Italy Delays iGaming Certification System Following Test Failures

Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has postponed the introduction of its new online gambling certification system until 15 February 2027, following difficulties during the testing and implementation process.

The launch was initially delayed in October, with a revised November deadline and phased implementation schedule. However, Italian media reports that ADM received insufficient certification applications to proceed with the planned launch.

Operational problems also continued despite technical support from SOGEI, the Italian state-owned IT company and technology partner to the regulator.

Revised Certification Timetable

November remains the deadline for concessionaires to provide gaming systems to other operators, known as CFS providers, and platforms requiring inclusion in a shared certification library.

CFS operators must submit conformity results by 13 January 2027, while technical and functional checks are scheduled for completion by 12 February. The production launch is provisionally set for three days later, on 15 February.

The certification framework forms part of Italy’s wider online gambling reform under Legislative Decree 41/2024. It is designed to strengthen oversight of the technology supporting licensed gambling, including platform components and integrations assessed by approved verification bodies.

ADM's objectives include improving security and transparency while avoiding disruption to licensed gambling operations and tax revenues.

The technical postponement does not affect other concession requirements, including player identification, self-exclusion and player protection obligations.

Land-Based Concessions Face Further Extensions

For land-based operators, the government's proposed solution is another extension of existing arrangements.

Italy's 2027 Budget Bill proposes extending betting, gaming machine network and bingo concessions until 31 December 2029, subject to additional payments. The proposal would continue existing concessions rather than introduce new licences.

Parliamentary approval is still required, meaning the measures remain subject to potential amendments before the Budget is passed.

The bill also proposes changes to gaming machine taxation and limits from January 2027.

The standard PREU levy would increase from 24% to 25% for amusement-with-prizes (AWP) machines and from 8.6% to 9.6% for video lottery terminals (VLTs).

Maximum AWP stakes would double from €1 to €2, while maximum prizes would increase from €100 to €200. A separate provision proposes a reduced 20% levy for qualifying AWP machines that return at least 70% of stakes to players in winnings.

Wider Retail Gambling Reform Remains Uncertain

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's plans to revive comprehensive retail gambling reform in 2027 remain unclear.

The previous legislative mandate expired in August without an agreement on the settlement arrangements with Italy's land-based gambling network.

With a national election approaching next year, extending existing concessions would ease immediate pressure on the government to resolve contentious issues surrounding venue allocation and relations with regional authorities.

The latest proposals therefore provide additional time for the government and industry to address outstanding disagreements while maintaining the current retail gambling framework.