A Strategic Reform with Far-Reaching Impacts
ADM’s online license tender is far more than a bureaucratic exercise. It represents a strategic turning point designed to filter for operators that are financially stable, technologically capable, and fully compliant with stricter security and transparency standards.
The stakes are high: this reform isn’t just about the future of the industry, but also about restoring public trust among millions of Italian users.
Strict Timeline: First-Phase Completion by End of July
According to the official timeline, all technical and financial documentation must be reviewed by the end of July 2025. Successful applicants must then pay a €4 million upfront license fee and provide a €3.7 million financial guarantee to advance to the next phase.
While existing online gambling licenses officially expire on September 17, 2025—with a possible extension to September 30—ADM has stressed the importance of completing the first stage by July’s end to ensure a smooth administrative transition and uninterrupted service throughout August and September.
Technical Integration: The Core Challenge
Perhaps the most challenging aspect lies in the technical integration. All licensees must deploy platforms that fully comply with the new ADM remote gambling operational standards. These platforms must integrate with the central ADM system and meet the highest levels of reliability and data protection.
Operators will have six months to complete this transition, with full implementation expected by March 2026. During this phase, old and new systems will run in parallel. Upon successful deployment, operators will be required to pay an additional €3 million to fully activate their new platforms.
User Account Migration and Operator Exclusion
User account management is another delicate issue. ADM has laid out a clear process:
- Users may voluntarily transfer accounts to a new licensed operator, subject to tax compliance and explicit consent
- Operators not selected or excluded from the new system must cease all operations by August 17, 2025
- All accounts must be closed, and funds returned to users; unclaimed balances after two months will be transferred to the state treasury
Starting July 8, 2025, all operators must submit weekly account balances and activity updates via the ADM platform. Non-compliance will result in immediate suspension.
Corporate Structure and Final Audits
Temporary business entities (RTIs) must convert into limited companies before signing new contracts. Any corporate restructuring must be reported and properly justified. ADM emphasized that corporate transparency is one of the core pillars of this reform.
Two months after the current licenses expire, ADM will conduct final inspections on tax compliance, financial settlements, and account closures. Financial guarantees will remain frozen until all obligations are satisfied. In cases of non-compliance, ADM may take enforcement action.
A New Era for Italy’s Online Gambling Sector
This is more than a regulatory update—it marks a new chapter for online gambling in Italy. With strict timelines and elevated requirements, the reform demands not only technical precision but also strategic foresight from all market participants.
