Italy Blacklists Polymarket Again: Strict Stance Against Unlicensed Gambling

Italian authorities are continuing their vigorous action against unregulated gambling providers. The New York-based prediction platform Polymarket has been blacklisted for a second time by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). This again places Polymarket in the category of offshore betting firms that do not hold an Italian license. The regulator considers Polymarket's offerings as gambling, while the platform itself has always declared them as financial services. This renewed blocking underscores Italy's determination to protect its regulated market and close systemic loopholes.

The decision follows an earlier block in late 2025, which Polymarket saw lifted in December after legal proceedings before the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio, known as the TAR of Lazio. Now, the ADM has re-established its original position. The case has been forwarded to the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office to examine possible criminal proceedings.

Numbers and facts

Italy is one of Europe's largest betting markets. In December 2025 alone, gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached 333.7 million euros. That month also saw the introduction of a new online regulatory system with 46 license holders. This demonstrates the importance of a clearly defined and licensed market. Polymarket's sponsorship agreement with Serie A club SS Lazio is also affected. The deal, signed in April 2026 for the 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28 seasons (with an option for 2028/29), was valued at $22 million, equivalent to approximately 19 million euros or 16 million pounds. Italian law prohibits advertising for unlicensed betting, and gambling sponsorships have been generally banned since the 2018 "Dignity Decree." This creates a significant legal problem for the football club.

Background

The renewed measure is widely supported within Italy's regulated betting sector. Stefano Tino, Managing Director of Betsson's Southern Europe operations, welcomed the decision in a LinkedIn post. He emphasized the inequality that arises when licensed operators must meet stringent requirements while unlicensed providers do not. Tino highlighted that licensed operators invest significant resources in complying with anti-money laundering regulations, player protection measures, and tax payments.

"I was pleased to learn that Polymarket has now been added, again, to the ADM blacklist of unauthorised gambling websites in Italy. I would like to congratulate the Italian regulator for reaffirming what I believe is a fundamental principle of every regulated market: the same rules must apply to everyone." - Stefano Tino, Managing Director of Betsson’s Southern Europe operations

Italian authorities must now submit a report to the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office, which will form the basis for possible criminal prosecutions. This is a recurring theme across the European Union. The Netherlands has also taken action against Polymarket, with the Dutch gambling authority KSA upholding its threats regarding fines against the platform. This indicates a European trend towards stricter regulation of prediction markets and similar platforms that can be interpreted as gambling.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, this case confirms the strict course that the German gambling market is also taking. The German State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has established a clear framework in Germany. Only providers licensed by the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) are allowed to offer online gambling. These providers are on the so-called GGL whitelist. All others are illegal.

German players benefit from comprehensive player protection measures. These include a wager limit of 1 euro per spin on online slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros for all providers combined. The central monitoring system LUGAS records deposits across games and protects against excessive gaming behavior. These measures are intended to prevent players from falling into the trap of unregulated providers, who offer no protection whatsoever. The Polymarket case in Italy shows how important it is for regulatory authorities to consistently tackle grey-area providers to ensure the legality and fairness of the market and to protect players.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos, these developments in other EU countries are quite positive. They confirm the regulated path Germany has taken. When authorities like the ADM in Italy or the KSA in the Netherlands block unauthorized platforms, it strengthens confidence in the licensed market. It creates a "level playing field," as Stefano Tino put it, and ensures fair competition. GGL-licensed casinos invest heavily in compliance, player protection technology, and adherence to strict requirements. Every step against unregulated providers solidifies their position and the promise of a safe and responsible gaming experience. The Italian measure is a signal that pressure on unlicensed operations will continue to increase at the European level.