Italy opens poker bidding

The Italian online gaming market has seen massive growth since 2016.

The bidding process to propel online poker platforms in Italy has been already set off this week.

In order to select innovative online poker and iGaming operators, the Government of Italy has publicised the inception of the bidding process.

Moreover, the shared online poker liquidity has taken effect in the four markets – namely Italy, Portugal, Spain and France that signed an international agreement last year. In a statement released in this week’s Official Journal of the European Union report, the Italian Government affirmed its interest in according further online casino and poker licenses. Online poker, fantasy sports, sports betting, slots, and other online casino games are the iGaming services authorised by the Italian Government.

Interested operators have a deadline until March 19 to submit their projects. In order to apply for the licenses, operators must pay a one-time fee of €200,000. The Government plans to achieve €24 million from the online license applications alone throughout the year.

According to the statement, over 120 licenses could be granted during the current bidding process. The new operators would help the Government achieve the amount set. Italy has recently granted 888Holding an online poker license.

888poker.it launched on January 3 a comprehensive portfolio that includes: Snap Poker, a high-speed fast-fold poker game and Poker Blast, an eight-minute, four-player poker game with a prize pool of up to €300,000.