With centuries of leadership in betting, gambling, and gaming, it’s no surprise that many of today’s global markets look to Italy for inspiration—especially when it comes to building a thriving ecosystem fueled by innovation, new technologies, and player-focused experiences.
In 1638, Venice witnessed the opening of the first land-based casino, the Ridotto, where games like Biribi (an early lottery-style game) and Bassetta (a high-stakes card game) rose to popularity.
Games like Baccarat date back to the 15th century, and Bingo also originated in the Italian gambling scene—further proof of the country's deep influence on today’s vibrant betting industry.
Over time, gambling moved from aristocratic salons to public venues, becoming more accessible. As betting evolved, regulations were introduced to protect modern players and ensure market fairness.
How Has Betting Grown From the 15th Century to Today?
Today, Italian bettors have legal access to a wide range of online gambling and betting options, including:
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Cash poker games
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Horse betting pools
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Casino games
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Fixed-odds & totalizator sports betting
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Skill-based games
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Solitaire & tournament poker games
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Bingo
Altenar sees Italy’s betting landscape as a historically informed, forward-thinking space—one where innovation thrives. From engaging player tools to adapting quickly to regulatory changes, Italy continues to help shape the European iGaming industry.
Speaking on the popularity of sports betting in Italy, Altenar’s Regional Director Francesco Papallo shared the following insights:
Betting on sports events is nothing new in Italy. The practice goes back to Roman times—just look at the “Totocalcio,” a historic competition in our country.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, which heavily impacted the Italian gaming industry, the iGaming sector has since rebounded. We’re confident there are major opportunities and challenges ahead for Italian operators to focus on.
In a highly specialized industry like gaming, companies at every level now need tools that enhance their offerings without adding complexity. At Altenar, we continuously work on advanced technology to make our sportsbook software globally competitive.
That said, regulatory limitations in Italy make certain types of development more difficult. Compounding this are the legislative hurdles caused by the sector's low public perception.
And while these perceptions present clear limitations, they also serve as a kind of safeguard—keeping the market focused and accessible only to those who truly understand the Italian landscape.
You can learn more about Altenar and what the sportsbook software provider offers the Italian market by contacting the team today.
