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The world of online casinos in Italy: brands, market shares and legal limitations

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The world of online casinos in Italy: brands, market shares and legal limitations
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Which are the best online casinos in Italy?

In this article we are going to find out which are the best online casinos in Italy, but also the limitations resulting from the regulations enforced within the Italian territory surrounding the promotion of businesses operating in the world of online betting.

Having said that, Italian casinos are regulated by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), which means that all legal casinos authorised to operate are ADM-AAMS certified. In order to receive this certification, online casinos in Italy must pass a series of strict controls and must also make a significant financial investment.

There are many legal online Italian casinos, and here you can find a full detailed comparison of the best online casinos in Italy.

Are there international brands operating online casinos in Italy?

Many international brands operate their online casinos in Italy, among them we can find:

  • William Hill: Founded in 1934, William Hill has become one of the largest sports betting and gaming organisations in the world and is the UK’s number one organisation with more than 2,300 corners in the UK and Ireland. Back in 1998 William Hill was one of the first to launch online betting and gaming services and
    today their platform supports over 21 languages across more than 175 countries, and the Italian site is licensed by AAMS. From the very beginning the company has been synonymous with fair gaming and professional service. William Hill is also listed as one of the top 250 FTSE companies in London.
  • PokerStars: PokerStars Casino is owned by Rational Entertainment Enterprises LTD and is part of the Stars Group, a global leader in online gambling. As one of the most famous names in the market, PokerStars has been in the industry since 2001 and is the regular choice for most online poker players. PokerStars Casino was launched in November 2015 as a complement to their booming poker business.
  • LeoVegas: LeoVegas is a Swedish online gaming company founded in 2011 by Gustav Hagman and Robin Ramm-Ericson. Since November 2017 it has been present on the Italian casinos market as LeoVegas.it, providing online betting services, and allowing users to play other games such as casino and video slots. The company LeoVegas Gaming Ltd. is a brand of LeoVegas AB, a joint stock company also listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq index.
  • Netbet: NetBet is an online sports betting and casino operator which offers various services such as sportsbook, online casino, online poker, and a live casino with offices in the UK, Malta, and Romania.

In addition to the most popular ones there are Italian casinos that are only present in Italy but depend on international brands such as:

  • Entain’s Gioco Digitale: Entain plc (formerly GVC Holdings) is a British sports betting and gaming company that owns brands such as Coral, Ladbrokes, PartyPoker and Sportingbet. It also owns one of the best online casinos in Italy, Gioco Digitale launched in 2008, that was the first site to be fully regulated. It immediately positioned itself as a gambling portal for casual users, focusing mainly on products such as casino and bingo.

Italian casinos Brands’ Market Shares

 

In 2020, the online Italian casinos market saw a strong growth due to the lockdown. As of October 2020 a total of €103.6 million has been spent in this market, an increase of 57.5% from the previous year (€65.7 million in 2019).

But how are these revenues distributed among the best online Italian casinos?

The market data updated to 2020 on Italian casinos saw Pokerstars lead with 11.46%, taking the biggest slice. It was followed by Sisal with 9.06%, Lottomatica with 7.93%, Eurobet with 6.33%, William Hill with 2.64%, and finally LeoVegas with a share of 1.78%.

We can therefore say that the market is led by an international company that operates in most countries under the same name, Pokerstars.

Legal limitations for online casinos in Italy

 

The online game was regulated in Italy in 2006 with the legislative decree 223/2006. The regulatory system has been appealed several times by operators from other states, but all legal proceedings have confirmed the full validity and applicability of the Italian licensing regime for online gaming.

Any operator licensed anywhere in the EEA, with a minimum gaming turnover of EUR 1.5 million in the last two years and meeting the standard requirements, is in principle eligible to apply for an ADM concession. In general, Italian law gives legal entities the right to apply for a concession for the management of gaming activities, while individuals are not granted the same possibility.

The only way to make such an application is to participate in the public procedures that are announced by the Regulatory Authority. The number of concessions that can be granted for online casinos in Italy is decided by the Government, while the duration of the concessions is established from time to time in the contract concluded between the State and the concession holder.

Currently, the key requirements for Italian casinos are the following:

1. The operator must alternatively have a gaming license issued by any European State (for at least one of the games authorised in Italy) or an adequate technical capacity, i.e. sufficient infrastructure to offer at least one of the games authorised in Italy, and a bank or insurance guarantee of €1,500,000.

2. Minimum share capital of €1,500,000, proven by financial statements for the last two years of activity related to the gaming sector.

3. It is not expressly required that the servers be located in Italy, but they must be located within the territory of a European State.

“Decreto Dignità” and how it affects companies’ promotion

The Decree-Law No. 87 of 2018, also known as the “Decreto Dignità”, introduced an absolute ban on the advertising of games and bets including sponsorships and forms of indirect advertising. In particular, Article 9 concerns the prohibition of any form of advertising, including indirect advertising, relating to games or bets with money winnings, regardless of the medium used, including sports, cultural or artistic events.

