Navigating the Italian gaming industry
In this article, brought to you by Raketech, COO Christian Lowe discusses the past, present and future status of the affiliate’s SlotJava and NouviCasino platforms amid Italy’s changing gambling regulations
Christian Lowe’s work with SlotJava.it and NuoviCasino.it began over five years ago with a clear goal: to give Italian players a transparent overview of regulated online casinos, slots and promotions. “We saw a gap in the market,” Lowe says. “Italy has a strong gambling culture, especially with slots, but players lack tools to compare games and online casinos.”
SlotJava.it launched with a focus on free-to-play slots, offering over 4,500 games from 100+ providers. “The idea was simple – let players try games without risk,” Lowe explains. The site expanded to include comparisons of regulated online casinos and their promotions, meeting the demand for reliable information in a heavily regulated industry.
NuoviCasino.it took a different angle, focusing on newly launched online casinos. “Italy sees a steady stream of new operators,” adds Lowe. “We help players find them while still offering demo slots and the latest promotions.” Both platforms were built on trust – essential in a market closely monitored by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli – ADM).
Thriving in a competitive landscape
By 2025, both sites have gained popularity. SlotJava.it has become a go-to platform for players looking for a wide slot selection and in-depth reviews. “Engagement has been strong,” Lowe says. “Players appreciate testing games for free and understanding the different mechanics before betting real money.”
NuoviCasino.it’s focus on newly launched online casinos has resonated with players. “There’s always curiosity about new options in Italy,” points out Lowe. “We serve as a bridge between these new operators and the players, ensuring they only access safe, ADM-licensed operators.” With strict advertising regulations limiting how casinos can directly promote themselves, this focus on fresh content and transparency has been well-received by customers.
Lowe credits the two platform’s success to technical efficiency and user-focused design. “We’ve prioritised fast load times and intuitive navigation,” he explains. “In a mature market like Italy, where players know what they want, there’s no room for inefficiency.”
The impact of stricter gambling laws in Italy
The Italian gambling market, one of Europe’s largest, is heavily regulated. The ADM’s latest rules, including a 2024 licence fee increase from €200,000 to €7m, have reshaped the industry. “It’s a big change,” Lowe says. “Fewer operators will enter the market, but it raises the standard for quality.”
For SlotJava.it and NuoviCasino.it, the changes have had mixed effects. “It reduces the number of casinos we can feature,” Lowe says. “But it also makes our role more important as players rely on us to find reputable options.” The long-standing advertising ban, in place since 2019, further increases their relevance. “With operators unable to market directly, affiliates like us help players discover trusted casinos,” he adds.
Responsible gambling regulations align with Lowe’s approach: “We’ve always focused on transparent information. SlotJava.it, for example, explains game mechanics so players understand what they’re getting into. It’s about playing with awareness.”
Lowe expects more regulatory changes ahead. “The government’s focus on tax revenue and player protection could lead to tighter controls on physical betting locations and potential bet limits on slots,” he predicts. “We’re preparing by expanding our content – more guides, more tools – to ensure players can make well-informed decisions when playing online.”
Looking ahead
As SlotJava.it and NuoviCasino.it approach five years of operation, Lowe sees growth as essential. “We’ve built strong brands, but we can’t stay stagnant,” he stresses. Plans include adding community features like forums where players can share experiences. “Trust and interaction keep us relevant,” he adds.
Technological upgrades are also in the works. “We’re looking into AI to personalise recommendations, suggesting slots or casinos based on player preferences,” Lowe notes. And while expansion beyond Italy is possible, his focus remains local: “Italy’s market has its own rules and player habits. Staying on top of it keeps us ahead.”
A commitment to players
Lowe emphasises the core principle behind both platforms: “Trust is everything. Whether it’s a slot review on SlotJava.it or a new casino on NuoviCasino.it, our goal is to give players confidence in their choices.” As Italy’s gambling market changes, Lowe and his team are committed to maintaining a reliable and transparent platform for players.
Christian Lowe became Raketech’s chief operating officer (COO) in October 2024, responsible for SlotJava.it and NuoviCasino.it, two leading affiliate sites in Italy’s online gambling market. With extensive experience in igaming, Lowe has driven these brands’ success by aligning with Italian player preferences. He originally joined Raketech in March 2024 as chief business development officer, focusing on M&A and new business development opportunities. Prior to Raketech, he held various roles with Zalando covering M&A, partnerships and investments.