Italy launched software to automatically block illegal gambling sites, strengthening online protections for its new licensing system.
Italy is taking major steps to curb its illegal gambling market. As part of the upcoming Budget Law, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) will introduce a national “cybersecurity shield.” This system will block access to unauthorized gambling websites on devices offering public internet access.
According to AgiproNews, public internet venues, like cafes and libraries, must install specialized anti-illegality software. Developed with Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) and state-owned tech hub SOGEI, the software will automatically block illegal gambling domains.
“The software will be available for download to all operators and authorities, creating a national safeguard against illegal gaming domains,” AgiproNews reported. Inspectors, alongside the Guardia di Finanza, will monitor operators to enforce these rules.
Businesses that fail to comply will face fines. More severe penalties, including criminal charges, apply to devices in “closed browsing” mode designed to access illegal gambling sites.
This initiative follows a Constitutional Court ruling that overturned the Balduzzi Decree, which had banned gaming devices in public spaces. The court called the measure excessive and restrictive to business freedoms. However, ADM confirmed that devices intended solely for gambling, such as “totems” and closed-circuit setups, remain prohibited.
New online protections critical for licensing framework
The MEF stressed that stronger online protections are essential for the success of Italy’s new licensing system. The gambling sector generates around €21 billion ($24 billion) in gross revenue, contributing roughly €8 billion ($9.4 billion) annually in taxes.
Under the updated system, operators must pay €7 million ($8.2 million) per license. So far, ADM has approved 46 applications. Italy remains Europe’s fourth-largest regulated gambling market, with online gambling now valued at about €1 billion ($1.18 billion) per year.
Operators must follow a compliance charter promoting responsible gambling. They must provide tools to help players manage time and spending and issue warnings during high-risk games. Despite crackdowns, illegal gambling remains a major problem. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) estimated illegal activity at around €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in 2023.
Offshore operators exploit Italy’s Dignity Decree, which bans advertising and sponsorship. This drives demand for “quick-deposit” skin sites operating outside Italian jurisdiction.
The Giorgia Meloni government aims to replace blanket bans with a modern marketing and sponsorship framework. A new mandate, influenced by Serie A, Italian media, and the Ministry of Sports, will be introduced in parliament later this year. Discussions between Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Serie A president Ezio Simonelli will shape the plan.
In 2026, the government plans further technical updates to online and land-based gambling. The goal is to balance regulation with the needs of a sector that significantly supports the economy.
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