Best Online Casinos in Italy

Introduction: Review of the best online casinos in Italy

The online gambling market in Italy is full of operators looking to attract new online casino players to the games they offer.

The Italian legal framework for online gambling is a patchwork of laws developed in the last two decades. It is considered one of the most detailed in the world. The legislation, enforced by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), includes strict business and advertising regulations to achieve maximum player protection.

Local licenses are not automatically renewed, have a limited validity period and can only be obtained through a tender, which, if necessary, is conducted by the government. Licenses are very expensive, the starting price in the currently open tender is €2.5 million, but by getting this license, the operator can enter the largest market in the European Union.

There is a private monopoly on lotteries in the country, but licensed operators can offer any other form of games and betting. Taxes range from 20% to 25% of gross gaming revenue, depending on the games offered.

Italy's online market has historically been behind the land-based market, but the pandemic has caused a powerful shift toward online gaming. Gross gaming revenue for the industry grew by 45% in 2020, making the market even more attractive for online operators.

Online gambling in Italy

Italy was the first country in the EU to officially allow online casinos by law. The road to the legalization of virtual gambling began in 2006. The reason for this was an investigation by the European Commission. The restrictions in force at that time contradicted a number of EU directives. As a result, a law came out in 2010, which took virtual gambling out from under the ban.

The most popular betting services in Italy are Bet365, Snai, Eurobet, Unibet. The most popular lottery among Italians, according to statistics, is Sisal. Below is a list of the most visited online best on line casino in Italy:

Best Top 10 Italian online casinos

1. 888 Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to €100 + 88 free spins;
2. Mr.Green Casino - Welcome bonus up to €1,200 + 200 free spins;
3. LeoVegas Casino - Welcome bonus up to €1,000 + 200 free spins;
4. Playamo Casino - Welcome bonus up to €300 + 150 free spins;
5. 7bit Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to deposit + 100 free spins;
6. Unibet Casino - Welcome bonus up to €100;
7. Betwin360 Casino - Welcome bonus up to €125 + 15 free spins;
8. Codere Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to €200;
9. Sisal Casino - Welcome bonus up to €100;
10. Starcasino - Welcome bonus €200 Cashback bonus + 50 free spins.

According to Italian laws, online gambling operators are required to provide technical means of safety of players, as well as create conditions to prevent the involvement of minors in the game. Sites that do not meet the requirements and do not have an Italian license are blocked by telecommunications service providers.

Popular slot machines

Italy, as well as in other European regions, enjoys success with products of world famous developers: Greentube, Playtech, NetEnt, Betsoft, IGT, Microgaming and others. According to the ratings of Italian online casinos, the absolute favorite among players in this country is the slot machine Book of Ra. Slot of the Austrian manufacturer Greentube, dedicated to the Egyptian theme is popular in both the classic version and the updated: Deluxe and Deluxe 6.

The most popular slots in Italy also include the following developments:

• Treasures of Troy (IGT);
• Dolphin's Pearl (Greentube);
• Starburst (NetEnt);
• Sizzling Hot Deluxe (Greentube);
• Gladiator (Playtech);
• Avalon (Microgaming).

In Italy there are no popular developers of slot machines, and the demand is mainly foreign software.

Prospects for development

The gambling industry in Italy shows steady growth. For example, in 2015 online casino profits increased by 31.5%, and in 2016 poker alone showed growth of 7.7% for individual games and 18.6% for tournament games. At the moment, the sports betting segment is characterized by the most intensive profit growth. For example, in March 2017, bookmakers in Italy earned 44.5% more than during the same reporting period in 2016. The increase in profits of online casinos, in turn, amounted to 30.3%.

In the near future it makes sense to predict a further increase in the popularity of sports betting among Italian players. Italy's gambling market is attracting interest from international operators. Such giants as 365bet, 888 and others are already operating in the country. Probably many operators with worldwide reputation are waiting for the expiration of the 9-year license of the already operating companies. The relicensing procedure will allow us to summarize and evaluate the feasibility of entering the Italian market. The development of gambling industry in Italy also predicts the emergence of its own major companies-developers.

Italy has repeatedly acted as a country that sets a positive example for other states in terms of gambling regulation. This applies to the opening of the first official gambling house in history, and setting a positive precedent for the legalization of online casinos in the EU. Italian laws are equally loyal to players and operators.

Online Gambling in Italy

As we mentioned above, Italy is a country that is very welcoming when it comes to online gambling platforms. Therefore, there are plenty of them around. However, the government is serious about legality and so on. And they have been doing so since 2011, when online gambling was approved.

If an operator wants to run a business in Italy, he will need to get a license from the government. Without the necessary permission from the Italian authorities, a gaming platform is considered illegal and unsafe. Thus, players should always check for an up-to-date license before committing.

