Gambling in Italy: How the gambling certification in Italy works and why it’s so complex

An increase in users correlates to a matched increase in online Italian gambling casinos demanding certification from the ADM licensing board. This is why and where ADM enters the Italian virtual gaming industry, overseeing the regulations and ethical practices of gaming platforms operating in Italy.

Some key safety measures the AAMS in Italy oversees include:

• direct access to every casino’s servers with Italy licenses
• audits and investigations
• ensuring users have access to quick and reliable gaming tools
• maintaining safe and secure consumer database
• fighting illegal gambling in Italy

Demand for a gambling certification in Italy is on the rise but just how easy is it? Well that’s a great question. Gaming websites operating in Italy without an AAMS license are at risk of hefty fines or even possibly gaming suspension.

The steps to be taken to acquire this coveted license is not without a challenge, the casino must be able to pass a series of challenging tests followed up with a significant financial investment. In 2019 the cost for a maximum 9-year gambling license in Italy was set with a 2 million euro renewal fee.

The AAMS certification requires a lengthy application and vetting process with some of the requirements including the following:

• a turnover of no less than €1,500,000 in the last 2 years;
• function at a high technical level, providing stable, secure, and easy-to-use services;
• be incorporated as a limited company;
• have reliable administration members;
• have its official residence and technical support in one of the EU countries;
• pay €350,000 to AAMS for technical management, administration, and supervision;
• casinos provide the ADM with access to the operating servers ensuring transparency and monitoring of players and casinos;
• player registration requirements including personal information and banking details.

The regulations and safety measures the ADM is able to impose allows both the player and the game-provider with a safety net preventing fraud, theft and other criminal activities. Casinos found to be operating without the ADM license can face fines and even jail. For this reason it is legally required to have the certification logo appear on the homepage of virtual gaming platforms operating in Italy.

When you play with an uncertified casino platform the list of vulnerabilities increase exposing the consumer to unreliable games with the possible intention to exploit the user, identity protection and risk of personal data exposure increases, never receiving payouts, and even platforms using winnings for illegal activity.

These are just a few examples for why Italy remains a strict gambling location with ADM license being a rigorous goal that takes patience and a little luck. With the number of licenses being granted until 2022 hovering at just 120 the supply definitely does not meet the demand in the case of Italy’s AAMS gambling certification. Once the applicant is granted the license they are then permitted to operate online poker, online casino and a number of other betting events.

Strict on regulation but also strict on self-care and mental wellness. The ADM established what has been called the Responsible Gaming section which aims to protect players from addiction to gambling. Consistent exposure to easily accessible and entertaining gaming platforms should be monitored and addressed which is what led ADM to require gambling platforms in Italy to add a page on their website encouraging help and support for addicted bettors.

Additionally, the ADM licensing board has managed to regulate the Return to Player (RTP). The RTP affects the gaming experience offering reassurance to the player. An AAMS certified casino does not determine the minimum percentage of RTP offered by the games, but instead it’s the AAMS that decides this therefore protecting the players from fraud.…