Italy Delays Land-Based Gambling Reform as Government Drops Draft Decree

Italy has removed a planned overhaul of its land-based gambling sector from this year’s government agenda, leaving operators facing more uncertainty over the future of retail betting and gaming regulation.

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The draft reform decree was rejected by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office last week and is no longer included in the Council of Ministers’ upcoming work schedule. With the government shifting attention toward the 2027 Budget and broader fiscal measures, the long-awaited changes are unlikely to return before the end of the year.

Two Years of Negotiations End Without Agreement

The reform was designed to create a more consistent national framework under the supervision of the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), replacing a system heavily influenced by different regional rules.

A major obstacle was the regulation of gambling venue locations. Local authorities wanted to maintain strict distance requirements between gambling premises and sensitive locations such as schools, while the central government sought a more unified approach.

The proposal had been under discussion for more than two years through negotiations between national officials and Italy’s regions and autonomous provinces. Those talks failed to produce a version acceptable to all sides.

Operators Face More Uncertainty

The delay means existing retail gambling concessions are likely to remain in place longer than planned. The government had already prepared an extension until December 31, but industry observers now expect another postponement.

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For operators, the issue is not only regulatory. The planned concession auctions were expected to generate between €1.8 billion and €2 billion in licence fees, providing significant revenue for the state while opening the door to a new market structure.

Instead, the sector is facing another period without a clear timeline for reform.

Tax figures have also added pressure. Data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance show gaming tax revenue fell 6.3% year on year to €3.64 billion in the first half of 2026. Revenue from indirect gaming taxes, including lotteries and related activities, declined 8.4% to €3.07 billion, while gaming machines generated €2.47 billion in tax revenue, down 7.3%.

Industry group Associazione Giochi Italia Concessionari (AGIC), which represents companies including Flutter Entertainment, Lottomatica, Entain, bet365 and Brightstar Capital Partners, has warned that repeated extensions have prevented the retail market from gaining long-term stability.

For now, Italy’s land-based gambling sector remains tied to an outdated framework, with operators waiting for a reform that has already spent years in negotiations.

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Source: igamingexpress.com