Excluded from the prohibition are national lotteries with deferred draws, lotteries and tombolas organised at local level for charity and must include the logos of the Customs and Monopolies Agency. Violations of the regulations are subject to a sanction of 20% of the value of the sponsorship or advertising, with a minimum amount of €50,000 per violation.

The Authority for Communications Guarantees (AGCOM) is the body responsible for imposing sanctions, which go into the Fund for countering pathological gaming. Until 2018, gambling advertising was allowed within certain limits. In particular, the 2016 Stability Law (Legge di Stabilità) had introduced a series of prohibitions with reference to gaming advertising, implementing the principles contained in Recommendation no. 478/2014 of the European Commission.

It was forbidden to advertise excessive gambling, to deny the risks associated with gambling, to advertise gambling as a means of solving financial problems, target or refer to minors, to make unfounded statements about the chances of winning.

It was also prohibited to advertise games with cash winnings on national and local radio and television broadcasts from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, except specialised media, identified by decree of the Minister for the Economy in agreement with the Minister for Economic Development, and national lotteries.

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BOS agrees with KV’s/KO’s advertising assessment of “Trisskrapet” in TV4

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The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) agrees with the Swedish Consumer Agency’s (KV) and the Consumer Ombudsman’s (KO) assessment that the daily scratch card commercial “Trisskrapet” in TV4 is an advertising feature, and thus not an editorial feature. BOS welcomes that KO is now ending that part of the process.

If Svenska Spel does not stop the advertising elements, BOS looks forward to KV following up on its earlier call to Svenska Spel to comply with the provisions on advertising identification and broadcaster declaration in section 9 of the Marketing Act and the information obligation in ch. 15. Section 3 of the Gambling Act with information on the 18-year-old age limit and where to turn in case of gambling problems.

– The Swedish gambling market must be characterized by a high level of consumer protection. A cornerstone of good consumer protection is that people are clear about what constitutes gambling advertising, i.e. that they are not tricked into thinking that an advertising feature would instead be an editorial feature. The daily “Trisskrapet” on TV4 has been anything but clear on that point, and we welcome that KO now finally establishes that the features constitute advertising and nothing else, says Gustaf Hoffstedt.

– Now it remains for Svenska Spel to introduce the mandatory consumer protection labelling of Trisskrapet. Since the company has not shown any excessive eagerness to introduce this voluntarily, KO should ensure that this happens as soon as possible. Every day and every “Trisskrapet” that does not contain the mandatory consumer protection label is another lost day for a safe and secure gambling market, Gustaf Hoffstedt concludes.

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Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet

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Expanse Studios, a leader in online gaming innovation, has secured a Bulgarian iGaming license and is now live on Inbet’s website. This expansion brings Expanse Studios’ popular game offerings including turn-based strategies gamified for iGaming, classic slots, traditional card games and the highly-acclaimed ones like Titan Roulette, Clown Fever Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, White Wild Whale and Joker Poker to Bulgarian players.

Diverse Gaming Portfolio Now Available to Bulgarian Players

With the Bulgarian market entry, Expanse Studios introduces a versatile gaming experience to Inbet’s platform. The offerings include a dynamic range of games tailored to diverse player preferences:

  • Turn-based strategy games: Leveraging gamification, these games transform traditional strategy gameplay into engaging iGaming experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced players.
  • Classic slots: Players will enjoy a variety of themed slots that combine traditional gameplay with modern graphics and sound.
  • Traditional card games: A selection of popular card games offer something for every card game enthusiast.
  • Titan Roulette: This standout feature, known for its immersive experience and innovative design, continues to be a favorite among roulette players.

Commitment to Quality and Compliance

Expanse Studios not only cultivates a diverse gaming library but also adheres to stringent regulatory standards to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The acquisition of the Bulgarian iGaming license is a testament to Expanse Studios’ commitment to compliance and excellence in the gaming industry.

The partnership between Expanse Studios and Inbet marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ expansion efforts. By combining Expanse Studios’ innovative gaming solutions with Inbet’s established market presence, both entities are set to offer a superior gaming experience to players in Bulgaria and potentially beyond. As Expanse Studios continues to develop and release new games monthly, Bulgarian players can look forward to a continually evolving and enriching gaming landscape.

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Week 17/2024 slot games releases

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Week 17/2024 slot games releases
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is on point with its latest sharply designed game, Golden øks. This Norse-inspired adventure carries on from the popular Axe of Fortune title that hit the market at the turn of the year. Golden øks is set against a 5×3 layout and is brought to life with a powerful soundtrack to heighten the atmosphere.

