Italy Betting Sites
Below you can find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated sports betting sites operating in Italy. Each betting site has been thoroughly tested and verified by our team.
The Italian sports betting industry has seen huge growth in the past few years, and the biggest contributor is online betting, a new and still fresh sector that has allowed millions of soccer fans to bet on their favorite team. Bets are accepted on all sports, of course, but soccer is certainly the largest in terms of participation, attendance, and wagering. Following years of regulatory chaos and the legislative changes that followed, Italy’s sports betting sites are now thriving, and betting fans are the ones who are reaping the benefits.
Interestingly, the country has a long tradition when it comes to gambling; betting on various games and events dates back to the Roman Empire and has never ceased, it has only gone through many changes and forms. The world’s first commercial casino opened in 1638 in what is widely considered Italy’s most beautiful and romantic city, Venice. Even the term “casino” is of Italian origin (from “casa”, which means a house). While in the past, only the rich could afford to visit the gambling houses or engage in betting on horses and other races, these activities have become much more accessible in modern times.
Italian Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
Sportsbook | Reviews | Rating |
---|---|---|
NetBet | 2,511 | 4.0 ⭐ |
Starvegas | 2,105 | 2.9 ⭐ |
Sisal | 40 | 1.8 ⭐ |
Novibet | 524 | 1.5 ⭐ |
Gioco Digitale | 265 | 1.5 ⭐ |
Betway | 17,782 | 1.3 ⭐ |
bet365 | 5,918 | 1.3 ⭐ |
Unibet | 1,776 | 1.3 ⭐ |
Eurobet | 616 | 1.3 ⭐ |
Bwin | 1,563 | 1.3 ⭐ |
SNAI | 1,533 | 1.2 ⭐ |
Codere | 218 | 1.2 ⭐ |
888sport | 2,464 | 1.1 ⭐ |
Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in Italy
Sportsbook | Sports on Offer | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Min Bet | Bonuses | Bonus Wagering Requirements | In-Play Betting | Licenses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Betway | Football, Horse Racing, Golf, Basketball, Tennis, and 25+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 |
|
| Yes |
|
SNAI | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Virtual Sports and 15+ other sports | €10 | €15 | €0.50 | Welcome Bonus up to €30 | 50% Welcome Bonus up to €30; | Yes | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (16032) |
888sport | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | Deposit and bet €10 and get €30 in Free Bets on First Bet |
| Yes | UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) |
bet365 | Football, Tennis, Speedway, Table Tennis, and 40+ other sports | $/€5-10 | $/€5-10 | $/€0.10 | New Account Offer up to €30 in Free Bets | Place qualifying bets to release bet credits (New Account Offer)
| Yes | UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) |
Novibet | Basketball, Football, Soccer, Tennis, Hockey, Virtual Sports, and 30+ other sports | $5: ApplePay, PaysafeCard; $10: Credit/Debit card, Interac, eWallets, Rapid Transfer | $10: Credit/Debit Card, eWallets; $30: Bank Transfers | $0.10 | Sports Welcome Bonus Bet €10 Get €70 |
| Yes | Malta Gaming Authority (#MGA/CRP/186/2010) The Irish Revenue Commissioners (1020856) |
Starvegas | Football, Tennis, Basketball, and 20+ other sports | €10 | €10 | €0.10 | Multiple Bonus | Bet on 4 to 30 events; Get up to 200% extra bonus, based on the number of selected events; Minimum odds – 1.25; The bonus will be counted on tickets with events taking place within 7 days. | Yes | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (15231) |
Unibet | Hockey, Soccer, Cricket, eSports, Golf, and 30+ othersports | €5 | €15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methods | €0.10 | Welcome Offer: | Welcome Offer: | Yes | Irish Revenue Commissioners (1013174) Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/106/2000) UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017) Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092) |
