Highlight Games Secures Italian ADM Approval for Proprietary Virtual Sports Platform

Highlight Games, a leading London-based provider of virtual sports and instant-win games, has reached a significant milestone in Italy. The company has successfully completed the rigorous ADM collaudo process of the Italian gambling authority. This technical certification allows Highlight Games to distribute its games, such as the popular Spanish SOCCERBET, directly via its own platform, instead of relying on third-party providers.

The Italian market is considered one of the most important globally for virtual sports. With direct control over its technology, Highlight Games expects faster market launches and improved integration for its partners. This strengthens the company's position in a consolidating Italian iGaming sector.

Numbers and facts

Highlight Games has obtained ADM collaudo certification for its proprietary video platform. This technology enables zero-cost streaming and eliminates intermediary fees. The company plans to introduce its Spanish SOCCERBET product first in Italian retail betting shops and later online and mobile. Spanish SOCCERBET differs from traditional CGI virtual sports by using real archived LALIGA footage. Italy itself is investing heavily in the digitalization of its gambling sector. The ADM plans investments of 28 million euros for the years 2025 to 2027. This underlines the country's efforts to modernize the market and improve compliance with regulatory standards. The Italian video game market has also grown significantly, from 48 companies and 20 million euros in revenue to over 200 operators, nearly 3,000 employees, and revenues between 180 and 200 million euros over the last ten years.

Background

The ADM collaudo certification is a strict process that all gambling operators in Italy must undergo to approve their software and systems for use in the regulated market. For Highlight Games, this approval means the company now has full control over its product development and distribution. This not only leads to cost savings but also greater flexibility in adapting to market needs. Steven Holmes, CEO of Highlight Games, emphasizes the importance of this step:

"This is a huge moment for Highlight as we bring our full video-based technology stack to the Italian market. Italy is where SOCCERBET has proven itself time and again and passing the ADM collaudo means we can now deliver that content on our own platform, with our zero-cost streaming solution, exactly as it was designed to be experienced."

He added: "Owning the technology end to end means we control our own roadmap, meaning faster launches, smoother integrations for our operator partners and a richer experience for players." The Italian market is currently experiencing consolidation. Smaller operators are being acquired by larger companies or merging to meet the requirements of the new nine-year license system. Domenico Mazzola of CatoriTech describes current developments in an interview. He expects there will be fewer, but larger, operators in the future. Popular game categories are still casino games and sports betting, but crash games are also gaining popularity, especially among younger players.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the development in Italy has no direct impact on the availability of Highlight Games' offerings. Germany regulates the online gambling market through the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This treaty includes strict rules, such as a deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and a stake limit of 1 euro per spin for online slots. The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) is responsible for licensing and supervising German online casinos. Only providers on the GGL whitelist are legal. German players should only play at these licensed providers to ensure player protection, fair payout ratios, and secure transactions. Offerings from casinos with MGA or Curacao licenses are illegal in Germany and offer no legal protection. The LUGAS system monitors deposit limits and excludes players from multiple providers simultaneously.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Highlight Games' strategic independence in Italy demonstrates a trend towards technological autonomy in the industry. GGL-licensed casinos in Germany could also benefit from such developments. Greater control over their own technology infrastructure could lead to more efficient and innovative offerings. This would benefit German players, as optimized platforms enable a better user experience. For the GGL and licensed operators in Germany, this could mean that even more robust and seamlessly integrated virtual sports products will enter the German market in the future. Compliance with German regulations, such as strict player and deposit limits and connection to LUGAS, remains a top priority for any provider wishing to operate in Germany.