Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) expects the gambling sector to contribute approximately €1bn towards the government’s 2027–2028 funding plans, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration prepares its next budget. The proposed revenue forms part of a broader fiscal program targeting between €7bn and €8bn from several industries, with the final measures still subject to parliamentary decisions and ongoing discussions over public spending.
The government is examining several ways to increase revenue from gambling businesses, including adjustments to online licensing arrangements, changes to auditing procedures and higher charges associated with existing concessions. A potential early tender for Italy’s instant-win and scratchcard concession also remains under consideration, with the MEF and the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) reportedly targeting a contract worth around €1bn.
The proposals come as Italy approaches its 2027 election cycle, placing the budget at the center of Meloni’s political agenda. However, operators still lack clarity on which measures will become binding obligations and how the government will distribute the additional financial burden across the sector.
Licensing and Auditing Changes Could Increase Operator Costs
Italy’s gambling revenue plans build on regulatory changes introduced through the 2026 budget and the new online gambling licensing framework, which took effect in November 2025. The regime introduced an annual license fee of €7m, establishing a significant recurring cost for companies holding the relevant concessions.
The MEF is now considering additional oversight requirements for online gambling operators. These measures would extend to the auditing of concessions and the examination of player accounts, alongside changes to the way operators record winnings and withdrawals. The government is also considering higher charges for extending existing gambling concessions.
The proposals could therefore generate revenue through several parts of the gambling licensing system. However, the government has yet to confirm the final rates, the precise scope of the planned charges or when any additional requirements would take effect.
Gambling is one element of a wider revenue strategy that also includes expected contributions from banks, insurance companies and energy businesses. According to SBC News, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has reiterated that “everyone who can, will contribute”, reflecting the administration’s intention to secure funding for its spending commitments while managing constraints on public expenditure.
The government must still determine which of the proposed measures will enter the final budget legislation. For gambling companies, that leaves uncertainty over the potential cumulative cost of licensing fees, revised concession terms and changes to financial reporting requirements.
Scratchcard Tender and Retail Concessions Under Review
A separate proposal concerns the concession covering Italy’s instant-win games and scratchcards. Parliament has yet to approve the launch of a tender by the ADM, although the government is examining whether the process could help secure additional funds for the state.
The current concession is held by Lotterie Nazionali, a joint venture comprising Brightstar Lottery, Scientific Games, Arianna and Allwyn. Its contract is due to expire in 2028, but the government is considering advancing the renewal process by one year, bringing the proposed tender forward to 2027.
The MEF and ADM are reportedly seeking a stewardship contract valued at approximately €1bn. The potential tender represents a separate funding consideration within the broader budget discussions, although its progression depends on the necessary decisions by Parliament.
The MEF is also examining a possible three-year extension for retail gambling concessions that are currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. Under the proposal, the deadline would move to the end of 2029, allowing the state to continue collecting licensing fees while postponing a resolution to the restructuring of Italy’s retail gambling network.
The retail extension comes after Meloni ended negotiations with the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces in August. The discussions had continued for almost three years, but their conclusion removed the planned reorganization of the retail gambling network from the government’s 2027 legislative agenda.
The proposed extensions and tender changes remain under consideration. Their eventual terms will determine how the state approaches the renewal of gambling concessions and the associated revenue opportunities.
European Commission Talks Will Influence Budget Decisions
Italy’s gambling proposals form part of a broader financial plan shaped by the government’s spending priorities and its discussions with European institutions. Parliament has approved a €29bn budget deviation over two years to cover energy and defense expenditure, adding another consideration to the administration’s fiscal planning.
The final spending package will depend partly on negotiations with the European Commission over the application of budget flexibility rules. Those discussions will affect the government’s room to introduce additional assistance for families, respond to energy costs and meet its other commitments.
Giorgetti has warned that “clouds are gathering on the horizon”, urging caution as the government balances its spending plans against the state’s financial constraints.
The budget bill is expected to reach the Chamber of Deputies around 28 October. Its presentation should provide greater clarity on whether the proposed €1bn contribution from gambling businesses will take the form of additional taxes, concession charges, licensing changes or proceeds from a new tender.