NetBet | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Basketball, Virtual Sports, and 35+ other sports | $/£/€10 | $/£/€10 | €0.07 for pre-live betting and €0.13 for live betting | N/A | N/A | Yes | MGA (MGA/B2C/126/2006) UKGC (39170) |
Codere | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, and 20+ other sports | €10 | Bank Transfer - €1Other methods - €20 | €0.10 | * 100% Bonus up to €200 | * 1x WR of deposit on minimum odds of 2.00 to release Free Bet bonus; No WR on Free Bet wins | Yes | |
Eurobet | Tennis, Football, Volley, Cricket, Hockey, and 20+ other sports | Poste Italiane: €5 All other payment methods: €10 | Bank Cards: €5 Postepay: €5 Digital Wallets: €5 Posteitaliane: €25 Bank Transfer: €25 Rapid Transfer: €5 Instant SEPA: €5 | N/A | Welcome Bonus: 100% up to €500 | N/A | Yes | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli |
Sisal | Soccer, Volleyball, Cycling,Alpine Skiing, and 20 more sports | €10 | €10 | €1 | Welcome Bonus: Up to €800 | Requires collecting Only new customers | Yes | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (Concession 15155) |
Gioco Digitale | Football, Formula 1, Basketball, and 20+ other sports | €10 | €10 | €0.10 | Welcome Bonus | MInimum deposit – €30; Bettors receive €2.50 bonus once they create an account and then €2.50 once they verify it; Extra €5 to bet on Bingo; Minimum odds of 2.5. Payments must be made within 7 days of opening the account | Yes | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (15028) |
Bwin | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Darts, and 30+ other sports | £/$/€10 | £/$/€10 | £/$/€0.50 | €100 Bonus for New Customers | Get up to €100 back as a FreeBet if your bet does not win; | Yes | MGA (MGA/CRP/688/2019) UKGC (54743) |
Top 13 Betting Sites for Italy
Betway
Bet Now ReviewLicenses- UKGC (#000-039372-R-319367)
- MGA (#MGA/B2C/130/2006)
- GGL (#RPDA-Dez. III. 34-73c 38.01/8-2019/13)
- Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (#10181496-010)
- The Irish Revenue Commissioners (1010156)
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - up to 24 hours • Debit cards and bank transfers - 2 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsArsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Manchester City FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Atletico Madrid FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@betway.com; Phone: varies according to country- Over 10 years of industry experience
- High betting limits
- Prompt, professional customer support
- Competitive odds on more than 30 sports
- Available in 11 languages
- Live streaming for major sporting events
Betway is a reputable sports betting brand that holds licenses from the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, along with the UKGC and MGA. The bookie is highly valued for the wide variety of sports it covers, paired with multiple bet types and competitive odds. Soccer is the undisputed favorite on the platform, and the bookmaker even sponsors several club teams. Other popular disciplines include American football, horse racing, tennis, and more. Italian bettors can fund their accounts through a solid selection of universally accepted payment methods, or by using CartaSi.
SNAI
Min Deposit€10Min Withdrawal€15Withdrawal Time1-3 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: YesContact Us FormEmail: info@snai.it- Italian-focused gambling platform
- Numerous bonuses and promotions
- More than 25 sports
- Selection of in-house payment methods
- Downloadable mobile apps
- No other language versions
Italians are known for being avid sports fans and keen bettors as well. Although many major international online sportsbooks operate in the country, many local punters prefer platforms specifically tailored to the Italian market. SNAI is one such bookmaker. It delights customers with a huge number of events, around 1,500 live streams each month, and a selection of lucrative sports-related promotions. The bookie offers both pre-match and in-play wagering on more than 25 disciplines, and it also features Entertainment and Politics sections. Because it is an Italian brand, SNAI supports several exclusive payment methods such as PostePay and SnaiPay.
