Italy Delays iGaming Certification System Until February 2027
Italy – 12 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has announced another postponement of its new online gambling technology certification system, with implementation now provisionally scheduled for 15 February 2027.
The decision follows technical testing difficulties and an insufficient number of certification applications received during October and November.
The delay forms part of Italy’s wider iGaming market restructuring, which aims to strengthen technological controls, transparency and oversight of licensed operators.
Technical Issues Delay Implementation
The new system was initially expected to become operational in October 2026, before the regulator introduced a phased timetable extending into November.
However, operational difficulties persisted despite technical assistance from SOGEI, the state-owned technology company supporting the regulator.
ADM considers it necessary to complete outstanding verification procedures before activating the new infrastructure.
The objective is to prevent disruption to licensed gambling operations while protecting the continuity of tax revenue.
Revised Certification Timetable
The regulator has established several deadlines to complete the technological transition.
The main dates are:
- November 2026: submission of gaming systems and platforms that must be incorporated into the shared certification library.
- 13 January 2027: deadline for CFS providers to submit conformity assessment results.
- 12 February 2027: completion of technical and functional verification procedures.
- 15 February 2027: revised provisional production launch date.
The timetable provides operators and certification bodies with additional time to complete outstanding testing requirements.
What Changes for Online Gambling Operators
The new framework forms part of the reform introduced through Legislative Decree 41/2024, which restructures the regulatory conditions governing remote gambling.
The system is designed to establish stricter controls over the technological components used by licensed operators.
Its principal objectives include verifying platform compliance, supervising integrations between systems and ensuring that technology solutions meet regulatory requirements.
Certification procedures will be conducted through approved verification bodies.
The framework also affects technology suppliers providing gaming infrastructure and systems to multiple operators.
Player Protection Obligations Remain Unchanged
ADM has clarified that the technical postponement does not alter other regulatory obligations imposed on concession holders.
Operators must continue complying with requirements covering:
- Customer identification and verification.
- Self-exclusion systems.
- Player protection measures.
- Existing concession conditions.
The delay therefore specifically concerns implementation of the new certification system, without suspending current regulatory responsibilities.
Italy Also Prepares Land-Based Gambling Changes
Meanwhile, the Italian Government has included new provisions affecting land-based gambling in its proposed 2027 Budget.
The legislation would extend existing concessions for betting, gaming machines and bingo operations until 31 December 2029.
Extensions would be subject to additional payments by concession holders.
These arrangements would not constitute new licences but would prolong existing authorisations.
The proposal still requires parliamentary approval and remains open to amendment.
Proposed Tax and Machine Limit Changes
The Budget proposal also includes amendments to taxation and operating limits for gaming machines.
The principal changes include:
- AWP machines: an increase in the PREU levy from 24% to 25%.
- VLT terminals: a rise in the PREU levy from 8.6% to 9.6%.
- Maximum AWP stake: an increase from €1 to €2.
- Maximum AWP prize: an increase from €100 to €200.
- Special tax treatment: a reduced 20% levy for qualifying AWP machines returning at least 70% of stakes as winnings.
These measures remain legislative proposals and have not yet received final approval.
Regulatory Outlook for 2027
Italy’s comprehensive land-based gambling reform remains unresolved after the previous legislative mandate expired in August without an agreement.
The Government led by Giorgia Meloni must determine how to proceed with the sector’s reorganisation, particularly concerning venue distribution and relations with regional authorities.
Extending existing concessions would provide operational continuity while policymakers consider alternative arrangements.
For the online sector, the immediate priority will be completing technical verification procedures before February.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The latest postponement changes the compliance timetable for iGaming operators and technology suppliers.
Although the delay provides additional time to complete testing, it also postpones the implementation of infrastructure considered essential to Italy’s updated regulatory system.
ADM will need to coordinate with SOGEI and approved certification bodies to complete the remaining checks during January and February 2027.
With the new provisional launch date of 15 February 2027, Italy continues modernising its iGaming framework while preparing tax changes and extensions to land-based gambling concessions as part of its regulatory agenda for the coming year.
Editó: @fonta
