Italy Establishes Strict Traceability Mandates for Online Gaming

Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has issued a resolution governing deposits, withdrawals, and electronic wallets for licensed remote gaming operators. The regulations place a strong emphasis on tracking financial flows and ensuring that all payment instruments are registered to the active players.

Released on October 22, 2026, the directive comes in the wake of increased scrutiny from top-up point-of-sale businesses (PVRs) regarding account funding regulations, notably the weekly €100 limit for cash top-ups. It sets clear mandates regarding transaction logs, payment tools, and the management of player funds.

In accordance with Article 1, concessionaires are required to utilize payment solutions that ensure complete traceability for both deposits and withdrawals. Furthermore, operators must maintain player funds in dedicated postal or bank accounts held under the company name, while keeping ADM informed of these accounts and the specific mechanisms used to process funds and winnings.

Eligible Payments Must Identify Both Parties

Article 2 outlines non-cash options provided by licensed financial institutions within Italy or the European Union. Bank transfers, payment cards, direct debits, and prepaid cards are permitted to fund accounts provided they meet existing anti-money laundering, banking, and authorization standards.

These financial instruments must distinctly identify the sender and receiver while logging the transaction amount, date, and purpose. Under the terms of the resolution, such methods are exempted from the restrictions outlined in Article 13, paragraph 5, of Legislative Decree No. 41 of 2024.

Article 3 focuses on alternative payment solutions. The purchaser must be verified and correspond directly to the owner of the gaming account, which must also be subjected to anti-money laundering evaluations. Every device is restricted to funding solely its owner’s account, prohibiting third-party transfers and transaction modifications.

Only the verified account holder is permitted to reload the device via a voucher, PIN, or other dedicated linking method. Issuers are required to provide a compliance certification compiled by an independent expert specialized in banking or anti-money laundering. Dealers must review these requirements prior to forwarding the report to ADM.

The Agency then transmits the paperwork to the Bank of Italy and the Guardia di Finanza for evaluation. Should a payment method fail to meet the criteria, ADM holds the authority to suspend its use and impose contractual penalties alongside standard anti-money laundering fines. Currently compliant methods may stay operational until March 31, 2027, as long as the certified report is submitted by that cutoff date.

Deposits and Withdrawals Require Separate Records

Article 4 mandates that operators log each gaming account deposit processed through PVRs, which includes cash additions. Entries can be completed at the point of sale or dealership prior to being transmitted according to technical concession regulations. Distinct categories must be maintained to separate cash, alternative instruments, and standard payment options, assisting authorities in enforcing the weekly cash cap.

Article 5 dictates that withdrawals must be directed to a traceable payment instrument or account held in the player’s name. Operators are obligated to confirm ownership via payment providers or documentation requests. If the information cannot be verified, the payout must be withheld until the user provides a valid alternative.

Payouts processed via PVRs or any other physical gaming venues are strictly forbidden, which includes outlets belonging to the same physical network associated with the operator.

E-Wallets Must Remain Accountable

Article 6 permits operators to utilize electronic wallets provided by authorized and supervised financial intermediaries, conditional upon prior notification to the ADM. Additionally, operators are required to disclose the bank housing the player funds and name a designated contact person responsible for verifying their availability.

“Online gaming, ADM: traceable payments, withdrawals only to player accounts, and PVR checks”, pressgiochi.it, October 22, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the ADM resolution published?

The resolution was published on October 22, 2026.

What is the limit for cash top-ups at PVRs?

Cash top-ups are subject to a weekly limit of €100.

Can players withdraw funds through a physical PVR location?

No, withdrawals through PVRs or other gaming outlets are strictly prohibited.

What is the deadline for existing compliant payment instruments to remain in use without a submitted report?

Existing compliant instruments may remain in use until March 31, 2027, provided the certified report is submitted by that deadline.