Italy launches software to block illegal gambling sites

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Italy has introduced new software that automatically blocks access to websites offering illegal gambling, helping to protect its recently established online licensing system.

Italy is cracking down on illegal gambling by implementing a new system to block unauthorized websites. As part of the country’s new budget, the Ministry of Economy and Finance will create a “cybersecurity shield” that prevents access to these sites on public Wi-Fi networks.

Cafes and libraries offering public internet access are now required to install software that blocks illegal gambling websites, according to AgiproNews. This software was created in collaboration with Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) and SOGEI, a government-owned technology center, and will automatically prevent users from accessing blocked domains.

According to AgiproNews, the new software will be released for download to all gaming operators and authorities, helping to protect the country from illegal online gambling sites. Inspectors, working with the Guardia di Finanza, will oversee operators to ensure they follow the regulations.

Companies that don’t follow the rules will be fined. Stricter punishments, even criminal prosecution, will be used for devices specifically designed to reach illegal gambling websites, particularly when using private browsing modes.

Following a recent court decision, restrictions on gaming devices in public places have been eased. The Constitutional Court struck down the previous Balduzzi Decree, finding it overly restrictive to businesses. However, the ADM clarified that machines specifically designed for gambling – like self-contained betting kiosks – are still not allowed.

New online protections critical for licensing framework

As a fan of responsible gaming, I was really interested to read that Italy is focusing on better online protections as they roll out their new licensing system. It’s great to see them taking this seriously, especially considering how big the gambling industry is there – we’re talking around €21 billion in revenue, which translates to about €8 billion in taxes every year! It just shows how important it is to get the regulations right.

The new licensing system requires operators to pay €7 million (about $8.2 million) each. Italy’s gambling regulator, ADM, has already approved 46 applications. Italy is currently the fourth-largest gambling market in Europe, and online gambling there is now worth around €1 billion (approximately $1.18 billion) annually.

Gambling companies are required to follow rules that encourage safe play. This includes offering features to help players control how much time and money they spend, and providing warnings when risky behavior is detected. Even with efforts to stop it, illegal gambling is still a significant issue, estimated at around €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in 2023 by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).

Companies offering online gambling are finding ways around Italy’s rules against advertising. They’re using unregulated websites that allow fast deposits, as these sites aren’t subject to the same restrictions.

The Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni, is planning to move away from outright bans on advertising and sponsorships, and instead create a new, more modern set of rules. This plan, which is being developed with input from Serie A football, Italian media outlets, and the Ministry of Sports, is expected to be presented to parliament later this year. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Serie A president Ezio Simonelli are currently working together to finalize the details.

The government is planning more technological improvements to both online and traditional gambling in 2026. They aim to find a good balance between sensible rules and supporting a gambling industry that’s important for the economy.

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2025-09-17 14:11