Italy is preparing to finalise a long-debated overhaul of its land-based gambling sector, with the Council of Ministers targeting 10 April for the publication of a legislative decree that will reshape retail operations nationwide. The measure marks the next stage in a broader reform programme that began in 2023 and initially focused on online gambling, culminating in a new licensing system introduced in November 2025.
Authorities have now turned their attention to physical gambling venues, aiming to introduce consistent rules across the country while addressing long-standing differences between regional frameworks. The decree is currently under review by the Unified Conference, which represents Italy’s 20 regions and more than 100 municipalities, as final details are negotiated before publication.
Unified Framework Targets Venue Restrictions
The forthcoming decree introduces tighter controls on how and where gambling venues can operate. Among the central measures are stricter limits on operating hours and reinforced distance requirements between gambling locations and designated sensitive sites such as schools, hospitals, and public institutions.
Licensed operators will also need to meet certification standards, which will allow them to open venues at a minimum distance of 100 metres from these locations. This approach is intended to create a consistent national baseline while still accommodating local oversight.
In parallel, authorities plan to strengthen monitoring mechanisms. A permanent committee will be established to track problem gambling trends, while anti-money laundering supervision will be expanded under the direction of the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). Additional developments include a consultation process led by the communications regulator on how responsible gambling messaging should be presented to the public.
New Concession Model Reshapes Retail Market
The reform introduces a revised structure for land-based gambling concessions across multiple segments. For gaming machines, operators will need to submit starting bids of €25m for packages that include 4,000 Amusement with Prizes machines and 900 Video Lottery Terminals.
Retail betting licences will be issued in bundles of 25, each priced at €60,000, with a base bid set at €1.5m. Bingo halls will also be included in the new framework, with licences starting at €350,000 per venue and covering around 210 locations.
These changes come as the sector faces mounting financial pressure. Tax revenues from gaming machines declined by €250m in 2025, prompting concerns among policymakers about the sustainability of the current system. Delays in implementing reforms have also been linked to the continued expansion of the unlicensed gambling market, which is estimated to be worth between €30bn and €35bn across both retail and online channels.
Regional Revenue Share And Political Pressure
A key element of the reform is the introduction of a revenue-sharing mechanism designed to increase local participation in gambling proceeds. Under provisions linked to the 2026 Budget Law, €80m will be distributed among regional authorities. The allocation follows negotiations between national and local institutions, which had previously slowed progress on the decree.
The timing of the reform carries additional urgency. Authorities aim to complete the process before the fiscal delegation law expires on 29 August. Meeting this deadline would allow Italy to end repeated extensions granted to existing concessions for gaming machines, betting, and bingo, all currently set to expire on 31 December.
The government continues to prioritise the overhaul despite recent political challenges, including a referendum defeat on judicial reforms. The gambling framework remains a central policy objective, with officials seeking to strengthen public health protections, support compliant operators, and stabilise tax revenues.
Italy’s broader gambling market has shown diverging trends in recent years. Online gambling has expanded significantly, with total stakes reaching €77.85bn and player spending at €3.3bn. The overall legal market recorded €157.4bn in volume in 2024, a 42 percent increase compared to 2019. Land-based segments, however, have struggled to maintain growth, reinforcing the need for regulatory adjustments.
The planned decree represents a critical step in redefining the structure of Italy’s gambling industry. Its final approval will determine whether the country can align national and regional priorities while addressing concerns over illegal activity and declining land-based revenues.
Source:
Italy sets 10 April to settle retail gambling reform decree, sbcnews.co.uk, March 30, 2026