888sport
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Visa and ApplePay: up to 6 days • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer: 2-3 days • Wire transfer: 5-8 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsNational Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@888sport.com; Phone: N/A- Robust in-play betting
- Long track record in the gambling industry
- Supports dozens of payment solutions
- Wide range of sports
- Reliable mobile support
- Dedicated mobile app
888sport is among the most popular players on the online betting scene today. Italian bettors who join the sportsbook will appreciate the markedly extensive soccer section, which includes all major international tournaments and the domestic leagues of about 60 countries, including Serie A, Serie B, and Coppa Italia. Other available disciplines include tennis, snooker, MMA, American football, and esports. Except for bank transfers, which may take up to three business days, all deposit methods credit your account in no more than 10 minutes.
bet365
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#076) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)Min Deposit$/€5-10Min Withdrawal$/€5-10Withdrawal TimeCards, E-wallets, Paysafecard: 1-4 hours; Apple Pay: instant; Wire Transfer: 1-2 banking daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsUEFA Champions LeagueContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support.eng@customerservices365.com Phone: 00 800 1236 5365- Extensive experience on the online gambling scene
- Various bonuses and promotions
- Responsive customer support
- Apps for iOS and Android
- Competitive odds
- Excellent market coverage
Bet365 is among the global betting operators authorized to operate in Italy. It holds licenses from the local ADM, the UKGC, and the MGA. This stringent combination of regulators means Italian bettors have no reason to doubt the bookmaker’s trustworthiness. Bet365 does not support local payment services. Instead, deposits and withdrawals can be made via bank cards, e-wallets (including PayPal and Apple Pay), wire transfers, and more, so you will easily find a method that suits you. The online sportsbook does not charge fees for any transactions.
Novibet
Min Deposit$5: ApplePay, PaysafeCard; $10: Credit/Debit card, Interac, eWallets, Rapid TransferMin Withdrawal$10: Credit/Debit Card, eWallets; $30: Bank TransfersWithdrawal TimeCredit/Debit Card, Bank Transfers: up to 3 days; eWallets: within 1 hourDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsFortaleza, Huachipato FC, Aris FC, Atromitos FC, Volos FC, Asteras Tripolis, Panaitolikos, Panserraikos, Omonoia, AnorthosisContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@novibet.com- Covers top sports with diverse betting markets
- Dedicated Android and iOS apps
- Convenient payment options
- 24/7 customer support
- Generous promotions for newcomers and regular bettors
- High-level protection via SSL encryption
Established in 2010, Novibet is a trusted online bookmaker that has been continually improving its services for more than 10 years. The bookmaker’s localization strategy is evident in its multiple active licenses and in the individual websites it has created for key markets, including Italy. Soccer, tennis, and basketball lead Novibet’s portfolio, while motorsports, boxing, and American football are also covered thoroughly. Bettors who rely on statistics will appreciate that Novibet publishes extensive data for every discipline on the site.
Starvegas
Min Deposit€10Min Withdrawal€10Withdrawal TimeBank cards: 2-3 business daysE-wallets: instant after approvalDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: supporto@it.starvegas.itPhone: 800 596738- Mobile-friendly betting platform
- Fast withdrawals
- Solid selection of payment methods
- Extensive soccer coverage
- Multiple bet types
- Customer support via email and phone
Although not universally popular, StarVegas is a gambling brand known to many Italian punters. The online sportsbook is packed with a well-curated list of sports, and, unsurprisingly, the number of soccer events far exceeds those of other disciplines. For some matches, betting enthusiasts can choose from more than 100 betting markets, comparable to any global online bookmaker. Another advantage of StarVegas is its quick withdrawals, with e-wallet payouts processed in up to 24 hours.
