Italy’s retail gambling sector demands action after reform stalls
Industry groups want tender planning to begin now through a government-industry consultation forum as time ticks down to licence expirations.
Key takeaways:
- Italy’s retail gambling concessions are due to expire on December 31, 2026.
- A retail reform decree was shelved after missing the government’s August deadline.
- AGSI is urging temporary support measures for betting, gaming machines and horse racing.
- Retail gambling still generates roughly three-quarters of Italy’s €21bn-plus gambling market.
- Industry groups want tender planning to begin now through a government-industry consultation forum.
Italy.- The retail gambling sector in Italy is calling for urgent interim measures to support land-based businesses ahead of the expiry of existing concessions at the end of the year. With concessions covering betting, bingo, amusement with prizes and video lottery terminals set to expire on December 31, 2026, the industry is still waiting for a long-promised reform of the retail market. The decree designed to reorganise the Italian retail gambling sector and establish the framework for new tenders was shelved after missing the government’s August 29 deadline.
A further extension of current arrangements is widely anticipated, potentially leaving the retail network in the same state of uncertainty that has persisted for several years. Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI), which represents betting shops, has urged the government to introduce temporary support measures for gaming machines, horse racing and sports betting until new concession tenders are launched.
“Gaming machines, horse racing and betting cannot wait three years,” AGSI president Pasquale Chiacchio told the Italian trade publication Jamma.
AGSI wants the transition period before new tenders to be used to make retail outlets more competitive through the introduction of additional products that could be sold via betting agencies and authorised venues. Chiacchio cited the 1998-1999 pilot programme that introduced sports betting into horse racing agencies as an example of how innovation could support the retail network.
The association is also calling for the creation of a consultation forum bringing together government representatives, public institutions and industry stakeholders to begin drafting tender requirements immediately. It wants the future framework to enable small and medium-sized operators to compete alongside larger groups and is advocating for a more balanced national retail network staffed by trained employees, pointing to Campania’s regional legislation as a potential model.
The association’s concerns reflect what many industry figures see as a growing imbalance between Italy’s online and retail gambling markets. While the online sector is already operating under a new concession framework, with additional rules due to come into force on November 13, reform of the retail segment has yet to begin despite retail gambling still accounting for around three-quarters of a market valued at more than €21bn.
Why is Italy’s retail gambling sector seeking government action?
Industry representatives say reform delays have left operators facing continued uncertainty ahead of the expiry of current concessions. They want temporary measures to help retail businesses remain viable until new tenders are introduced.
What gambling concessions are due to expire in Italy?
The concessions covering betting, bingo, Amusement With Prizes (AWPs) and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026.
How important is retail gambling in Italy’s market?
Despite ongoing growth in online gambling, retail remains the dominant channel and accounts for around three-quarters of Italy’s gambling market, which is valued at more than €21bn.
