Italy seeks €1bn budget contribution from gambling sector
One proposal would bring forward the tender process for Italy’s next instant-win and scratchcard concession.
Italy.- The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has said that it expects to raise €1bn from gambling operators in Italy under the 2027 Budget Law. The projected contribution is tied to a series of reforms across Italy’s gambling sector, including changes to online gambling licensing, auditing procedures and technical standards. That includes measures introduced through the 2026 budget and follows the implementation of the new online gambling licensing regime in November 2025, which saw the introduction of an annual fee of €7m.
The ministry plans to introduce new auditing requirements covering online gambling concessions and the treatment of player accounts. Operators could also face revised rules governing the accounting of winnings and withdrawals, while charges linked to extending existing concessions are expected to increase.
The 2027 Budget Law is a central element of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s political agenda as Italy moves towards elections in 2027. The gambling sector forms part of a revenue strategy aimed at generating between €7bn and €8bn, with banks, insurers and energy companies also expected to contribute as the government seeks to secure fiscal measures that could reinforce the position of Fratelli d’Italia within the ruling conservative coalition.
For gambling operators, uncertainty remains over which proposals will ultimately be incorporated into the final budget and the financial obligations licence holders may be required to meet. Options currently under discussion include new revenue streams linked to online gambling, withdrawal transactions and concession agreements. However, neither the final rates nor implementation schedule have yet been confirmed.
One proposal still awaiting parliamentary approval would allow the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) to begin a tender process for Italy’s instant-win and scratchcard concession. The concession is currently operated by Lotterie Nazionali, a joint venture comprising Brightstar Lottery, Scientific Games, Arianna and Allwyn.
As part of discussions surrounding the 2027 budget, the government is considering bringing forward the concession renewal process by a year from its current expiry date in 2028. The MEF and ADM are reportedly targeting a stewardship contract worth around €1bn.
The scope of the final spending programme will also depend on negotiations with the European Commission regarding budget flexibility rules. The outcome of talks with Brussels is expected to play a key role in determining the government’s ability to introduce further support measures for families, tackle energy costs and deliver other spending priorities.
The budget bill is expected to reach the Chamber of Deputies towards the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the MEF is considering a three‑year extension of retail gambling concessions, currently due to expire at the end of 2026. The MEF is considering pushing the deadline to the end of 2029, allowing the state to continue collecting licensing fees while buying time to resolve the long‑delayed reorganisation of Italy’s retail gambling network. Meloni ended negotiations with the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces in August, closing almost three years of talks and removing the reform from the 2027 legislative agenda.
