A trade body has raised alarms regarding Italy’s regulated gambling industry, warning of a regulatory impasse that could lead to an expansion of unregulated gambling activities. On Tuesday, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGP-FIPE) presented its concerns to the Senate’s Constitutional Affairs Committee. The association highlighted how ongoing regulatory fragmentation and repeated extensions of national gambling concessions are stalling legal market development. This situation, according to EGP-FIPE, undermines efforts to combat problem gambling and hinders efficient network planning, which could potentially widen the reach of the unregulated market.
EGP-FIPE, representing gambling operators within the Italian Federation of Public Establishments under Confcommercio, has criticized the current lack of a unified regulatory framework at the national level. Emmanuele Cangianelli, President of EGP-FIPE, emphasized the sector’s paralysis, caught in a cycle of extensions and non-uniform regional regulations. Cangianelli noted that without a cohesive national strategy, preventive measures are less effective, leading to increased opportunities for the black market to flourish. He stated, “The system is stuck between extensions and non-homogeneous territorial rules. This block prevents serious planning of the network and weakens precisely the protection tools that one would like to strengthen.”
In particular, EGP-FIPE criticized local restrictions imposed on land-based gambling operators, such as proximity rules and stringent business hours, which are often implemented by local municipalities. These measures, according to the association, are largely ineffective in curbing problem gambling. Instead, they push consumers towards online platforms or unregulated markets where oversight is insufficient. Cangianelli noted, “Where the physical offer is rigidly restricted, the problem is not reduced, but moved. Play heads online or to the underground market, where control is nil.”
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has also voiced concerns about the nation’s gambling regulations, particularly focusing on advertising restrictions. Outgoing President Gabriele Gravina has criticized the 2018 blanket ban on betting advertisements and sponsorships, labeling it as ineffective in reducing underage and illegal gambling. Gravina pointed to a 2022 Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry report that indicated continued growth in these areas despite the advertising ban.
EGP-FIPE stressed the need for nationally coordinated prevention tools in its presentation. It advocated for the implementation of standardized self-exclusion systems, player behavior tracking, and advanced technological monitoring solutions across Italy. However, the association warned that without a stable governance structure to synchronize these efforts across regions and municipalities, such tools would yield uneven results. Cangianelli stated, “A clear governance structure is needed. Regions may have a role, but within a shared national plan. Otherwise, partial interventions will continue to accumulate without solving the problem.”
Italy’s gambling market, regulated by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), is one of the largest in Europe. The past decade has seen significant growth in online betting and gaming, contrasted by increasing restrictions on retail gambling venues imposed by local authorities. As part of a recent regulatory overhaul, the number of operating licenses was significantly reduced from over 400 to 52 as of November 2025. This reform intends to streamline the industry into an oligopoly, concentrating market control among fewer operators.
Despite these challenges, Italy remains one of Europe’s largest online gambling markets in terms of turnover and tax revenue. Licensing revenues contributed approximately €364 million ($424 million) to the state as of November last year. However, this shift towards an oligopoly-style market structure raises concerns about reduced competition and potential revenue concentration among a limited number of operators.
Looking forward, the Italian gambling sector faces several pivotal decisions. The industry awaits further legislative clarity that might alleviate the current regulatory deadlock. The next steps involve implementing a comprehensive national regulatory framework to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders, including EGP-FIPE and FIGC. The focus will be on creating a unified governance model that can effectively harmonize regional differences and provide a stable environment for both operators and consumers. As these developments unfold, the market will be closely monitoring any legislative progress that could reshape Italy’s gambling landscape.
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