The Italians adore to gamble, and the country has a long history of betting dating back to the Roman Empire. Baccarat was created in Italy, and its first casino – now known as Casino di Venezia – opened in 1638.
There are now several land-based casinos in Italy, which cater to both Italian and foreign visitors. Until recently, it was illegal for Italians to gamble, and even lotteries were banned. The Italian government has steadily liberalized its gaming rules since 2006, making the country a pioneer among EU countries with nations like France or Spain.
The Italian gaming market is one of the most competitive in Europe, with operators scrambling to get a piece of the action. That rivalry has resulted in significant value for players in terms of game variety, welcome bonuses, and loyalty programs.
It is legal for Italians to gamble at home-based online casinos, poker rooms, and sports betting sites that are licensed in the country as well as ones located outside of Italian borders. The worst thing about this is that there are some excellent Italian online casinos that have a license outside of the country and don’t operate from within. The good news is that you are not prohibited from playing at foreign gaming sites based on location.
Best Italian Online Casinos
Star Casino
At Starcasino, you’ll get the service you’ve earned. A gaming site that is well-known for its outstanding customer care, it provides a generous welcome bonus, seasonal promotional calendars, and VIP benefits through the Star Rewards Club. There are hundreds of slots and casino games to choose from, all from top software suppliers. There’s a lot of enjoyment to be had because there are over 40 different providers offering their products.
- Accepts Players From Italia.
- Get the service you need from a company that excels in customer service.
- Take advantage of daily specials and seasonal special calendars to save money.
- Extra bonuses and perks may be earned by participating in the Star Rewards Club’s gaming activities.
- Claim up to 100 FS after KYC and up to €200 cashback and 200 FS with first 4 deposits.
Bwin
Bwin is a leading online casino that Italians enjoy. Claim your welcome offering by joining this site and depositing money. Enjoy hundreds of top games from renowned software producers. Play to take advantage of reloads, free spins, and cashback. Participate in tournaments to earn a chance to share in the prize pool.
- 100% up to €200 and 50 Free Spins.
- For Italian players, it’s the best online casino.
- Bonuses, free spins, and cashback are all available.
- Play Italy’s most popular slot machines and games.
Gioco Digitale
Let us introduce you to Gioco Digitale, an ADM Italy authorized casino that is dedicated to putting your needs first. Apart from exceptional customer service, you may take advantage of frequent bonuses, join in tournaments, and be granted access to the VIP Club for special perks. Login twice a day to see how many free spins you may earn with the Bonus Machine.
- Get 100% up to €500 and 300 Free Spins.
- On any device, play with total freedom and flexibility.
- You may earn bonuses on your favorite vertical.
- Spin on 800+ real money slots and games.
History of Gambling in Italy
Italy has a long and illustrious history in the world of gambling, dating all the way back to ancient Rome. The board game Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum, a precursor of backgammon, was played by Roman soldiers. The game’s popularity rose as it traveled throughout the country and into Europe.
The first casino, with the Ridotto gaming house opening in 1638, was founded in Italy. The Casino di Venezia was subsequently rebuilt and reopened. Baccarat, which is played with a deck of cards, originated in Italy as far back as the 15th century. While the origins of bingo and loto may be traced to 16th-century Italy.
Gambling in Italy has flourished significantly in recent years. The government banned virtually all forms of gambling until 2006. However, the introduction of laws that allowed sports betting onsite and over the internet represented a watershed moment for the country’s gaming sector. In 2011, gambling laws were amended to allow online poker and casino games.
The government helped international operators obtain an Italian gaming license by making it easy for internet casinos to do so. Previously, the European Union had criticized the government for restricting foreign online gambling sites. Online casinos in Italy generate a significant amount of money for the government through taxes on earnings. In 2019, online casino games generated over 244 million euros in tax revenue for the Italian government.
Bonuses at Italian online casinos
Bonuses are frequently the most important aspect that appeals to gamers when deciding which new casino to join. Given the casino’s compliance with industry safety standards, the bonus is frequently the difference-maker for most customers.
The welcome bonus in online casinos from Italy is generally matched, doubling your starting bankroll. However, frequent bonuses in the form of free spins and cashback incentives are also available. Occasionally, you might also get a no-deposit bonus, which is particularly appealing.
Welcome Bonuses
The welcome bonus is frequently the most valuable benefit offered by any online casino. This incentive typically matches your first, or initial few deposits 100% up to €100, resulting in doubling in your bankroll.
In many situations, a casino will triple your bankroll, as well as offer significantly larger bonus amounts, such as €500.
However, keep in mind the bonus’s wagering requirements. A €500 bonus may appear appealing on paper, but if you have to wager it all before you can withdraw, it may be a difficult process, even with fair wagering requirements.
Free Spins Bonuses
Free Spins bonuses are self-explanatory and symbolize Free Games on a specific slot game from a collection of slot games that will eventually be turned into bonus money.
Wager any winnings from Free Spins like any other bonus, with some exceptions.
Welcome Bonuses, free spins, and other special offers are frequently found together as part of welcome bonuses or presented as distinct promotions during significant periods of the year.
