to draft implementation regulations
The ADM is set to create new regulations to ensure compliance with the new shield within the gambling sector. As part of this effort, they will conduct inspections alongside the Guardia di Finanza, focusing on operators to ensure they meet the established guidelines.
Non-compliant businesses will face fines, with more severe penalties and potential criminal charges for devices found in “closed browsing” mode, which are designed to redirect users to illegal betting sites.
This initiative comes on the heels of a ruling by Italy’s Constitutional Court, which overturned the Balduzzi Decree that had imposed a blanket ban on gaming devices in public spaces.
The court deemed this measure excessive and overly restrictive to business freedoms. Nevertheless, ADM has made it clear that devices specifically intended for gambling, such as “totems” and closed-circuit setups, will still be prohibited.
New online protections critical to updated licensing framework success, says MEF
The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has emphasized the importance of new online protections to the success of Italy’s new licensing framework. With the gambling sector generating around €21 billion in gross income and contributing approximately €8 billion annually to the state through taxes and duties, these reforms are economically significant.
Under the updated system, operators are required to pay €7 million for each license, and so far, the ADM has approved 46 applications. The MEF pointed out that Italy is still Europe’s fourth-largest regulated gambling market and is witnessing a surge in online gambling, now valued at about €1 billion per year, highlighting the need for strong digital protections.
To align with the new regime, operators must follow a compliance charter that mandates the promotion of responsible gambling. This includes providing tools that help players manage their time and spending, as well as issuing warnings during high-risk games.
Moving on from blanket bans
Even with significant efforts to clamp down on illegal gambling, Italy continues to grapple with serious exposure to the black market. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) estimated in 2023 that illegal activities could amount to around €1 billion.
Offshore operators have taken advantage of the country’s tight Dignity Decree, which prohibits advertising and sponsorship, leading to a rise in demand for “quick-deposit” skin sites, many of which operate outside Italian jurisdiction.
In response to these challenges, the Meloni government has expressed a desire to move away from blanket bans and instead develop a more modernized approach to marketing and sponsorship.
A new mandate is set to be introduced in parliament later this year, influenced by advice from Serie A, Italian media, and the Ministry of Sports. Ongoing discussions between Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Serie A president Ezio Simonelli will help shape Italy’s new framework.
2026 is also likely to see the government make more technical adjustments to both the online and land-based gambling industry, as it hopes to balance regulation with the market needs of a sector that has been contributing heavily to the economy.
Source: SBCAmerica
