Italy Targets €1 Billion From Gambling Sector for 2027 Budget
Italy.- 15 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is targeting an additional €1 billion contribution from the gambling industry during 2027–2028, as part of the fiscal measures being prepared by Giorgia Meloni’s government for Budget 2027.
The initiative involves reviewing the financial conditions of gambling concessions, introducing new auditing procedures and examining changes to the accounting treatment of player winnings and withdrawals.
Among the options under consideration is the possibility of bringing forward the tender for Italy’s national instant lottery and scratchcard concession, currently scheduled to expire in 2028.
Gambling as a Source of Government Revenue
The proposal forms part of a broader fiscal programme through which the Italian Government aims to secure between €7 billion and €8 billion in additional revenue.
Alongside gambling businesses, the measures could affect:
- Banks.
- Insurance companies.
- Energy businesses.
- Operators holding state concessions.
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has emphasised the need for sectors with sufficient financial capacity to contribute towards the country’s budgetary commitments.
The objective is to raise additional funding while managing constraints on public expenditure.
Changes to the Online Gambling Licensing System
The revenue projections take account of significant reforms introduced into Italy’s online gambling market.
A new licensing regime came into effect in November 2025, establishing a €7 million concession fee.
The framework changed market access conditions and the financial obligations imposed on authorised operators.
The MEF is now considering additional auditing and supervisory procedures affecting how certain transactions are recorded by online gambling businesses.
These changes could influence operators’ financial obligations over the coming years.
New Auditing Rules for Winnings and Withdrawals
One of the principal elements under consideration concerns the accounting treatment of player winnings and withdrawals.
The Government is examining more specific auditing requirements for online gambling concessions.
The proposed changes could address:
- The recording of player winnings.
- Accounting for withdrawn funds.
- Gambling account transactions.
- Concession holders’ financial obligations.
- Compliance with updated technical standards.
However, it has not yet been confirmed whether these changes will involve additional charges or direct adjustments to existing gambling taxes.
Higher Costs for Extending Concessions
Another option being examined involves increasing the fees required to extend existing gambling concessions.
This measure could affect operators seeking to renew or prolong their authorisations.
It would allow the Government to generate additional revenue through contractual arrangements with licensed gambling companies.
Nevertheless, the proposed charges and implementation timetable have not yet been finalised.
The industry will need to await the formal Budget proposal to establish the precise scope of any new obligations.
Potential €1 Billion Scratchcard Tender
One of the most significant possibilities under consideration is bringing forward the tender for Italy’s instant lottery and scratchcard concession.
The existing contract is operated by Lotterie Nazionali, a joint venture comprising:
- Brightstar Lottery.
- Scientific Games.
- Arianna.
- Allwyn.
The concession is currently scheduled to expire in 2028, but the Government is considering advancing the tender to 2027.
The MEF and the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) are examining a potential concession arrangement valued at approximately €1 billion.
This option still requires parliamentary consideration and does not represent an officially approved tender.
Central Role for the ADM
The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) is responsible for administering and supervising state gambling concessions in Italy.
If the proposed Budget measures proceed, the authority would play a central role in implementing additional requirements and managing potential tender procedures.
Bringing forward the scratchcard concession could represent a significant development for Italy’s lottery sector.
It could also influence investment schedules and commercial strategies among companies interested in competing for the contract.
Wider Government Spending Commitments
The gambling tax proposals come against a background of increasing budgetary commitments.
Italy’s Parliament previously approved a €29 billion budget deviation over two years to support energy and defence expenditure.
The Government must balance these commitments against other public spending priorities and its established fiscal objectives.
Consequently, negotiations with the European Commission remain important in determining the available degree of budgetary flexibility.
The outcome of these discussions will influence the Government’s capacity to introduce additional support for families and address energy costs.
Uncertainty for Gambling Operators
The main uncertainty facing Italy’s gambling industry concerns which measures will ultimately be incorporated into Budget 2027.
Current proposals address:
- Online gambling taxation.
- Auditing of winnings and withdrawals.
- Concession renewal charges.
- Updated technical standards.
- An accelerated instant lottery tender.
No additional tax rates, final charges or specific implementation timetable have yet been confirmed.
The €1 billion figure should therefore be understood as a government revenue target rather than guaranteed additional tax receipts.
Next Steps and Impact
The Italian Government is expected to submit its 2027 Budget proposal to the Chamber of Deputies around 28 October 2026.
This stage should provide greater clarity regarding which measures will advance through the legislative process.
For gambling operators, the principal considerations will include the cost of maintaining concessions, potential taxation changes and additional supervisory requirements.
The possibility of advancing the scratchcard tender to 2027 could also become a significant factor for businesses operating in the lottery sector.
The initiative highlights the growing importance of gambling revenue within Italy’s fiscal strategy, although its final impact will depend on parliamentary decisions and the specific financial measures ultimately approved.
Editó: @fonta
