Italy Gambling Laws

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History of Italian Gambling

Gambling in Italy has been around for as long as anyone can remember, with evidence of gambling games from the time of the Roman Empire. This was the country where all-time player favourite games were invented, including baccarat and bingo, among others. Of course, Italy also gave us the word ‘casino’, which we are all familiar with.

Simply put, this country has massive contributions to the gaming world. Arguably, the first casino was opened in Venice, called the ‘Ridotto’. Over the years, Italy has proved an excellent destination for gambling, with Milan being the preferred city for thousands of gaming tourists every year. The illustrious Italian gaming tradition holds firm even in present days as the country embraces innovation and the latest developments in the industry.

Of course, modern gaming is quite heavily regulated in the present era, and many factors are at play. With a proper understanding of players’ motivations and desires, the gambling laws Italy has introduced in the 21st century serve as a benchmark for many European nations and beyond.

Italian Gambling Laws About Land-Based Gaming

Italian land-based casinos are famed all over the world for their excellent service and luxury worthy of royalty. Naturally, gambling laws in Italy have allowed for the gaming scene to thrive and expand. Currently, there are at least 37 land-based establishments in Italy, spread out over 15 cities. Of those, ten are situated in Milan, servicing tourists and locals alike.

The gambling laws Italy uses to govern casinos and other gaming venues are quite unusual and, in certain ways, innovative. For one, just about all gambling products are allowed and regulated in the country. Specifically, here is the legal status of the most popular gambling types:

Italian gamblers and visitors benefit from a wide range of gambling products to choose from. Of course, all forms of gaming are heavily regulated by the authorities. Operators have to work under strict mandates in order to maintain the standards of quality set by the government. Any gaming venue has to be licensed by the Antonomous Administration of State Monopolies – the regulatory institution in Italy.

Interestingly, Italy dictates that gambling products need to have at least a 90% payout rate of the total turnover. In light of this, the government only taxes a company’s profit rather than the general turnover, as is the case in other nations. Casinos are subject to a 20% flat tax across all regulated games. Other forms of gambling, such as sports and horse betting, skill games, and lotteries, are taxed 3% from their turnover. The gambling laws in Italy also make provisions for poker tournaments, where the maximum buy-in is capped at €250.

Online Gambling Laws in Italy

If you want to engage in some online gambling, Italian gambling laws fully permit any legal adult to participate in gaming on the Internet. But much like most jurisdictions, the country has had a tumultuous and uncertain history with the industry. The first online gambling laws were introduced in 2006, following some interference from the European Commission. The EU had concerns about the Italian government’s monopoly over the gambling scene. The laws were further refined in 2009 and came into full effect in 2010. Following that, foreign gambling companies could finally offer their services to Italian players.

With this development, the Italian online gambling market was finally liberalised, giving players the opportunity to play at a wider variety of operators. Currently, just about all major forms of online gaming are legal in Italy:

Italian players can enjoy a wide range of games at the best online casinos in Italy. But while it may be a smooth experience for them, operators have a whole different affair to deal with. The regulatory body, the AAMS, has harsh rules and regulations for those seeking an Internet gambling licence.

In order to get a foot in the door, a gambling company has to manage gambling products in Europe and have a turnover of €1,500,000 or more for the previous two years. Moreover, applicants are required to pay a fee of €350,000 upfront to the regulator. Not only that, but the much sought-after licences are limited to 120 at any time.

AAMS – Italy Gambling Regulator

The Amministrazione Autonome dei Monopoli di Stato – the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies in English – is the regulatory institution that oversees the industry. It sets the standards and enforces online gambling Italy laws. As such, the role it plays in the gaming scene is vital since all licences are granted and revoked by this institution.

As part of its regular duties, the AAMS Italy gambling regulator ensures certain rights and protections to players. For one, operators are required by law to provide self-exclusion options for vulnerable gamblers. This includes deposit limits and complete exclusion from gambling. Customers can set their own betting limits, while the exclusion duration can be for a set period of time or indefinite. If you have any questions about the process, you can contact the authorities here:

With regulatory power placed fully in the hands of the AAMS, Italy gambling relies on verified software and regular audits to ensure that all games are above board. The institution conducts tests occasionally to determine whether an operator is playing fairly. Genuine randomness is an inseparable part of online gaming. Without it, the games can be manipulated in favour of the casino. The AAMS’s responsibility is to guarantee that doesn’t happen.

Popular Gambling Games and Best IT Online Casinos

Right now, the online gambling laws in Italy permit several types of casino games. You can find these at the safe and legal gaming sites available in 2021. One of the positive aspects of playing online is that you have thousands of eligible titles at your disposal. Each is unique in its own different way, allowing you to find the perfect game for your taste. Specifically, some of the top genres available right now include:

You will find no lack of worthwhile games at Italian gaming sites. What’s more, you can also benefit from some of the top Italian casino bonuses to enhance your bankroll and play more than usual. There has never been a better time to be a fan of casino games, and the IT online gambling scene is ready to provide you with a thrilling gaming experience. Here are the best IT online casino sites:

Each site mentioned above is licensed by the AAMS and has been personally vetted by us. You can be confident that you will enjoy fair and safe gaming at any of them. Moreover, these operators have long-standing ties in the online gambling scene, not just in Italy but worldwide. As such, they have proven their value to players and stand as industry leaders.

Conclusion: Premium Gambling Destination

Given the current legal situation, we can safely say that Italy will be a great country for any gambler to visit. You will enjoy amazing opportunities to engage in your favourite gaming products due to the excellent Italian gambling laws. Additionally, legal Italian online gambling is on the rise, presenting IT players with a variety of options when it comes to placing bets online.

References

Common Questions

If you still have more questions regarding the gambling laws in Italy, please have a look at the FAQ section below. We have condensed the article into small, easily digestible chunks, which cover the essential information.