Italy’s government recently approved the draft for its 2027 Budget Law, anticipating that gambling will contribute €700 million in tax revenue. This estimate, however, is lower than previous projections, which ranged from €400 million to €1 billion. The government plans to utilize this revenue as part of a broader funding strategy that totals €26 billion for 2027 and €27 billion for 2028. Before any measures are enacted, the budget requires parliamentary approval, and the specific mechanisms for generating income from gambling remain unclear.
Notably, the budget does not propose a new tender for the Gratta e Vinci scratch-card concession, which is set to expire in September 2028. There is ongoing deliberation regarding whether to initiate a tender process or to extend the existing concession in exchange for compensation.
The reorganization of Italy's brick-and-mortar gambling sector is progressing slowly. The customs and monopolies agency has been ordered to extend current retail licenses through to the end of 2028, indicating that a long-term solution is not expected imminently.
Meanwhile, Italy's online gambling market is adapting to a new regulatory framework that took effect in November 2025. Flutter Entertainment, which operates brands such as Sisal, Snai, PokerStars, tombola, and Betfair within Italy, has decided to cease operations for Betfair in the country, although it will continue to focus on its other local businesses.
The government has yet to determine which gambling products or taxes will face increased costs. Among the considerations are potential hikes in taxes on gaming machines and the possibility of higher fees for concessions, although conclusive details will only emerge as the budget process unfolds in parliament.
