As Italy's retail gambling sector approaches a crucial deadline, operators are urging the government for urgent assistance to keep their businesses afloat. With retail concessions set to expire in just ten weeks and the proposed reorganization decree now on hold, the Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI) argues that gaming machines, horse racing, and sports betting cannot afford further delays until new tenders are issued.
The current concessions for betting, bingo, and various gaming machines are due to end on December 31, 2026. These concessions were anticipated to be restructured through a decree that was sidelined in August, missing the government’s deadline of August 29. Consequently, a further extension is expected, leaving operators in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
AGSI's president, Pasquale Chiacchio, vocalized the urgency of the situation during discussions with the Italian trade outlet Jamma, stating, “Gaming machines, horse racing, and betting cannot wait three years.”
The disparity between Italy's online and retail gambling sectors has been increasing. The online market has already begun operating under a new concession framework, with additional regulations taking effect on November 13. Meanwhile, retail gambling, which constitutes about three-quarters of a market exceeding €21 billion, has seen no significant reform.
At a recent SBC Summit in Lisbon, IMGL co-founder Quirino Mancini remarked that he did not foresee any government initiative addressing retail reorganization before Italy's next general election, regardless of its political composition. He emphasized that gambling remains a sensitive topic, contributing to the stagnation of necessary reforms.
Mancini highlighted that the discussion around reorganizing the network dates back to the 2016 Stability Law, indicating that while the technical framework has mostly been agreed upon, political hurdles remain.
Operators express their frustrations daily. Davide Diodato, CEO of Novomatic's HBG Online, pointed out the discrepancy in licensing durations: online licenses extend for nine years, whereas retail concessions are renewed annually. This instability hampers shopkeepers' ability to invest or hire effectively.
Chiacchio also noted a worrying trend of consumers gravitating towards online platforms, which offer round-the-clock access and a broader array of products and promotions. Retail shops are constrained by distance regulations, limited operating hours, and various permit requirements, pushing commercial investments away from physical locations and contributing to rising costs amidst declining revenue.
The impact on tax revenue has been significant, with total gaming tax income falling by 6.3% to €3.64 billion in the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
In light of these challenges, AGSI has proposed a transition period during which shops could enhance their appeal by offering new products through approved agencies. Chiacchio referenced the 1998-1999 experiment that introduced sports betting in horse racing agencies as a positive example.
The association is advocating for a consultation process involving the government and industry stakeholders to begin drafting the rules for future tenders. It aims to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises can compete alongside larger operators and seeks a more equitable distribution of the national network with well-trained staff, drawing inspiration from a regional law in Campania.
Chiacchio warned that a declining legal network would enable illegal operators to gain ground. He urged law enforcement to focus on combating the black market, rather than imposing further restrictions on licensed establishments.
AGSI is not alone in its frustration; the operators' association AGIC, representing companies like Flutter, Lottomatica, Entain, and Bet365, has highlighted that repeated extensions have left the retail market without substantial long-term assurances for nearly a decade.
