You will not find many countries where players enjoy online betting more than Italy. Based on annual stats, over 20 million people (35% of the population) place wagers online yearly. Most play on licensed bookies, while some have elected to sign up with international operators.
However, we expect the latter to be increased due to the increasingly harsh regulations that local authorities impose on online gambling. After the ban on gambling advertisements, Italy announced that the number of licensees would drop to 50 in 2025.
On this page, we will provide a complete list of Italian bookmakers, with a particular focus on the best offshore alternatives. We will also thoroughly examine the legal framework and discuss the trajectory of online betting in the country.
Bookmaker Comparison | Local Licensed | International |
Licensing | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli | Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators |
Payment Methods | Debit Cards, Bank Transfers, Mobile Payments, PostePay | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options |
User Experience | Fully localized for Italian users (language, currency) | Few sites support the Italian language |
KYC Verification | Mandatory | Depending on the website |
Taxation | No Taxation | No Taxation |
As you can see, if you want to translate the website into Italian or have the ability to contact the Customer Support teams in Italian, it will be difficult with international operators. Nevertheless, the latter offers more payment methods and fewer restrictions when it comes to verifying your account.
Full List of the Best Betting Sites in Italy
How to Find the Best Italian Betting Sites
As an Italian bettor, evaluating various factors is vital when choosing a platform to place your wagers. Make sure you follow the criteria below before you open a new betting account.
Sports and Markets
Ensure the site includes your preferred sports and betting markets. While football and basketball are commonly featured, less popular ones like volleyball or motorsports are often overlooked.
In-Play Betting
A large pre-match selection isn’t enough. Look for platforms that support live betting on your favorite sports. Moreover, the in-play betting odds are very important since many Italian bookmakers offer low prices after an event has started.
Betting Features
Modern bookies often include Cash Out, Live Streaming, and Bet Builder services. You can use them to create profitable strategies and settle your wagers before one or more events finish.
Payment Methods
The luxury of performing transactions with all the local payment options cannot be overstated. It saves you time and possibly unnecessary fees. Among the most popular methods, Italians prefer topping up their accounts with debit cards, credit cards, PostePay, Google and Apple Pay.
Localization
It is always easier to place bets in your native language or resolve a dispute in Italian rather than English. Look for sites that allow you to navigate the website in Italian and employ Italian speakers to manage their Customer Support lines.
What You Need to Know About Online Betting in Italy
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
20,000,000+ | 18 | Euro (€) | ADM |
The first steps towards the Italian online betting market's liberalization occurred in early 2006. At first, only the two state-backed monopoly operators, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the National Horse Breeders Enhancement Society (UNIRE), were allowed to offer sports betting, both online and offline.
All the other bookmakers were put on a blacklist, and their domains were blocked by the authorities. However, on March 1, 2006, the government introduced Ministerial Decree No. 111 after facing infringement proceedings by the European Union regarding the prohibition of non-Italian bookmakers.
A year later, in 2007, the Decree on Liberalization was established and online betting was officially deemed legal. In 2009, the Italian state notified the European Commission about a series of amendments that it made to its laws about the regulation of online gambling.
Is Sports Betting in Italy Legal?
On March 2010, the legislative framework that is still valid today was implemented. It allowed international bookies to operate in the land and claim a license from the Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (AAMS). This means sports betting in Italy is perfectly legal.
It is worth noting, though, that with the Decree Law no. 135 of 7 August 2012, which officially came into force on December 1, 2012, the AAMS was incorporated into the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), which remains until today the sole licensing authority and gambling regulator in Italy.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?
Interestingly, even though regulations in the country have become more strict, players do not have to pay taxes on their winnings. The tax implications fall on operators. They are expected to pay a one-off fee of €200,000 and a 24% tax on their gross gaming revenue (GGR) to obtain a license (valid for nine years) and operate under a .it domain. They must have a physical presence within the European Union or in any European Economic Area member state to get that license.
International vs. Local Betting Sites in Italy
The abundance of options between local, international, and some European bookmakers, coupled with the fact that non-taxable winnings confirm that Italians are among the luckiest bettors.
Although the current legislation states that betting on non-AAMS bookies is illegal and can lead to heavy fines, no legal action has ever been taken against players. The most popular Italian bookmakers offer higher levels of anonymity, a wider range of payment options, and very competitive odds.
Can You Use Betting Apps in Italy?
Yes. All the top bookmakers operating in the country also allow you to download and install a native application on your smartphone. The easiest and safest way to find them is by visiting the official website and locating the file. That way, you avoid the risk of downloading a scam app by mistake.
On the other hand, you should note that most international Italian betting sites have not yet developed a mobile application. Currently, you can only use the mobile website to access the bookies through your phone.
What is the Direction of Online Betting in Italy
The total revenue for online sports betting alone was €1.15 billion in 2024 in Italy. We expect this number to rise close to €1.5 billion by 2028. It is no surprise that football stands on top, but some other sports also generate a lot of revenue for betting sites in Italy. Let’s see the top ones.
Football
Football in Italy is a way of life. The success of the national team, namely the four World Cup and two European Championship trophies, and the domestic Serie A are the two main reasons why the sport is so immensely popular in the country. Bettors enjoy wagering on all the Serie A and Serie B matches, as well as on the rest of the European leagues.
