Poker is legal in Italy when operated by licensed entities under strict government regulation. Online poker must be conducted according to rules established by Law No. 266/2005, which granted the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli the authority to regulate the online gaming sector. The ADM exercises state oversight of gambling activities, ensuring Treasury interests and protecting citizens through licensing and regulatory acts (1).
Land-based poker is considered legal only when it does not constitute pure gambling under Italian law. According to the Bersani Decree, poker is legal whenever skill prevails or equals the luck component, or in tournaments with equal fixed registration for all players. Poker games are permitted in authorized venues including Italy's four licensed land-based casinos and through ADM-licensed operators. All poker operators must obtain proper concessions from the ADM and licenses from qualified authorities to legally offer services (2).
"Online poker must be exercised according to the rules established by Law No 266/2005, which gave the ADM the right to regulate the online gaming sector, with the consequent prohibition on carrying out this activity for all sites that do not have the necessary authorisations."
Italy maintains a highly regulated gambling market with comprehensive licensing requirements. To qualify for online gambling operations, companies must establish capital companies with registered offices in European Economic Area states and obtain ADM concessions. The regulatory framework underwent significant changes with Legislative Decree No. 41/2024, introducing new nine-year licensing periods for online gaming operators. The ADM actively enforces regulations through ISP blocking of unauthorized websites and continuous monitoring by state police forces (1).
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/italy
https://www.adm.gov.it/portale/en/giochi
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
