The Italian government has unveiled its draft for the 2027 Budget Law, projecting that gambling will contribute approximately €700 million in tax revenue. This estimate falls below previous predictions, which ranged from €400 million to €1 billion. The revenue from gambling is intended to help finance a broader spending plan totaling €26 billion for 2027 and €27 billion for 2028.
Before implementation, the budget requires parliamentary approval, and the government has yet to provide specific strategies for generating income from gambling. Notably, the draft does not indicate plans for a new tender concerning the Gratta e Vinci scratch-card concession, which is set to expire in September 2028. Officials are currently evaluating whether to organize a new tender or to extend the existing concession for a fee.
Meanwhile, the overhaul of Italy's brick-and-mortar gambling sector is progressing slowly. The customs and monopolies agency has been directed to extend retail licenses until the end of 2028, indicating that a permanent solution is not imminent.
This budget proposal arrives as Italy's online gambling sector adjusts to new regulations that were implemented in November 2025. Flutter Entertainment, which operates several brands including Sisal, Snai, PokerStars, tombola, and Betfair in Italy, is in the process of closing Betfair’s operations in the country while continuing to manage its other local ventures.
The government still needs to specify which gambling products or taxes will incur additional costs. Possible initiatives include increased taxes on gaming machines and higher fees for concession extensions, with full details expected to unfold as the budget moves through parliament.
