The Italian government is planning to create a cybersecurity shield to stop people from accessing illegal gambling sites when they are using public internet facilities.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is heading up this task and any business providing internet access to the general public will need to use new software to block the domains. Anyone who fails to do so will face financial penalties, with the fines even higher if people successfully access gambling sites at the premises.
The black market for online gambling is very prominent in Italy – the European Gaming and Betting Association estimates that in 2023, it was worth about €1bn ($1.2bn). Residents can look forward to a new iGaming framework, with an updated licensing regime soon coming into place.
has approved 46 license applications to date; each one costs €7m ($4.7m)
The Customs & Monopolies Agency has approved 46 license applications to date; each one costs €7m ($4.7m). Existing licensees have until March 2026 to adapt to the new rules.
