The Italian government has removed from this year's agenda the decree that would overhaul regulations for betting and gaming at physical establishments. The news was published by iGaming Today on Friday (7).
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's cabinet rejected the proposal last week. The text also was removed from the Council of Ministers' work schedule.
With the government focused on the 2027 budget and other fiscal measures, the reform is unlikely to return to the agenda before the end of this year.
Negotiations ended without an agreement
The project aimed to create national rules for the sector under the supervision of Italy's Customs and Monopolies Agency, ADM. Currently, the regions have different requirements for the operation of establishments.
The location of betting and gaming points was among the main sticking points. Local authorities wanted to maintain minimum distances between these venues and sensitive areas, such as schools.
The central government, in turn, sought to establish criteria valid for the entire country. National representatives, regions, and autonomous provinces discussed the matter for more than two years but did not reach a common text.
Concessions are likely to receive another extension
The postponement should extend the validity of current retail market concessions. The government had already prepared an extension until December 31, and the sector now anticipates another extension.
The planned auctions for new licenses could generate between €1.8 billion and €2 billion in fees for the state. The suspension of the decree leaves the process without a new timeline.
The Italian Gaming Concessionaires Association, AGIC, says the successive extensions make long-term planning difficult for companies.
The organization represents companies such as Flutter Entertainment, Lottomatica, Entain, bet365, and Brightstar Capital Partners.
Revenue fell in the first half
Data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance show that tax revenue from gaming fell 6.3% in the first half of 2026, year over year, to €3.64 billion.
Indirect taxes on gaming, including lotteries and related activities, totaled €3.07 billion, down 8.4%.
Gaming machines generated €2.47 billion in taxes in the period, a decline of 7.3%. Without approval of the decree, the retail market will continue to operate under current rules.
