Italy is expected to publish its long-awaited land-based gambling reform decree on April 10th, as the government moves to complete the next phase of its wider overhaul of the sector.
The measure is currently under review by the Unified Conference, the body representing Italy’s regions and municipalities, before final publication by the Council of Ministers. The reform is set to reshape concession terms across the retail market.
Under the proposed structure, gaming machine licences would start at €25m for lots covering 4,000 AWPs and 900 VLTs, while retail betting concessions would be issued in blocks of 25 at €60,000 each, implying a €1.5m starting bid.
Bingo licences would be priced at €350,000 per venue across 210 locations.
The timing reflects growing pressure on Rome to modernise the land-based framework after a reported €250m fall in tax revenue from gaming machines in 2025 and amid concerns that continued delays could strengthen the illegal market, estimated at €30bn to €35bn across retail and online channels.
The decree is also expected to introduce tighter rules on venue opening hours and minimum distances between gambling locations and sensitive sites such as schools and hospitals, alongside an €80m revenue-sharing mechanism for local authorities.
The government is pushing to complete the process before the fiscal delegation law expires on August 29th, 2026, while current machine, betting and bingo concessions are due to run out on December 31st, 2026.
