As Italy’s iGaming sector braces for sweeping regulatory reform and intensified competition, Evoke has emerged as one of the most compelling players to watch. Steering this growth story is Fabrizio Veltre Stolfi, Head of Gaming Operations, Italy, who sat down with Matthew Busuttil for this interview.
For Veltre Stolfi, each step in his journey has added to the leadership lens he brings today. “My experience working with companies engaged in the Italian market provided me with a practical understanding of its dynamics, including the key drivers of industry players, the regulatory landscape, and the pivotal role of trust”, he explains. International roles, meanwhile, broadened his perspective and reinforced the need to adapt global best practices to local realities.
Market share gains with disciplined execution
Under Veltre Stolfi’s leadership, Evoke’s flagship brands, 888 and William Hill, achieved more than 8% market share in Italy, with 888 alone gaining an additional 1% last year. He doesn’t see this achievement as purely his own, but rather as the result of a collective effort, and of collective strength. “ Their dedication has been the engine behind our ability to outpace the market,” he notes.
The growth strategy has relied on three clear levers: continuous evolution of the product offering, leveraging data to sharpen engagement, and strengthening operational excellence. “Our focus has been on ensuring our product offering is differentiated and competitive, making every interaction relevant through data-driven marketing, and building operations that allow growth to remain sustainable,” Stolfi explains. This disciplined execution, combined with strategic alignment, has enabled Evoke’s global leadership to deliver a market share gain that stands out in one of Europe’s toughest markets.
Regulation as opportunity
Italy’s new regulatory decree, limiting the number of licensed operators to 50 and imposing a €7 million licence fee, represents one of the most significant structural shifts the market has seen in years. Many predict this will squeeze out smaller operators and create an oligopolistic structure, but for Evoke, it is a chance to reinforce its position.
“The new regulatory framework is certainly a turning point for the Italian market,” Stolfi remarks. “A cap of 50 licensed operators and a €7 million licence fee will undoubtedly reshape competition, favouring those with the scale, stability, and long-term vision to adapt.”
Towards omnichannel experiences
Although Evoke currently operates exclusively online in Italy, the company is actively exploring opportunities for omnichannel growth. For Stolfi, the integration of land-based and digital offerings is not merely about expansion but about redefining the player journey.
“What excites me most is the potential to create a seamless journey between the online and land-based worlds,” he explains. “Operationally, this means offering players more flexibility, being able to start their experience in one channel and continue it in another, with the same consistency, security, and personalisation they expect from our brands.”
This approach ensures that Evoke’s strategy is not only commercially sound but also deeply attuned to the cultural dynamics of its audience.
Content that connects
One of Evoke’s differentiators is its own content studio, Section8, which produces content that is locally relevant while pushing creative boundaries.
“The secret to their consistent success lies in a careful balance between staying attuned to market trends and embracing experimentation and innovation,” Stolfi says.
This dual emphasis on resonance and performance has allowed Evoke to strengthen engagement and retention in Italy, proving that content innovation is as much about understanding the player as it is about technological creativity.
Responsibility at the core
Responsible gaming is not simply a regulatory obligation for Evoke; it is the foundation of long-term trust. In Italy, the company has deployed advanced tools across both 888 and William Hill to protect players without undermining the entertainment experience.
“Across 888 and William Hill, we’ve implemented platform upgrades that allow us to leverage data and automation to identify patterns of risky behaviour early, personalise interventions, and provide players with the right tools to manage their activity,” Stolfi explains. Automation ensures scalability, while data insights drive continuous refinement.
“Responsible gaming is not just a compliance requirement; it’s about building trust and long-term relationships,” he stresses. By blending technology with a player-first mindset, Evoke aims to set the benchmark for responsible practices in Italy.
AI as a game-changer
Among the pillars of Evoke’s Value Creation Plan, Stolfi highlights AI-driven customer lifecycle management as the most transformational for the Italian market.
“Leveraging AI allows us to understand our players better, anticipate their needs, and personalise their experiences at scale,” he says. This has far-reaching implications, not only for engagement and loyalty but also for efficiency and responsibility. “In a dynamic and competitive market like Italy, this strategic focus is a game-changer: it helps us stay agile, innovate continuously, and build deeper, more meaningful connections with our players.”
AI may be the headline driver, but it is underpinned by operational excellence and ESG initiatives that provide the foundation for sustainable innovation.
A forward-looking ecosystem
Looking beyond regulatory change, Stolfi identifies innovation as the actual driver of growth in Italy. “Innovation allows us to enhance the player experience, introduce new features and products, and operate more efficiently across channels,” he explains. Whether through advanced analytics, AI-driven personalisation, or bridging online and offline experiences, Evoke sees technology as central to shaping Italy’s future gaming landscape.
While new verticals and customer segments will also present opportunities, Stolfi is clear that adaptability and speed will define success. “The ability to innovate and adapt quickly will be the defining factor for long-term success in Italy,” he emphasises.
Shaping Italy’s iGaming narrative
As Rome prepares to host the inaugural SiGMA Central Europe Summit in November 2025, Stolfi underscores its importance in uniting operators, regulators, and innovators at a pivotal moment for Italy.
“The summit comes at a key moment as new regulations reshape the market. It offers a unique opportunity for regulators, operators, and innovators to come together, highlighting how Italy is evolving as a hub capable of attracting both local and international betting companies, games, and platform suppliers,” he says.
For Evoke, the ambition is to lead by example. “Our goal extends beyond growth in Italy; we want to contribute to a vibrant, sustainable, and forward-looking iGaming ecosystem, helping the market reach its full potential while remaining at the forefront of innovation,” Stolfi affirms.
With sustainable growth, cultural resonance, and technological leadership at its core, Evoke’s Italian strategy under Fabrizio Veltre Stolfi is not only navigating change but actively shaping the market’s future.
For more insights into the future of gaming and the role of key industry leaders, visit the SiGMA Website.
