Italy is exploring initiatives for its gambling sector that could potentially add between €400 million to €500 million to the country’s 2027 state budget. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has directed the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to evaluate strategies to boost revenue for the upcoming budget year.
As of now, however, no proposals have been finalized in the draft of the budget bill. A significant measure being considered is the extension of concession periods for retail gambling, which could generate average annual revenues of €200 million to €250 million. Currently, the concession fees are set at €120 for each amusement-with-prizes machine, €4,000 for each video lottery terminal, and €9,500 for a betting agency license.
This extension would not only benefit the budget but would also provide the government with more time to plan for the modernization of Italy's gambling industry.
Discussions between the government and the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces have recently taken place; however, they have not resulted in any agreements. Notably, the three-year mandate established by the Tax Delegation Law lapsed on August 29. Reports indicate that the lack of new concessions has led to a financial shortfall for the government, estimated at €1.5 billion.
