Illegal gambling remains a persistent problem for the Italian gaming sector, despite stepped-up enforcement. The latest nationwide operation by CoPReGI has highlighted the scale of the issue: in less than two weeks, hundreds of irregularities were uncovered involving gaming halls, non-compliant machines and unauthorised betting outlets.
The campaign took place between 7 and 19 April 2026 and involved 32 Italian provinces. The checks were carried out by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), the State Police, the Guardia di Finanza and the Carabinieri, under the coordination of the Committee for the Prevention and Suppression of Illegal Gambling, a body chaired by ADM Director Roberto Alesse.
Over the course of twelve days, 797 inspections were carried out, mainly on licensed premises. The checks also led to the identification of 20 unauthorised betting outlets.
Machines seized and dozens of reports filed
The irregularities identified led to the seizure of 116 gaming machines and 12 totems that did not comply with regulations. A total of 128 seizures were carried out.
At the administrative level, 309 violations were reported, and 57 people were referred to the judicial authorities. The fines imposed total over €5.7 million.
These results reflect an increasingly targeted investigative approach. Inspections are now based on the analysis of gaming flows, reports and the cross-referencing of authorities’ databases, moving beyond the random approach of the past.
And it is precisely this approach which, according to CoPReGI, allows the most high-risk situations to be identified more quickly.
A phenomenon that continues to weigh on the market
Illegal gambling represents one of the main critical issues for the Italian betting and gaming sector. In addition to tax evasion and non-compliance with licences, the phenomenon undermines consumer protection and transparency in operations.
The use of unauthorised platforms or irregular channels takes place outside the safeguards offered by the regulated Italian system, both for online gambling and for physical outlets across the country.
In recent years, ADM has stepped up digital monitoring, blocking 12,156 sites accessible from Italy but lacking authorization.
Checks also continue on illegal betting halls, machines disconnected from the official network, and unauthorised betting centres operating outside the legal framework.
The protection of minors is considered one of the most sensitive issues and remains a key priority for enforcement activities, according to CoPReGI.
Inspections and violations rise
Compared to the previous campaign, inspection activity has increased.
In 2025, there were 618 interventions, whilst this year the figure has risen to 797. The number of administrative violations recorded has also increased, rising from 231 to 309.
The number of individuals referred to the judicial authorities has also risen, from 46 to 57.
Financial penalties are broadly in line with those of the previous campaign. The Committee attributes these results to closer operational coordination between the forces involved and more selective checks than in the past.
Checks set to continue
The Italian gaming sector is undergoing a period of transformation, characterised by digitalisation, new regulations and a greater focus on compliance. Against this backdrop, the fight against illegal gambling remains one of the main institutional priorities.
The operation coordinated by CoPReGI confirms a high level of vigilance. The warning to operators leaves no room for interpretation: checks will continue both online and on the ground, with increasingly targeted inspections of activities that breach the rules.
This article was originally published on the Italian SiGMA News page on 27 May 2026.
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