Unibet
ReviewLicensesIrish Revenue Commissioners (1013174)Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/106/2000)UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092)Min Deposit€5Min Withdrawal€15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methodsWithdrawal TimeCards - 1 to 3 days; Direct Banking - 1 to 3 days; E-Wallets - up to 12 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsMiddlesbrough FCCheltenham FestivalNHL SwedenF.C. CopenhagenPFL Europe DivisionContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: info@unibetsupport.comPhone: 0808 1686635- Superb native apps for iOS and Android
- Diverse markets and great odds on all major sporting events
- Broad range of live betting markets
- Live streaming of more than 40,000 events each year
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- Various promotional offers for sports fans
Unibet is a popular choice for bettors who favor major international gambling operators. The bookie holds a UKGC license, and its activities in Italy are regulated by the ADM. With roughly 25 years of experience, Unibet understands modern bettors and offers them valuable features such as live streams, extensive statistics, and lucrative promotions. Italian patrons can fund their accounts via bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard, and locally popular options such as Earthport and PostePay.
NetBet
Min Deposit$/£/€10Min Withdrawal$/£/€10Withdrawal TimeBank cards - 2-4 business daysE-wallets - 1 business dayBank transfers - up to 48 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsPremier League West Bromwich Albion; Ligue 1 St. Etienne, FC Steaua BucureștiContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: support@netbet.comPhone: N/A- Reliable virtual sportsbook
- Various promotions available
- Dedicated mobile application
- Supports multiple payment options
- Wide range of betting options
- Live streaming of major sporting events
The presence of NetBet on the online sports betting scene dates back to 2001, placing it among the trustworthy veterans you can rely on for sports wagering. The Italian platform offers a rich selection of sports, multiple bet types, an excellent in-play section, and other features that create an enjoyable and potentially profitable betting experience. Instant deposits and 24-hour withdrawals mean you will have your funds at your disposal almost anytime. NetBet is also one of the few bookies that accept Revolut transactions alongside the standard payment methods.
Codere
LicensesDGOJ (license)Min Deposit€10Min WithdrawalBank Transfer - €1Other methods - €20Withdrawal Time* Instant Banking - instant/ up to a few hours* E-wallets - instant/ up to 8 hours* Bank Transfer - 2-3 days* Hal-Cash - instant/ a few minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsMonterrey Rayados FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: apuestas@codere.com Phone: 913432950- Covers both popular and niche disciplines
- Several gambling products
- Virtual betting section
- High-level security measures
- Live chat available between 9:00 and 21:00
- User-friendly betting interface
Codere is a reliable online bookmaker with plenty to offer Italian betting enthusiasts. Although there is no downloadable app, the website runs smoothly on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux devices, so you should have no trouble using the platform on the go. Punters can wager on roughly 30 sports, with the leading disciplines being soccer, tennis, and Formula 1. If you experience any difficulties, you can contact the friendly and professional customer care team via email or live chat. Keep in mind that live chat is only available during set working hours.
Eurobet
Min DepositPoste Italiane: €5 All other payment methods: €10Min WithdrawalBank Cards: €5 Postepay: €5 Digital Wallets: €5 Posteitaliane: €25 Bank Transfer: €25 Rapid Transfer: €5 Instant SEPA: €5Withdrawal TimeBank Cards: 2-10 days Postepay: 2-10 days Digital Wallets: up to 1 working day Posteitaliane (check): up to 10 working days Posteitaliane (domestic bank transfer): up to 3-5 working days Bank Transfer: up to 2-3 borking days Rapid Transfer: Instant Instant SEPA: InstantDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsJuventusContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: servizioclienti@eurobet.it- Competitive odds on many disciplines
- Great soccer coverage
- Large number of horse racing events
- Various local payment solutions
- Beneficial loyalty program
- Dedicated Android and iOS applications
Our selection of reliable online betting platforms operating in Italy continues with Eurobet, a sportsbook designed with Italian punters in mind. Local payment services such as OKTO.CASH and OnShop are available for funding accounts. Other options include bank cards, e-wallets, and prepaid vouchers, some of which allow deposits as low as €5. Withdrawal limits are displayed after account registration, with the maximum not exceeding €5,000. Eurobet’s portfolio includes many sports, but soccer and horse racing receive the most extensive coverage.
