Italy’s online gaming GGR expected to grow with sports betting gaining popularity
Italy’s online gambling industry is set to achieve a revenue of €2.89 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust growth trend in the sector. According to Statista, Italy’s online gaming industry also has an anticipated annual growth rate of 5.52 percent from 2024 to 2029, and the market is expected to reach €3.78 billion by the end of the forecast period. This growth includes a projected revenue of €1.54 billion for the online casino segment alone in 2024.
Additionally, the number of users is forecasted to increase to 4.3 million by 2029, with user penetration expected to be 6 percent in 2024. These statistics highlight a growing engagement with online gambling platforms among Italian consumers.
Source: SiGMA News
Factors fuelling the growth of online gambling
According to analysts, several factors are contributing to the rapid expansion of Italy’s online gambling market. One of the primary drivers is the convenience and accessibility offered by online platforms. Italians are increasingly opting for online gambling due to the ability to place bets or play casino games from the comfort of their homes or on mobile devices. This shift in consumer behaviour has been supported by a wide range of betting options, catering to diverse preferences.
A notable trend within the Italian market is the growing popularity of sports betting, particularly football. Italy’s deep-rooted passion for the sport has translated into a high demand for sports betting opportunities. Online platforms have capitalised on this trend by offering an extensive array of sports betting options, including live betting and virtual sports. The appeal of traditional casino games, such as blackjack, roulette, and slot machines, has also contributed to the market’s growth. The availability of live dealer games, which allow players to interact with real dealers via video stream, has further enriched the online casino experience.
Source: SiGMA News
The Italian market benefits from a well-regulated environment, which has played a crucial role in its growth. The country has implemented stringent licencing requirements and regulations designed to ensure the integrity and fairness of online gambling operations. This regulatory framework has fostered a sense of trust among consumers and attracted reputable international gambling operators.
Impending changes to licencing framework
In addition to market growth, Italy is moving forward with a revised licencing framework for online gambling. This new framework is under review by the European Commission (EC), following the European Union’s legislative procedures. The review phase includes a three-month “standstill” period, ending on October 18, 2024, during which EU member states and other stakeholders can provide feedback on the proposed regulations.
The Italian government plans to initiate the tender process for new remote gambling licences once the standstill period concludes, with a projected start date in late December 2024 or early January 2025. The new regulations, if approved, will introduce a licencing fee of €7 million for each online gambling licence, which will be valid for nine years. The technical rules will outline performance standards and technical requirements that operators must meet to provide remote gambling services.
The updated regulations will also emphasise consumer protection, introducing measures such as mandatory self-exclusion tools and options for users to limit their gambling activities. Furthermore, all gambling platforms will be required to host their IT infrastructure, including cloud-based solutions, within the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with EU data protection standards. The new rules will prohibit affiliated websites, also known as “skins,” and will allow separate applications for different types of gambling, including betting, casino games, poker, and bingo.
This regulatory update represents the culmination of the first phase of the Gambling Reorganisation Decree, which marks the first comprehensive review of Italian gambling regulations since online gambling was legalised in 2011. Future phases of the Decree will focus on updating regulations for land-based gambling operations across Italy’s regions and municipalities.
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