No Deposit Bonuses
Italian players may occasionally discover a no-deposit bonus. These bonuses do not need the player to make a deposit, making it an entirely risk-free chance to win money.
Naturally, no-deposit bonuses come with strict stipulations, such as cashout restrictions (typically set at €100) and higher-than-average wagering requirements.
Currencies and Payment Methods Available For Italian Players
Italians may use a reputable gambling portal to make a casino deposit and begin playing real money casino games. Because the Euro is the official currency in Italy, online casinos that accept this currency are the best option for residents. It’s simple to deposit and withdraw funds using EUR at a live online casino because you don’t have to waste time or money on the currency exchange.
The payment options are not as straightforward as one might think. According to the government’s statistics, cash accounts for over 80% of all transactions in Italy, so only 20% of all payments are settled online. In terms of online banking, MasterCard and Visa are the main contenders in Italy. As a result, the majority of Italian gamblers choose to make casino deposits via Visa and bank deposits using MasterCard.
PayPal online casino sites and SEPA casino portal are becoming increasingly popular, but they aren’t the only options out there. You may also use Neosurf to deposit at an online casino and make a Sofort casino transaction, as these alternatives are also accessible to Italian gamblers.
We recommend using PayPal when playing at online casinos in Italy since it is one of the many payment choices available. There are several advantages to gaming with PayPal online. You may use your e-wallet to make a deposit, which protects your personal financial information from the site. This adds an extra layer of protection to your payments, as well as greater anonymity.
Importance of the Italian Language
For Italian players, online gambling is obviously essential. First and foremost, there are roughly 65 million Italians across the world, which makes up almost 1% of the entire population. That’s why it’s critical to target Italian-speaking clients and give a casino with Italian language support.
Another benefit of Italian-friendly online casinos is their legal status in Italy. Since 2007, the country’s gaming activities have been deemed legal. Gambling businesses from both inside and outside of Italy can apply for an Italian license to provide their services to Italian casino fans. There are currently about 200 gaming websites accessible in Italy, and the finest of them are listed in our list of online casinos that support the Italian language. So, feel free to select any casino and play your favorite casino games without worrying about language barriers.
Customer Support With Italian Language
Despite the fact that English is spoken by almost 2 billion people worldwide and that it is the most widely used language, it is not currently the only one in use. As a result, just catering to English-speaking clients isn’t enough. It’s also insufficient to provide an Italian-language version of the website for Italian players. The gaming cafés should also make sure that Italians are able to obtain assistance in their native language.
Having an Italian-speaking customer care is critical for each online gambling site that serves Italian customers. It allows players to feel completely secure and to handle their issues as soon as possible. As a result, most Italians are competent in English, yet they prefer playing at online casinos that provide assistance in Italian.
The Future of Online Gambling in Italy
Italy is a step ahead of the rest of mainland Europe when it comes to gambling laws, and it has shown how to create a successful business while also earning significant tax revenue for the government. While the proposed tax increase has yet to manifest itself in the gambling business, Italian online casinos are continuing to flourish, and this pattern is expected to continue.
Conclusion
In Europe, gambling is a delicate issue, with most nations either outlawing or enforcing strict gaming rules and limits. Surprisingly, Italy elected to take a different approach, and the Italian gaming market is now open and liberal, making it one of Europe’s leading gambling centres. However, because gambling is legal in Italy, it does not imply that it is unchecked or simple to deceive. In fact, since online Italian casinos are no longer permitted to advertise, everything has come down to stringent rules and meticulous quality control.
The legalization of gambling games allowed several casinos in Italy to become accessible, allowing gamers to compare numerous casinos based on their preferred interface, game selection, and so on. It can be tough, though, to locate a trustworthy online casino in Italy.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Italy?
Yes, internet gaming is legal in Italy. Italian gambling rules allow for all types of gambling. The ADM regulates the gambling business, and providers must obtain a license from the regulatory body to operate lawfully in Italy.
Why is it worth playing in licensed online casinos in Italy?
Operators with an ADM license should be chosen. The player may rest confident that he will receive his profits once he invests. By delaying or failing to withdraw funds, unlicensed online casinos might violate users' rights.
What are the best games to play at online casinos in Italy?
The greatest online casino games to play at an actual gambling site are the ones you like personally. Given that the house always wins, the finest titles are those that you can enjoy on a daily basis within your budget. Slots, roulette, and blackjack are the most popular Italian gaming activities.
How old do you have to be to gamble in Italy?
In Italy, like in many other countries, you must be at least 18 years old to gamble, otherwise you will not be eligible to do so. Both land-based and online real money casinos want your ID to confirm your age.
Which legal body regulates Italy’s online gambling laws?
The Italian Gaming Authority, or Aduana dei Monopoli e Dogane (ADM), is the regulatory and licensing body that regulates online gaming in Italy. The ADM licenses internet gambling in a number of categories, including poker, sports betting, bingo, skill-based games, and horse race betting. The ADM's licenses only cover the legal operation of online gambling in the Italian market.
