Italy gambling statistics: participation, regulation, and industry data

Gambling industry revenue in Italy

Italy's regulated gambling industry is massive by any measure. Total turnover (raccolta) — the gross amount wagered before prizes are paid out — reached €157.45 billion in 2024, a 6.59% increase over the prior year (ADM Bilancio d'esercizio, 2025). After paying out €135.87 billion in winnings, the net player loss (spesa/GGR) stood at €21.58 billion, up 4.38% from 2023. State revenue from gambling taxes and levies was €11.6 billion, roughly stable year-on-year despite rising turnover. The per capita gambling loss among adults was approximately €3,137 in 2024 (Libro Nero dell'Azzardo, 2025). For comparison, see our Spain gambling statistics.

The shift to online gambling has been the defining trend of the Italian market. Online channels now account for nearly 60% of all turnover, driven by online casino games, virtual betting, and mobile sports betting. Online casino GGR grew by approximately 16% year-on-year in 2024, with monthly GGR exceeding €260 million by mid-2025 (ADM monthly data, 2025). Over 20 million online gambling accounts were active in 2024, equivalent to roughly one account for every two Italian adults aged 18–74 (ADM, 2025). Leading operators by market share include Lottomatica (12.4%), Sisal (11.9%), PokerStars (7.8%), and Bgame (5.8%) in the online casino segment (ADM data via Ficom Leisure, 2025).

How many people gamble in Italy?

The ISS's Rapporto ISTISAN 19/28, published in 2019 based on 2017–2018 data, remains the most comprehensive national prevalence study. It found that 36.4% of Italian adults (approximately 18.4 million people) had gambled at least once in the previous twelve months (ISS, 2019). More recent estimates from the IPSAD study (referenced in 2023) suggest a similar or slightly higher rate in the 18–84 age range.

Gambling participation is highest among men and among adults aged 40–64 (ISS, 2019). Geographically, central Italy and the north-west have the highest rates, with Lombardia generating the largest absolute turnover (approximately €13 billion in 2024). Southern Italian regions, however, show particularly high per-capita online gambling intensity according to the Libro Nero dell'Azzardo 2025.

Problem gambling in Italy

Italy uses the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) as its primary screening tool in population surveys. The ISS's 2019 study (based on 2018 data) found that 3% of the adult population (approximately 1.5 million people) scored as "problem gamblers" on the PGSI, with an additional 2.8% classified as moderate-risk and 4.1% as low-risk (ISS, 2019). Using DSM criteria, the Dipartimento per le Politiche Antidroga has estimated between 300,000 and 1.3 million Italians meet criteria for gambling disorder. The IPSAD study (referenced in 2023) estimated approximately 4% of adults aged 18–84 show problematic gambling behaviour.

Over 95% of people with gambling disorder in Italy are not currently in contact with treatment services (OISED, 2023).

Men aged 25–49 are the most affected demographic, with higher rates among those with lower educational attainment (ISS, 2019). The ISS has noted that each person with gambling disorder affects an estimated six others in their social and family circle.

Treatment and help-seeking

Gambling disorder (Disturbo da Gioco d'Azzardo, DGA) is recognised as a treatable condition under Italy's national health system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). The 2012 Decreto Balduzzi included it in the Essential Levels of Care (LEA). Treatment is available through Italy's network of addiction services (Servizi per le Dipendenze, SerD) across all regions. The ISS operates a national helpline (Telefono Verde Nazionale per il Gioco d'Azzardo, TVNGA): 800 55 88 22, free and anonymous, Monday–Friday 10am–4pm.

ADM also funds an annual allocation of €94 million for pathological gambling addiction prevention and treatment (Legislative Decree 41/2024). Despite this infrastructure, help-seeking rates remain extremely low.

If you're concerned about your own gambling, you can take our PGSI self-assessment quiz — the same screening tool used in Italy's national prevalence research.

Italy gambling regulation

Gambling in Italy is regulated by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), which manages the state concession system for all forms of legal gambling. Italy operates a licensed market: operators must obtain concessions from the state. Online gambling has been regulated since 2006 (for sports betting and poker) and 2011 (for online casino games). In 2024, Legislative Decree 41/2024 introduced a major overhaul of the sector, including new online concession terms, enhanced anti-money-laundering requirements, a €100/week cash limit for land-based gambling, and a ban on gambling advertising since the "Decreto Dignità" of 2019.

Online gambling in Italy

Italy was one of the first European countries to regulate online gambling, and the sector has grown rapidly. In 2024, online turnover reached €92.1 billion, a 12.2% year-on-year increase, representing 58.5% of total market turnover (ADM / Libro Nero 2025). Online casino games are the fastest-growing segment, with monthly GGR consistently exceeding €250 million in 2025.

Over 20 million online gambling accounts were active in 2024, with approximately 5.27 million new accounts opened during the year (ADM, 2025). An estimated 4.5 million Italians are active online gamblers (ADM / industry estimates, 2025). Mobile play dominates, with operators reporting that smartphone and tablet sessions now represent the clear majority of online activity.

Under Legislative Decree 41/2024, new online concessions will require a one-off fee of €7 million, an annual fee of 3% of net revenues, and an additional 0.2% for responsible gambling campaigns. ADM blocked 721 illegal gambling websites in 2024 — more than double its target of 300 — reflecting growing enforcement of the ban on unlicensed operators (ADM, 2025).

Gambling harm and support

Gambling-related harm in Italy is a significant public health concern. The Libro Nero dell'Azzardo 2025 estimates that per-capita gambling losses reached €3,137 annually. The ISS has identified strong links between gambling disorder and financial distress, family breakdown, depression, and co-occurring substance use disorders. The DIA (Direzione Investigativa Antimafia) has also highlighted the gambling sector's exposure to organised crime infiltration (DIA Annual Report, 2025).

Support services include the ISS Telefono Verde (800 55 88 22), the SerD network of addiction services across all regions, Gamblers Anonymous (Giocatori Anonimi), and local community initiatives. The annual allocation of €94 million for gambling addiction prevention and treatment represents the largest dedicated public health gambling budget in Europe.

For further guidance on recognising and managing gambling-related harm, visit our responsible gambling hub.