Belatra grows games portfolio with Golden øks title

Endorphina, has announced the release of its brand-new title, Jolly Queen, which will join its portfolio on April 27th. Jolly Queen is a 5-reel, 5-row fruit slot with 50 fixed paylines, introducing players to the lifestyle of the nobles. On top of the aristocratic ambiance, Jolly Queen provides players with Free Games, allowing them to master the reels.

Endorphina releases its newest title - Jolly Queen!

Evoplay has released Candy Craze, a vibrant slot stacked with features and modifiers, including the powerful Gum Drop Multiplier which boosts win potential. Set amidst the backdrop of sumptuous sweets within a cloudy landscape, the 5×5 cascading reels title gives players a sugary rush when the Gum Drop Multiplier activates, revealing a mystery value at the end of each winning spin up to x100, enhancing the chance for wins during the main game and Free Spins.

Yggdrasil, a leading iGaming publisher, has revived the gold rush in a jackpot-filled game that embodies the spirit of old west prospecting in Gold Frontier Jackpots FastPot5™. Fans of lower volatility slots with straightforward mechanics that get fortune seekers right to the heart of the action are tasked with gathering keys to enter the treasure bonus game.

Relax Gaming is offering players some opulence in its latest release Sultan Spins. This high volatility slot sees its gold-trimmed reels set against a sprawling desert metropolis. Players have the chance to rack up riches via an entertaining free spins feature and lucrative local jackpot.

Greentube has introduced its latest title in the popular Diamond Link ™ series, Diamond Link ™: Mighty Dwarves Inc. Set deep in underground mines, this adventurous 5×3 slot is packed with innovative features for ample chance to win across its 25 paylines when players spin the reels adorned with hammers, hard hats and laser symbols.

Get your eyes ready because it’s time to take a trip to the pet centre to meet the ugliest, quirkiest, wildest-looking pets you’ve ever seen in the brand new slot, Fugly Pets, from Stakelogic. Fugly Pets takes players to a banged-up old pet store to explore its collection of weird and charming, downright ugly pets. Meet a scruffy parrot, a catnip crazed kitty, and an unfortunate-looking little dog.

 

 

Load your tackle box, bait your hook and get ready to reel in the catch of the day in Fishin’ The Biggest from Apparat Gaming, the in-demand German software provider’s latest splash hit slot that sees players trawl the sea for free spins and massively multiplied prizes. Played over five reels, three rows and ten fixed paylines, Fishin’ The Biggest is a highly-volatile title with an outdoor angling theme.

Thunderkick has announced the launch of Midas Golden Touch 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed 2019 original. This latest release invites players to rediscover an enchanted realm where everything King Midas touches turns to gold. The 3×5 video slot boasts 15 paylines and showcases Thunderkick’s signature high-quality design and innovative features.

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has served up another classic with its tasty Chef’s Sticky Fruits slot. This latest release from Belatra’s studio  is a vibrant and juicy addition to its renowned catalogue of slots. It’s a 5×4 slot game bursting with colour that’s heightened with an upbeat, retro soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of fun at the heart of every play.

Belatra serves up tasty Chef’s Sticky Fruits slot

3 Oaks Gaming has launched 3 China Pots: Hold and Win, the first time the company has integrated the popular 3 Pots mechanic within a Far East-themed title. The latest instalment from 3 Oaks to incorporate the 3 Pots functionality sees players transported to the allure of the Orient, where the Extra, Double and Multi modifiers influence the Bonus Game once activated.

3 Oaks Gaming presents a feature-rich trip to the Far East in 3 China Pots: Hold and Win

Pragmatic Play has unleashed roaming wild re-spins and random guaranteed wins in Release the Bison. Symbols of the American frontier abound in this 5×4 slot, where hitting four or more rampaging bison triggers the wild re-spin feature, during which all wilds roam the reels to boost win potential.

Blueprint Gaming’s latest slot release tasks players to look for the leprechaun’s pot of gold under the water rather than at the end of the rainbow in Plenty O’ Fish, a 6×4 hybrid of sea creatures and shimmering rewards. Players must look to unlock a tackle box of treasure with a jaunty leprechaun being the key to wins, lurking behind a dynamically coloured underwater background that changes when the bonus game is triggered.

Booming Games has launched its latest sweet sensation to its collection of engaging slot games – Fruit Heaven Hold and Win™. This is a deliciously designed 5×3 slot game with 25 paylines, which promises players an exciting experience full of fantastic fruity features and Stacked Wilds.

Wazdan is multiplying jackpots in the follow-up to its top-performing game Mighty Wild™: Panther Grand Gold Edition. Venturing to the depths of the jungle where a black panther rules the reels on a 5×3 gameboard, the new edition provides even larger win potential. With the increased value of the Cash symbols and Cash Infinity™ symbols, there is also a more lucrative Grand Jackpot of 1500x the base bet.

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