TLDR
- Italian authorities shut down two illegal betting centres in Sicily
- Fines exceeding €20,000 issued after a joint inspection operation
- Two unregistered computer terminals seized in Porto Empedocle
- Business owner referred to prosecutors on suspicion of illegal betting
- Action comes as Italy debates a new football betting tax and licensing reforms
Italian regulators have shut down two illegal betting centres in Sicily. The move followed inspections that found gambling operations running outside the country’s regulated network.
The enforcement action led to fines of more than €20,000. Officials also seized computer terminals believed to have avoided Italy’s gaming tax system.
The operation was carried out by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, known as ADM, along with the Guardia di Finanza. Together they checked 14 betting shops and gaming halls.
The inspections covered several towns in Agrigento province. These included Porto Empedocle, Favara, Raffadali, Palma di Montechiaro, Campobello di Licata, Ribera and the Pelagie Islands.
Illegal Betting Operation Uncovered
Investigators found two locations acting as unlicensed betting collection centres. Neither was connected to Italy’s official gaming system.
At one site in Porto Empedocle, officers took two computer terminals. The devices were not linked to the national gaming network and had no official identification codes.
Because the terminals sat outside the regulated system, authorities believe bets placed through them may have skipped Italy’s mandatory recording process. That process is used to calculate the country’s single national gaming levy, called PREU.
The findings led to criminal proceedings. The business owner tied to the premises has been referred to prosecutors in Agrigento on suspicion of running illegal betting activity.
Authorities noted the person is presumed innocent unless a court decides otherwise.
Enforcement Comes As Reforms Stall
The raids happened while Italy continues to work through broader gambling reform plans. Lawmakers this month introduced a bill that would add a 2% levy to every domestic football bet.
The tax would apply to both online and retail bets. It covers matches run by the Italian Football Federation and its affiliated leagues.
Money raised through the levy would go toward supporting Italy’s football system.
The enforcement also comes as licensed operators deal with ongoing uncertainty. Industry representatives say repeated extensions of national gambling concessions have slowed growth in the regulated market.
They argue the absence of a full reform framework limits long-term planning. It also weakens efforts to guide players toward licensed betting options.
The land-based sector has drawn particular attention in this debate. Industry groups say cutting legal betting outlets without wider reform could push gambling activity toward unlicensed operators.
Unlicensed operators typically offer little oversight. Consumer protections in that space are largely absent.
ADM and the Guardia di Finanza said inspections will continue. They described the checks as part of ongoing work to fight illegal gambling, stop tax evasion, protect consumers and disrupt criminal activity tied to the sector.
