This is a crucial time for operators in the country. Francesco Papallo - Altenar’s Regional Director for Italy - answers the key questions on the new licensing process, the future of the market and how we can help operators thrive.

Q. What are the biggest changes to the licensing process?

The major change is the cost, with a licence for sports betting and casino games now costing €7 million, which is a significant increase. This is a one-off cost and the licence will last for nine years. The deadline for applications is May 30.

Q. What other costs will operators face?

Operators face an annual fee of 3% of their GGR, net of gambling taxes, and must also spend 0.2% of their GGR in responsible gambling campaigns, with an annual limit of €1 million. There is a 24.5% tax rate on GGR for online sports betting operators, while it is 25.5% for online casino operators.

Q. What do you expect will be the impact of the new regulations on the Italian market?

Technology, innovation in support of security, and integrity - these are the great challenges that will face the operators who decide to continue operating in Italy. Operators will need to invest in advanced security systems that will guarantee high standards for the acquisition and retention of players on their platforms. Investing in technology, such as artificial intelligence, represents a breakthrough for the sector, ensuring greater transparency and security.

Another challenge that arises is due to the lack of skins, not provided for by the new licence tender, so the type of business that some operators promote today could change as well as their development strategies. Q. How can Altenar help licensed operators in Italy grow revenue?

Altenar is an advanced technological partner, with modern and very fast software capable of supporting many jurisdictions, including Italy. This allows our operators to have a top-tier product with a highly competitive offering, enabling player acquisition with the right tools that are up-to-date and aligned with the biggest operator of the industry.

Q. In what ways are Altenar’s products adapted to the Italian market?

Over the years, Altenar has developed a series of features specifically for the Italian market, among the latest being the Bet-Builder. This innovative solution complies with regulations surrounding Bet Builders in the Italian market, enabling Altenar’s clients to offer this increasingly popular type of bet.

The feature allows users to combine multiple markets from the same event with selections that are independent of each other. By combining several bets, users can generate high odds and aim for big winnings, while operators generally benefit from higher margins compared to single bets.

Bet Boost is another way to excite their player base and offer an enhanced experience that drives engagement. Bet Mentor paired with Insights, which provide market analysis for the desired bets, and Player Markets, particularly for football and basketball and available also for live betting. We offer an almost unique service for the Italian market.

Q. What is the overall outlook for the Italian market?

An initial outlook on the Italian market highlights technological progress -  the integration of innovative technologies, such as AI-driven personalisation and mobile gaming platforms, is expected to enhance user experiences and attract a broader audience. The regulatory environment demonstrates a strong commitment to effectively regulating the sector by implementing some of the strictest gambling regulations in Europe. Finally, global recognition through hosting events like SiGMA's Central Europe in Italy underscores the country's prominence in the global gaming landscape, further solidifying its position as a hub for innovation and collaboration.

Q. What will be the key trends in the industry over the next 12 months?

Mobile gaming is expected to dominate, with more than 60% of total revenue coming from mobile platforms. This shift is driven by the growing accessibility of smartphones and mobile internet.

There will also be a growing focus on consumer protection. Operators will emphasise compliance and consumer protection, balancing market expansion with responsible gaming practices. Player Props markets will continue to dominate in the coming years, supported by an increasing amount of statistical data on matches, leading to the creation of new markets to bet on. Once again, tipsters will stand out with their suggestions, which always engage a large number of players.

To learn more about Altenar’s tailored solution for the Italian market, book a meeting with the Altenar team at the Italian Gaming Expo.

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