Sisal
LicensesAgenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (Concession 15155)Min Deposit€10Min Withdrawal€10Withdrawal TimeBank Transfer: 1 to 2 daysOther Methods: Instant after approvalDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: info@sisal.itPhone: +39 028 2900 563 (international)800 558 822 (domestic toll-free line)- Award-winning sports betting operator
- 24/7 customer support
- Quick, fee-free withdrawals
- Huge selection of soccer betting markets
- Separate virtual sports and horse racing sections
- Extensive sports blog
Sisal is one of the best-known gambling brands serving the Italian betting market. Over the years, it has welcomed millions of users and provided a wide selection of sporting events, ongoing and short-term promotions, and round-the-clock customer support. Although Sisal is a veteran in the modern betting environment, it keeps up with the latest trends and offers an excellent in-play section and numerous high-quality live streams each day. Withdrawal limits vary significantly, from €999 at points of sale to €30,000 for bank transfers.
Gioco Digitale
Min Deposit€10Min Withdrawal€10Withdrawal TimeBank cards - 3-5 business days Bank transfers - 2-5 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: contract@giocodigitale.it Phone: N/A- Features more than 25 sports
- Many bet types on most disciplines
- Diverse selection of payment solutions
- Withdrawals up to €70,000
- Attractive promotional offers
- Live streams of selected events
Gioco Digitale is a familiar name to Italian betting enthusiasts. The operator has developed a comprehensive online gambling hub that includes a solid sportsbook as well as casino, live casino, bingo, poker, and game show sections. Sports markets range from popular disciplines like soccer, tennis, and basketball to niche options such as snooker, darts, and water polo. The bookmaker also provides a rich selection of deposit and withdrawal methods. Options include Apple Pay, PostePay, PayPal, Epay, and others.
Bwin
Min Deposit£/$/€10Min Withdrawal£/$/€10Withdrawal TimeUp to 5 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsUEFA Europa League UEFA Conference League Belgian First Division A Belgian First Division B EuroleagueContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: support@bwin.com- Very rich selection of sports
- More than 30,000 online bets per day
- Established betting brand with 20 million customers worldwide
- Wide set of sports betting promotions
- Secure payment methods
- Live streaming of multiple sporting events
Bwin is a top-class online bookmaker that enjoys positive feedback from punters in Italy and across Europe. The sportsbook is licensed by the ADM and the UKGC, two of the most reputable regulatory bodies. Bwin’s platform stands out for its excellent live betting section and extensive assortment of bet types, including multiple extras for popular events. Bettors who use PostePay or supported e-wallets enjoy withdrawals in roughly 24 hours, whereas credit/debit card and bank transfer users may wait up to five business days to access their winnings.
Similarly to many other European countries, Italy outlawed gambling in the early 20th century, but various forms of skill-based gambling such as sports betting were available legally. With the emergence of the Internet and the liberalization of the gambling market, online betting rose in popularity. Operators, both local and international, applied for licenses and eventually made the Italian sector the second-largest gambling industry in Europe, only after the United Kingdom.
Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in Italy
In 2006, the government was forced to introduce legal changes, as the gambling regulations in Italy were not compatible with the policies of the European Union. Blocking non-Italian operators was considered an infringement of the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide cross-border services defined in the EEC Treaty. The market was then opened to foreign operators as long as they were based within the EU or EFTA (European Free Trade Association). Gradually, the country started relaxing the legislation concerning other types of games and betting via Ministerial Decrees and amendments to various laws, including the Gambling Law.
Today, online sports betting can be offered by Italian and international companies that hold licenses issued by the Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies or AAMS). In order to obtain a gambling or betting license from the Italian regulator, operators need to meet certain requirements and take part in public tenders. This administrative body is part of the national gambling authority called ADM (Italian Agency of Customs and Monopolies). The ADM is responsible for the regulation, control, and supervision of all land-based and online forms of gambling: casino games, poker, bingo, lotteries, social and skill games, betting on sports and horse races, and fantasy betting.