Basketball
Sports betting in Italy extends way beyond football. Another popular alternative is basketball, which also has a rich history. The Lega Basket Series A, which was established back in 1920, is the top league in the country. Of course, a lot of bettors choose markets such as Quarters, Total Points or Player Props when wagering on Serie A or international competitions, like the Euroleague.
Volleyball
In terms of participation, volleyball ranks above basketball in Italy. Much like football, the national team has also produced some notable moments and has brought home many trophies and Olympic medals. In the same manner, domestic clubs like Trentino Volley and Lube Civitanova have won Champions League titles.
Motorsports
Italy is home to the most passionate racing fans in the world, the Tifosi. Ferrari is the most successful team in Formula 1, with 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ Championships. Whether you are a Tifoso or not, betting along with the F1 calendar is available on international betting sites where you can wager on all sessions and even various uutrights.
How To Bet Online in Italy - Step By Step
If you’re new to gambling and wondering where to begin, follow these steps to get started smoothly:
- 1 Pick a Bookmaker: Start by selecting a betting platform that aligns with your preferences. Look for detailed reviews and ratings to ensure the site offers the sports, markets, and features you value most. Make sure not to rush; picking the right site must not be done hastily. Based on your needs, you can choose multiple Italian bookmakers.
- 2 Sign Up: Once you’ve chosen a site, visit its official webpage via the link. Click the "Sign Up" or "Register" button and provide all the required information, such as your email, phone, password, and other personal details. Double-check your entries to avoid issues later on.
- 3 Fund Your Account: After completing registration, go to the cashier section to deposit funds into your account. Select a payment method you trust, and ensure the deposit meets the minimum amount to claim any available bookmaker bonuses. Make sure to keep a record of your transaction for future reference.
- 4 Begin Betting: With funds in your account, check the sportsbook to find the events that interest you. Take time to understand the markets and odds. Once you do, choose the wager you want to place, pick your stake, and tap on the ‘’Place’’ button to confirm it. It will be settled automatically once the match has finished.
Which Payments Do Italian Bettors Prefer?
The popularity of online gambling in the country has led most operators to up their game. One way to improve the overall services of a website is to allow customers to pay using any method they like. Below, we will analyze the most common payment options among betting sites in Italy.
⏩ Debit & Credit Cards: Of course, performing transactions with your card is by far the most common among bettors. You can use any type of card to add money or withdraw profits. In Italy, you use both credit and debit cards.
⏩ PostePay: This reloadable prepaid card is being issued by Poste Italiane, the Italian postal service provider, and allows bettors to deposit funds into their accounts instantly and even withdraw their winnings.
⏩ E-wallets: Another popular alternative is topping up your account through e-wallets. PayPal dominates the market in Italy, but some players use other e-wallets like Skrill, Exopayz, and Neteller.
⏩ Mobile Payments: Paying through your mobile phone has become increasingly popular in Italy. This is also the case with online betting, with Google and Apple Pay bookmakers on the rise.
Do Italian Bookmakers Allow Cryptocurrencies?
Much like most countries in the EU, bookies who hold a local license in Italy do not offer any crypto payments, only the traditional ones mentioned above. The main reasons are to avoid anonymity and money laundering and ensure transparency for all transactions. If crypto gambling is your cup of tea, you should prefer offshore Italian betting sites.
Online Betting in Italy: What Does the Future Hold
The first thing we know is that the government will attempt to control the betting landscape better by reducing the number of licenses issued by ADM to 50 in 2025. Operators who wish to apply must pay a steep €2m, alongside an increased GGR tax rate.
Moreover, the gambling ban on advertisements in all channels isn't projected to end anytime soon. It appears there is a shift from the original liberal approach to a more strict strategy around online gambling. This is why we expect more players to join international betting sites in Italy to avoid the harsh restrictions.
Gambling in the Neighbouring Countries
Getting to know the gambling regulations in nearby countries is a smart approach for all bettors. Despite being top destinations for local tourists, neighbouring countries may have significantly different betting laws compared to Italy. We will take a look at two of these destinations across the border to gain insights into gambling in each one of them:
⏩ Switzerland: offers a unique gambling landscape that could provide new opportunities for Italian bettors seeking luxurious betting experiences. With fully regulated land-based and online markets, local players might opt for some of the international Switzerland betting sites to bet under the radar.
⏩ Monaco: has one of the most known gambling scenes worldwide in regard to land-based casinos. However, there are no laws or restrictions on international operators, putting the best Monaco betting sites in an unregulated market.
Yes, betting is completely legal both at betting shops in Italy and online, as the local market has been regulated since 2006, and all forms of gambling became legal with the 2007 Decree on Liberalization.
Betting exchanges are considered fully legal in Italy, and players can place their wagers on them without worrying about legal repercussions. As a matter of fact, the best betting exchange Italia has to offer is that of Betfair.
Follow our link and read the Librabet bonus guide to better understand the offer, its rollover requirements, and applicable restrictions.
The list of international operators that offer their services to local players is constantly expanding. Lucky for you, we have reviewed all of them and can safely say that some of the best include 22bet, Powbet, and N1bet. For more information, check our bookmaker's rating page.
In licensed brands, players prefer topping up their accounts with debit cards, credit cards, PostePay, e-wallets, and bank transfers. However, if you want to deposit with cryptos, you should join an international bookie.
Rabona is a bookmaker that keeps offering its services in Italy, and is among the best choices of international bookmakers. Read our Rabona Bet review for all the information you might need before you sign-up.