On Wednesday 7 May 2025, the Vatican becomes the scene of a major event: the opening of the conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who died last month at the age of 88.
Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on April 21, 2025, betting markets quickly mobilized to speculate on his successor. International bookmakers are now offering detailed odds on the frontrunners to become the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
An investigation in Italy has revealed an illegal betting ring involving several football players, including Ángel Di María and Weston McKennie. The players allegedly used unauthorised betting platforms to participate in illegal gambling, although their bets were not directly related to football matches.
Armando Izzo, a defender with Italian club Monza, was acquitted on appeal on 10 April 2025, after more than ten years of legal proceedings linked to a match-fixing case dating back to 2014. Accused of participating in the manipulation of two Serie B matches under the influence of a Neapolitan mafia clan, he was sentenced to five years in prison in 2023. The Naples Court of Appeal finally ruled that there was insufficient evidence to confirm his guilt, thereby rehabilitating a player who had always denied the facts.
Flutter Entertainment has completed the acquisition of Snaitech for €2.3 billion after obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals. This strategic transaction strengthens Flutter’s leading position in the Italian online and physical gaming market by integrating Snaitech with its existing brands such as PokerStars and Sisal.
The Italian gambling market is buzzing with activity. Two industry giants, IGT and Sisal, are battling for the exclusive concession to operate the Italian Lotto for the next nine years.
Italy is preparing to radically transform its online gambling sector. The ADM, the Italian regulatory authority, recently unveiled ambitious reforms as part of its 2025-2027 Business and Organisation Plan, linked to the 2025 national budget.
Three mathematics students from the University of Salento in Lecce, Italy, recently made headlines by using artificial intelligence to win substantial lottery prizes.
The health of public figures has long been a subject of interest, but the recent bet on the health of Pope Francis has sparked ethical debates.
After a six-year ban, Italy is set to lift the ban on sports betting sponsors in professional sport. This decision marks a significant turning point for Italian football clubs, particularly those in Serie A, who see this measure as an opportunity to diversify and increase their sources of revenue.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has ratified the 2025 budget law, marking a decisive turning point for the gambling industry.
Flutter Entertainment Group is considering bidding for the main lottery license in Italy, a market dominated for three decades by IGT (International Game Technology).
Italian football is once again embroiled in a major controversy. Maduka Okoye, Udinese’s Nigerian goalkeeper, is currently the subject of an in-depth investigation for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing case.
A striking difference in gambling tax revenues between Italy and Germany raises questions about the efficiency of regulation and lost potential.