The tax regime for land-based and online sports betting operations has also changed in the past decade. Rather than being based on turnover (the total sales generated by companies, also called income or gross revenue), the tax rate is now based on profit or GGR. The gross gaming revenue, or GGR, is total bets minus the winnings paid to gamblers. These are earnings before taxes and other expenses, so GGR is not technically the same as profit. Online sports betting operators are required to pay 22% of their GGR, whereas the tax rate for land-based sports betting operations is lower at 18% of GGR. In addition, they need to pay a mandatory €350,000 fee to the AAMS. Currently, a total of 120 gambling licenses have been issued.
Bettors, on the other hand, are not required to pay any taxes on their winnings. Another important thing to note is that, although it is illegal to bet on unlicensed sites, authorities have not taken legal action against players.
Key Sports Betting Laws
The Ministerial Decree no. 111 from 1 March 2006 allows and regulates sports betting on events other than horse races. It also regulates online fixed-odds betting and sports betting, including betting exchanges and live betting. In 2011, an ADM Decree introduced legal horse race betting online, while two years later, on 12 February 2013, the ADM issued another decree to regulate online virtual betting. In addition, system-based fixed-odds bets in land-based establishments are allowed and regulated by ADM Decree dated 27 July 2016.
Italian Sporting Events Coverage and Markets
Of course, Italian betting sites offer many more soccer markets, including bets on popular tournaments such as the Champions League, the FIFA World Cup, and many others. Other incredibly popular sports in the country are basketball, cycling, and volleyball, and all sportsbooks cover the major leagues and events for the respective sports: NBA, NCAAB, EuroLeague, Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and many more. Outrights on these sports are the most preferred markets, although betting sites also offer lines, point spreads, totals, and props on basketball and volleyball.
Motorsports also enjoy huge popularity among sports fans and bettors in Italy, with Formula 1 races being the top events in this category. Most people know that the country’s F1 team, Ferrari, is one of the most successful manufacturers in the history of the sport. Along with wagering on F1, Italian bettors can also place outright bets on various other motorsport events such as the Dakar Rally, the Grand Prix, MotoGP, or NASCAR.
When speaking of sports betting in Italy, we cannot miss one particular winter sport, skiing. Only a few nations are famous for their skiing teams and skiers, and Italy is certainly one of them. With more than 2 million skiers, the country is quite prolific in this sport and has earned multiple medals in the Winter Olympic Games, the World Cup, and the World Championship. Outrights are usually available, as well as other types of bets, depending on the particular event. Sites also cover other winter sports such as biathlon and ski jumping.
Tennis is also quite popular in the country, and fans can bet on the first-set winner or on their favorite player to win outright. All major events are typically covered and, often, bettors can enjoy live streams on their computer or mobile device. In fact, as most Italians watch sports and a large part of them also place bets on sporting events, betting sites that cater to Italian audiences feature extensive live betting sections supported by live streams and statistics.
As some of the world’s leading sports betting operators have entered the local market, plenty of other sports are available to their customers. Bettors can wager on rugby, hockey, football (American football as it is known in Europe), baseball, boxing, MMA, golf, darts, pool and snooker, horse races, and greyhounds. Bets on virtual sports, handball, cricket, badminton, and many others are also available.
Popular Odds Format in Italy
Before explaining decimal odds, which are most commonly used in Italy, we should understand the concept of chance, or, to be exact, probability. Every event, in a sports competition or in a game of chance, has a certain probability of happening. When rolling a die, for instance, you know that the probability of each outcome happening is 1 in 6 (1:6) or, in percentages, 16.66%. The higher the percentage, the more likely the event is to happen.
While probability is not directly related to the odds in sports betting, it is very useful for becoming a successful bettor in the long term, as it shows how likely a certain outcome is: for instance, how likely it is that Manchester United (which plays in the Premier League, the top league of English soccer) will defeat Reading F.C. (a second-tier league team). To find out whether the odds offered on the match have true value, you need to compare them with the probability.
