Betfair Prepares Italy Exit as Affiliate Programme Ends October 31

Flutter Entertainment is preparing to withdraw Betfair’s products from Italy, with the operator’s local affiliate programme scheduled to close on October 31, 2026.

In a letter reported by AGIMEG, Betfair informed partners that their participation in the Italian programme would terminate on that date. Affiliates must remove promotional material aimed at Italian customers by October 29.

Outstanding commissions earned during October will be processed and paid in November. The letter states that no further Italian programme commission payments will follow that final payment cycle. Affiliate arrangements covering other territories remain unaffected. 

Regulatory Changes Behind the Decision

A Flutter spokesperson subsequently confirmed to SiGMA that regulatory changes had made Betfair Exchange commercially unsustainable in Italy. The company said it would also discontinue Betfair Sportsbook and Casino in the market.

Flutter did not identify the specific regulatory provisions responsible for its decision or provide an operational closure date for the sportsbook and casino products. 

The distinction matters for the timetable: October 31 is the confirmed affiliate programme termination date, rather than an announced shutdown date for every customer-facing service. AGIMEG’s follow-up coverage likewise noted that a precise cessation date for Exchange, Sportsbook and Casino had not been disclosed. 

Betfair Exchange allows customers to bet against one another, with the platform acting as an intermediary and charging commission on winning bets. That differs from the sportsbook model, where customers place bets against the bookmaker.

Other Flutter Brands Remain in Italy

Flutter described the affected Betfair business as a very small proportion of its Italian revenue. It said the withdrawal would have no impact on its other brands or employees based in the country.

The group will continue operating in Italy through Sisal, Snai and PokerStars. The decision therefore concerns Betfair’s local offering rather than Flutter’s wider presence in the Italian gambling market.