Italy Targets €1 Billion from Gambling Sector

The government is considering measures to secure around €1 billion from the gambling sector for the 2027 budget, as it looks to boost public revenue from the industry.

One proposal involves bringing forward the tender for the country’s instant-win and scratchcard concession, potentially generating around €1bn. Other measures under consideration include changes to online gambling licensing fees and regulatory requirements. It has yet to be confirmed whether one of these packages will be approved.

Online gambling is a key part of the debate, with demand continuing to move towards digital channels. According to a report cited in Italy’s parliamentary records, total gambling stakes reached a record €164.6 billion in 2025, with online play accounting for much of this growth. The government’s challenge is to capture revenue from this market while maintaining effective oversight and consumer protection. The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) published a list of authorised online gambling operators.

Meanwhile, land-based operators are calling for urgent government support as concessions covering betting shops, bingo and gaming machines are due to expire on December 31, 2026, and the updates have not yet been approved. Industry representatives want clearer rules and a timetable for new tenders to avoid prolonged uncertainty. Italian parliamentary records outline the outstanding reform of the retail gambling network and the uncertainty surrounding concessions.

The government faces the challenge of increasing gambling-related revenue while maintaining a stable, regulated market. Its final budget decisions will determine how much of the financial burden falls on operators and how the sector’s licensing framework develops.