So, let us see decimal odds. Unlike fractional odds, which show the profit, decimal odds indicate the possible returns, namely the winnings plus the bet amount. They show the returns for a single unit wagered. For example, if a betting site offers odds of 1.85 for Manchester United to win, this means that if your bet wins, you will receive $1.85; for a $1 bet, you will earn $0.85. These odds come with a specific implied probability that can be calculated very easily: 1/1.85, which is 0.54 or 54%.
The odds then imply that Manchester United and Reading are almost equally likely to win, which every soccer fan would probably know is not true. In reality, Manchester United is much more likely to win, the actual percentage should be higher and the potential winnings should be lower. You can then easily conclude that the odds offered by the sportsbook have great value.
Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from Italy
When it comes to the payment processors available at Italian betting sites, they are more or less the same credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets that you would find across Europe. Mastercard- and Visa-branded cards are universally accepted in Italy, while Amex cards (American Express) are available as payment methods at only some of the international sportsbooks. Often, credit and debit cards come with annual fees (up to €100) that must be taken into consideration.
Prepaid cards are also extremely popular among Italians, and one particular brand is offered at almost all sports betting sites: Postepay. It is issued by the Italian Post Service and can be used for both online and in-store payments, for paying utility bills, ATM withdrawals, and many other purposes. There are several different Postepay cards: Standard, Evolution, Connect, and Evolution Business, and they use the payment systems of either Visa or Mastercard. Bettors can instantly deposit funds into online sportsbooks, and they can even withdraw their winnings to some of these cards.
Digital wallets have also become widely accepted at Italian sports betting sites and, due to their convenience, low costs, and fast processing, they are often preferred by bettors. Italian betting fans can use Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal, although there may be some restrictions regarding betting- and gambling-related transfers made via PayPal. There are also various alternative payment methods such as instant bank transfers, prepaid vouchers, and more.
One very popular option is MyBank, which allows Italian bettors to make deposits to sportsbooks directly from their bank accounts. This instant bank transfer system was launched several years ago by nine banking groups and is now available to the customers of around 30 financial institutions in the country. In addition, most sports betting sites, whether they are Italian or foreign operators, offer traditional bank transfers conducted via bettors’ online banking accounts. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, are not widely available, as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and similar currencies are not very popular in Italy.
Bonuses and Rewards for Italian Sports Bettors
The most common offers are the sign-up free bets that every sports betting fan receives after registering an account and depositing a small amount of money, usually $/€10 or $/€20. This free bet is not a cash bonus and is typically credited to the user account after a qualifying bet has been made and settled. The betting site then matches the wagered deposit 100% and gives the customer a free bet token that can be used for betting on certain markets. Any winnings generated from it can be withdrawn immediately. Some welcome bonuses require bettors to place several bets and see them settled before awarding free bets. Usually, the value of the free bets ranges from $/€10 to $/€50. There is usually a maximum amount allowed, and it rarely exceeds $/€200.
Other special offers available to bettors in Italy are the so-called cashback bonuses. Sometimes, they are given on all deposited funds that have been lost throughout the week, while in other cases, cashback is given only if you lose your bet on certain sports events. The cashback is usually up to 40% of the wagered amount (although some sportsbooks offer more), and the bonus itself is provided as a free bet that can be used on the betting site.
There are many other bonuses available to Italian bettors: sportsbooks offer various boosts on winnings in a particular sport, league, or betting market. They also give enhanced odds on selected matches, events, or championships. Of course, all these come with their own set of terms and conditions that need to be considered in advance.
Customer Support at Italian Sports Betting Sites
Bettors in Italy can also rely on professional and trained support representatives fluent in Italian. There are many bookmakers and gambling-related sites, so, in order to attract new punters and keep them entertained and engaged for a long time, good betting sites do their best to guarantee customer satisfaction. This is why they also offer different bonuses and free bets over email or directly in the live chat.