Sports betting software providers are becoming increasingly valuable to the entertainment and iGaming sectors, as more global markets seek access to dynamic sports betting content.
Partnering with a state-of-the-art, award-winning sportsbook software provider can help you achieve your sports betting goals—especially when the solutions are informed by niche, local, and global market insights, enabling greater adaptability in evolving betting landscapes.
Altenar, a sportsbook software provider, is exploring how Italy’s historical and cultural traditions of gambling and betting continue to shape the country’s current and future sportsbook ecosystem.
With features like cashout functionality and top-tier content such as international football leagues, Altenar delivers engaging, entertainment-rich sportsbook software to the Italian market—alongside 24/7 customer support and integrated risk management systems.
A Brief Modern History of Sports Betting in Italy: From Pre-Vatican Games to Post-Internet Sports Betting Software
| ⬇ | ⬇ | ⬇ | ⬇ |
| 4th Century | 15th Century | 16th Century | Modern Day |
| The Vatican | Baccarat | Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia | Online betting & casino |
With centuries of history and leadership in sports betting and gambling, it’s no surprise that many modern global markets look to Italy for inspiration on how to build successful, forward-thinking betting ecosystems—ones that embrace innovative technologies, user features, and more.
Thanks to sportsbook software providers, many operators today can leverage the Italian market’s historical insights and deep-rooted betting culture to enhance their products and platforms.
In 1638, Venice saw the establishment of the world’s first land-based casino, the Ridotto, which sparked widespread interest in games like Biribi (a precursor to modern lottery) and Bassetta (a high-stakes card game).
With games like Baccarat dating back to the 15th century and Bingo rooted in Italy’s gambling tradition, it’s clear why the country remains a pillar of the modern sports betting landscape.
Over time, betting and gambling evolved from exclusive pastimes of high society to widely accessible activities. This transition shaped today’s regulated betting environment—where protections are in place for the modern bettor.
Altenar views the Italian betting landscape as one deeply informed by its history—creating fertile ground for innovation, player engagement, regulatory responsiveness, and leadership within the European iGaming industry.
Much of the popularity of Italy’s sports betting market can be attributed to the country’s long-standing cultural affinity for gambling, which has become embedded in everyday life.
Balancing on the edge of tradition and transformation, Altenar—a sportsbook software provider—recognizes how Italy’s historic passion for betting has shaped the modern sports betting ecosystem.
A Glance at Some of Italy’s Regulatory Requirements | Altenar & You
The Italian regulatory authority, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), oversees all gambling activities in Italy. Any company that wants to offer sports betting services must obtain a license from the ADM. The license is valid for nine years and is renewable.
Sports betting operators in Italy are subject to a tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR). The current tax rate is 24% for online sports betting and 20% for land-based sports betting.
Italy enforces strict rules around the advertising of sports betting. Operators may only advertise their services on television and radio between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Additionally, all advertisements must include a warning about the risks associated with gambling.
Sports betting companies operating in Italy are required to promote responsible gambling. This includes providing information about the risks of gambling and offering tools to help customers manage their betting behavior.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to place a sports bet in Italy. Operators must implement strict measures to prevent minors from accessing their services.
The following forms of online gambling are legal in Italy:
- Sports and horse racing betting
- Pool betting
- Virtual and live betting (including fantasy sports betting)
- Slots, roulette, and other casino games (online casinos)
- Poker and card games
- Games of skill, including poker tournaments and non-banked poker games
- Bingo
- Betting exchange
Sports betting is legal in Italy and is currently regulated by the Sports Betting Decree No. 111, which has been in effect since 2007. Virtual sports betting (computer simulations of real teams and sports) and fantasy football (user-created teams and fictional sports) are also classified as gambling activities. Operators offering these services must obtain a valid sports betting license. Online sports betting has been legal since the launch of the online lottery system in 2011.
Contact Altenar, a leading sportsbook software provider, today to kick-start your sports betting journey!
