Italy Poker Regulations – Complete Guide 2026
⚠️ Disclaimer: Online gambling regulations change frequently. This page reflects information current as of early 2026. Always verify with the official regulatory body before playing.
🇮🇹 Poker Regulations in Italy
Italy was one of the first European countries to regulate online poker, with the ADM (formerly AAMS) issuing licenses from 2011. Italy participates in the Southern European shared liquidity agreement alongside France, Spain, and Portugal, significantly boosting tournament fields and cash game traffic. PokerStars.it dominates the Italian market, followed by platforms like Sisal, Lottomatica, and 888poker.it.
📋 Regulatory Overview
| Status | ✅ Regulated & Licensed |
| Regulatory Authority | ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) |
| Year Regulated | 2011 |
| Key Legislation | Italian Gambling Decree (Decreto Abruzzo 2011) |
🔑 Key Regulations for Online Poker
ADM license required for all operators. Italy imposes a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue from poker tournaments and a different rate for cash games. The market was initially ring-fenced but joined the shared liquidity pool in 2018. Strict identity verification (codice fiscale required). Advertising regulations tightened under the Dignity Decree (2018), which banned all gambling advertising on TV, radio, print, and online platforms in Italy.
🏢 Live Poker in Italy
Italy has a vibrant live poker scene. The Italian Poker Tour (IPT) and major casino events in San Remo, Venice (Ca’ Vendramin Calergi), Campione d’Italia, and Nova Gorica (just across the Slovenian border) attract players from across Europe. Italy regularly hosts EPT and WPT stops, and Italian players are consistently among Europe’s top tournament earners.
💡 What Players Should Know
Italian players must use their codice fiscale (tax ID) to register. Winnings from licensed platforms are subject to withholding tax. The advertising ban means less promotional activity, but bonuses are still available on licensed platforms. Self-exclusion is managed through the ADM registry. Only .it domain operators with ADM licenses are legal for Italian residents.