Italian Gambling Operators Seek Urgent Measures as Licences Near Expiry
Italy.- 21 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Italy’s land-based gambling industry is facing growing regulatory uncertainty as its operating concessions approach expiry on 31 December 2026, with the Government yet to advance the planned restructuring of the sector.
The Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI) has called for temporary measures to ensure the continuity of betting shops, bingo venues and gaming machine operators.
The request follows the postponement of the land-based gambling reorganisation decree in August, when the Government failed to meet its original 29 August deadline.
Expiring Concessions and Delayed Reform
Concessions covering sports betting, bingo, AWP gaming machines and VLTs are due to expire at the end of 2026.
Although another extension is widely anticipated, operators warn that the continuing uncertainty makes investment and recruitment decisions increasingly difficult.
Pasquale Chiacchio, President of AGSI, argued that businesses cannot afford to wait several years for new licensing tenders.
The association is calling for immediate measures to help licensed venues remain competitive while the regulatory process continues.
Growing Differences Between Online and Retail Gambling
Italy’s gambling market is experiencing an increasingly significant regulatory divide between digital and land-based operations.
While online gambling already operates under a new licensing framework, with additional requirements taking effect on 13 November, retail operators continue relying on annual concession extensions.
The land-based sector represents approximately three-quarters of a gambling market worth more than €21 billion.
Davide Diodato, CEO of HBG Online, highlighted that online licences run for nine years, while retail businesses lack comparable long-term certainty.
Physical venues also face opening-hour restrictions, location requirements and increasing operating costs.
Tax Revenue and AGSI’s Proposals
According to Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, total gambling tax revenue declined by 6.3% during the first half of 2026, reaching €3.64 billion.
Against this background, AGSI is proposing several measures:
- Introducing new products through licensed betting agencies and retail outlets.
- Establishing temporary support measures for gaming machines, sports betting and horse racing.
- Creating a consultation forum involving the Government, regulators and industry representatives.
- Ensuring future tenders allow small and medium-sized businesses to participate.
- Strengthening enforcement against illegal gambling operators.
Chiacchio warned that a shrinking regulated retail network could encourage the expansion of unauthorised gambling activity.
Next Steps and Impact
The industry is awaiting government decisions to ensure that licensed establishments can continue operating beyond 31 December 2026.
The operators’ association AGIC, whose members include Flutter, Lottomatica, Entain and bet365, has also expressed concerns about the lack of long-term regulatory certainty.
For Italy’s gambling industry, the central challenge will be establishing a stable framework that supports venue modernisation, employment protection and the continued operation of licensed businesses.
Editó: @fonta