Italian players can also play outdoors. Here, on our website, you will find online casino sites designed for Italian players. Traditional payment methods and cryptocurrency are also available for Italian players, so feel free to choose your next favorite casino room to play from our list.

Licensed online casinos in Italy

In Italy, the state controls the organization and conduct of games with cash prizes on gambling sites. Online casinos will require a license from the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, passing a tender on safety, reliability, financial solvency of the operator, paying a state duty of 350,000 euros.

In licensed online casinos in Italy users can play certified gambling entertainment: slots, roulette, blackjack. Operators are obliged to specify for each game the probability of winning, to ensure the privacy of players, to take measures to discourage cheating, the emergence of gambling addiction.

The gambling establishments in our ranking have been audited and licensed by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (hereinafter referred to as the Italian Customs and Monopoly Agency, the Agency, ADM). This means that they comply with the legally established standards of customer service, personal and financial security standards and respect the principles of responsible gaming.

Gambling entertainment is available on PC, mobile and tablet devices for players from 18 years old. Popular - slots online real money (bonus, free, jackpot), blackjack, roulette, poker in Texas Hold'em variant, live games.

Take part in popular lotteries online in Italy can be on a licensed site SuperEnalotto.

Italian operators use foreign software. Popular games for online casinos in Italy are developed by Microgaming, Novomatic, iSoftBet, NeTent Casinos.

Legislative norms of online casinos in Italy

Users from 18 years old can play gambling entertainment. It is necessary to register on the casino website and replenish the gaming account. Registration includes the introduction of contact information: name, last name, email address, phone number.

Online casinos in Italy: regulation and licensing

The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM/AAMS) is responsible for licensing and controlling the gambling industry. In 2012, it included the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies (AAMS). The latter examines applications for licensing.

Gambling is legal in Italy when the Agency of Customs and Monopolies allows the activity. The licensees pass ADM inspections before and after obtaining the license for technical security, fairness of the payments, responsible partnership with organizations that help combat gambling addiction.

Operators can provide regulated games to users:

• Poker;
• Live games;
• Slot machines;
• Bingo;
• Jackpot slots;
• Blackjack;
• Roulette.

Italian gambling entertainment must be certified by independent organizations, such as Gaming Laboratories International. Information about the availability of relevant certificates is posted on the main page of the online casino.

According to Probabilità di vincita (decreto Balduzzi) of 2012 (Balduzzi decree), advertising of games with cash prizes is prohibited in Italy. A fine of €100,000 to €500,000 is imposed on the advertiser and the owner of the medium.

The Balduzzi's decree made it compulsory for websites of Italian internet casinos to include winning odds for each type of game. The odds range from 91 to 96%.

Lotterie Nazionali Srl, since October 1, 2010, is the exclusive provider of online instant and traditional lotteries. It develops software for interactive casino games, slots, sports betting and fixed odds sweepstakes.

International Game Technology (IGT), an international group of developers from more than 100 countries, became an investor of the state-owned company.

Protecting players at online casinos in Italy

ADM conducts regular inspections to identify unlicensed operators. On the official resource of the Agency you can see the list of banned sites.

Rules of the game, maximum transparency, security - the principles that the Italian regulator requires to observe in licensed online casinos. On the sites of operators there is a notice on the prohibition of games for minors, a warning that gambling causes pathological addiction.

According to AAMS regulations, online players can take advantage of the following measures as part of safe and responsible gambling:

You can set limits on the monthly amount of the account refill

• Temporary - is set for exclusion from the game for a period of 30, 60 or 90 days. Prolonged automatically, until the player has not addressed to the licensee with the request about removal of restrictions.
• Permanent - set for an indefinite period. Excludes the ability of the user to register, play online casino, make a deposit to the account. Can be canceled not earlier than 6 months.

How to get a license for online and land-based casinos in Italy?

In Italy there are tenders for online and land-based licenses. Their start is reported in the Official Journal of the European Union. The permit is granted to one or more operators. Having received the concession, the company concludes a contract with the Agency, which specifies additional conditions and guarantees.

To participate in the tender, participants need to meet the approved requirements:

• Have: a license (online or fixed) of any European country for at least one of the games allowed in Italy; technical capacity and infrastructure approved by ADM;
• Capital - minimum €1,500,000, as shown in the financial statements for the last 2 years of the company's activity;
• The server must be located in Italy or in the EU for online venues;
• ADM manages the public tender and decides who gets the license. The main criteria for the evaluation of applicants are the benefits of the economic proposal, financial and technical compliance with the established rules.

There are requirements for the integrity of the director of the company and all members of the board of directors. Entities that have not committed criminal offenses are allowed to participate in the tender. The company's activities must be in compliance with tax and labor laws.

The term of the license varies depending on the type of entertainment and is specified in the tender documentation. The tender for online games held in 2018 concluded for a license for 4 years, for SuperEnalotto (lottery) - for 9 years, Lottomatica Italia casino online - 6 years, horse racing - 9 years.

1. Register a representative office in Italy - You can create a new company or open a branch of an existing company. EU residents, entrepreneurs from Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland can open a subsidiary company;
2. Open a bank account - You can use a previously opened account in a bank of the Republic of Italy;
3. Prepare a package of documents: copies of founding documents;
4. Information on founders, shareholders, beneficiaries, managers, bank account statements, confirmation of domain registration in the .it zone, copies of contracts with gambling content providers, software suppliers, payment operators, confirmation of leasing or buying a server to store software, description of all games: name, manufacturer, principle, bets, bonuses, winning opportunities, business plan: expected income and expenses during first three years, attracting of outside capital, credit programs;
5. Pass the ADM audit - The casino's equipment and gaming platform are inspected. The results of the audit must be submitted with the package of documents;
6. Connect to ADM online monitoring program - The system ensures that the operator is operating within the law.

A prepared package of documents, application for license, copy of receipt for payment of state duty in the amount of 350,000 euros (+20% VAT) is sent to the regional center ADM.

Arbitration, prohibited games and measures to protect players' rights

Licensees are liable for violations of gambling rules in accordance with Italian law. Administrative and criminal penalties are applied. According to Articles 718, 719, 720 of the Penal Code, imprisonment for up to three years can be applied.

Depending on the type of violation detected, the license is suspended or revoked.

Operators operating without a permit are prosecuted, including fines. Illegal casino sites are banned.

ADM and the police regularly conduct campaigns to identify gaming content providers offering products to unlicensed operators.

Illegal gambling is also considered as tax evasion, so the punishment for it can be provided by the tax legislation of the Italian Republic.

Best land-based gambling establishments in Italy

It should be noted that in Italy, profits from gambling activities will be taxed at 20%. For fans of live games at the gambling table, the minimum amount to be converted into chips is 250 euros, and the maximum bet under the law - 1000 euros. It should be noted that the first casino appeared in Italy in the province of Como in the small town of Campione. The casino opened back in 1917 and is still in operation. At first the gambling establishment offered services illegally, but since 1933 gambling activities have been legalized. Rumor has it that the establishment was opened by the Italian secret service, which needed to recruit foreign diplomats - the casino was perfect for it, as the place was quiet and cozy.

Casino in Campione d'Italia

The main source of income for the local Italian authorities, as well as a significant employer, since about 20% of the city's residents work here. Recently, this casino was moved to a new building, which perfectly complements the landscape of the city. Players will find all sorts of gambling games here, and the most favorite games are always American and French roulette.

Vendramin Calergi Second Italian Casino

It is located in Venice. It is called the most beautiful in the world - it is located in the building of the ancient castle from 1509. The casino is magnificent not only outside but also inside. Here you can find entertainment for all tastes. Players love to visit the Regia, where they can play Chemin de Fer, and the Hall of the Golden Hearts, where they play Trente-Quarante.

Italy's third casino is in Sanremo

The casino building is also very old, but the Art Nouveau style was used to decorate it. This is also where the song festivals are held. Not only ordinary tourists come here, visitors and many stars and celebrities - politicians, actors, artists and other representatives of the bohemia. There are traditional games and video poker and slot machines. In Sanremo, the one-armed bandit is one of the most popular machines.

The fourth gambling establishment in Italy, Casino de la Valle, is located in Saint Vincent. It is the youngest establishment, and was built in 1957. To enter the casino in Italy you need to comply with several requirements: the guest must be appropriately dressed - a jacket is mandatory; be sure to bring a document that proves your identity.

The most popular land-based casinos in Venice

Now that we've looked at the big picture of gambling in Italy, let's get to the heart of our article: which casinos in Venice can bettors visit? The City of Masque has only two land-based locations where players can play some of the most popular casino games. By some standards, this is far below satisfactory. However, where else will you have a chance to get into a casino on a real gondola floating down the Canal Grande?

The city itself adds so much charm to Venice Italy's casinos that it really creates an unforgettable gambling experience, even if it's not Las Vegas in continental Europe. To some extent, it's also thanks to pop culture that we perceive this image of Venice as somewhat gambling-friendly.

One example is "Casino Royale," one of the best game films of all time, in which we follow the adventures of Britain's most famous spy. As the entire 2nd act takes place at a poker table in Montenegro, its straightforward precautions reach a fever pitch during the climax in Venice. This entire sci-fi movie act helped combine the game and the flying city into one brain box. Now, let's take a look at the best casino spots in Venice.

Casino of Venice - Ca 'Vendramin Calergi

Address: Cannaregio 2040, 30121 Venice

Ca 'Vendramin Calergi is certainly the largest and most refined of the two branches of Casino di Venezia. It also boasts of its location: right on the banks of the Grand Canal. The casino itself is housed in a 500-year-old Renaissance palace. The Casino di Venezia is a fascinating place to gamble for many reasons. This time it was founded in 1638 and is considered the oldest gambling house in the world. Why?

The Venetian Casino looks great not only from the outside, but also from the inside. The interior is exactly what you would expect from the Renaissance Venice Palace Casino. Crystal chandeliers, hundreds of works of art, wood carvings and gold decorations on ceilings and walls; it literally gives us the impression that we have entered a magnificent museum, with the small difference that there are slot machines and table games scattered around.

In terms of games, the assortment of this casino in Venice, Italy, proudly calls its own, has a decent selection of fruit machines and table games. There aren't many slots, but there are enough for the capacity of the room in terms of square footage and visitors.

Live table game action includes Blackjack, American Roulette, French Roulette, which can usually be found at the best online casino sites with Roulette. You can also find Poker, Chemin de Fer, Punto Banco and Baccarat (invented in Italy!). If you are a fan of gambling, don't miss a visit to Ca 'Vendramin Calergi. The following detail will give you the rest of the important information about it.

Venice Casino - Ca 'Noghera

Address: Via Paliaga, 4/8, 30173 Venice

The Ca 'Noghera branch of the Venice Casino was opened in 1999 near Venice Marco Polo International Airport. In terms of design, it is the exact opposite of its older brother. It's huge, sleek, modern and contemporary. It's an American-style place that delights in about 5,000 m2 of gaming space.

It's a strategic location for a casino as countless commuter train passengers pass through Venice's busy airport. If they don't have time to set up the logistics to get to Ca 'Vendramin Calergi, Ca 'Noghera might be the perfect solution. It is an effective method of developing gambling tourism in Venice and generating even more revenue. Not that the city complains about the hundreds of millions of tourists who spend there every year.

Otherwise, Ca 'Noghera's huge playground allows for hundreds of games on its floors. It has more than 500 slot machines and dozens of table games. Highlights include Punto Banco, blackjack, baccarat, American and French roulette, Caribbean poker and more. Unfortunately, Texas Hold'em Poker is no longer offered because its separate room has been closed.

Campione d'Italia Casinò

The trip to the Campione d'Italia Casino takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes and cities in the entire country. To give you an idea, the route takes you through Padua, Brescia, Verona, Milan and Lago di Como. Just for that, it might be worth dropping any casino in Venice for a few days. The 330 km distance will take you right into the Alps to the shores of Lago di Lugano.

The casino itself is located in the most important building in the small Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. It is a massive 9-story building of 55,000 m2. In addition to the casino, it offers other tourist attractions and food courts. There are more than 650 slot machines and an equally impressive number of table games. Did you know that this building is considered the largest gambling house on the continent? And it won't even break you as much as some of the more expensive casinos.

Casino strengths:

• 55,000 square meters of gaming space;
• 500 slot machines;
• 56 table games;
• Magnificent and exciting location;
• Europe's largest casino;
• Restaurants and bars.

One small event that may have affected the future of this casino and your potential plans is its mid-2018 bankruptcy announcement. That sounds scary and certainly doesn't bode well. However, things could change and it could reopen its doors to locals and tourists. In any case, it's good to know that there are alternatives to explore other than the Venice Casino if you land at Marco Polo Airport.

Italy's first gambling house

Nevertheless, the huge popularity among Italians only slightly accelerated the development of gambling industry in the country. The first casino, called Il Ridotto, was opened in 1638 in Venice. The purpose of opening a gambling house was to raise funds for the Italian government, which oversaw the operation of the establishment during the annual carnival.

However, average citizens could not afford to visit the gambling establishment because of the high stakes. Rumor has it that the luxurious ancient casino was not inferior in scale to modern ones - spacious halls, expensive furniture and art objects on the walls. Card games, Biribi and Basetta were especially popular in the gambling establishment.

In 1774 the gambling house was closed, the time came for underground casinos, which were mainly associated with Mafia gatherings. However, the news is well forgotten and Il Ridotto will soon reopen its doors to visitors, though the name on the signboard will be very different - Casino di Venezia. The gambling establishment is still active and is considered to be one of the oldest casinos in the world.

Interesting facts about Italy

The gambling center of Italy is Milan. It is in this city where 10 gambling establishments are located. The largest casino in the country is Casino de la Vallee - St. Vincent.