Italy sets 10 April to finalize retail gambling reform decree

(AsiaGameHub) –   Italy’s Council of Ministers is preparing to release the definitive version of a legislative decree concerning the reorganisation of land-based gambling in early April.

Currently, the Council is targeting 10 April for the publication of the decree’s full terms, marking the start of the second phase of the Meloni government’s reform. The final concessions of the decree are now being examined by the Unified Conference (UC), which represents Italy’s 20 autonomous regions and 110 municipalities.

This mandate, first launched in 2023, commenced with the reform of Italy’s online gambling framework and a new licensing system, which came into effect in November 2025.

The last adjustments to the decree will concentrate on restrictions for operating hours and minimum distance rules between gambling venues and ‘sensitive locations’ like schools, hospitals, and other public areas.

New concession structure outlined

The decree will establish a new framework for retail betting venues across major sectors:

• Gaming machines: A starting bid of €25 million for lots that include 4,000 Amusement with Prizes (AWPs) and 900 Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs)
• Retail betting licences: Blocks of 25 licences, each priced at €60,000, requiring a base bid of €1.5 million.
• Bingo halls: A starting bid of €350,000 per venue, applicable to 210 locations

The urgency to enact reforms is growing throughout Italy, especially in the gaming machine sector, which saw a €250 million drop in tax revenues in 2025.

Policymakers have cautioned that postponing the new decree is encouraging the expansion of the unlicensed market, estimated to be valued between €30 billion and €35 billion across both retail and online channels.

More share for provinces

The reorganisation will also implement a revenue-sharing mechanism to benefit regional authorities, as outlined in the 2026 Budget Law.

Following negotiations, the UC has designated an initial allocation of €80 million to be distributed among various localities, indicating increased local involvement in gambling revenues.

A certification system for licensed operators will be rolled out, permitting approved businesses to open venues no closer than 100 metres from sensitive sites.

Authorities will also form a permanent committee to track problem gambling rates, in addition to enhanced oversight of anti-money laundering controls under the leadership of ADM – Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency.

These actions are designed to decrease the overall gambling supply, combat illegal market operations, reduce tax evasion, and lessen the risks of criminal infiltration.

Meloni guarantee

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to a comprehensive overhaul of both retail and online gambling in Italy, with an initial target of 2026, aiming to introduce a new era of standards, governance, and licensing.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has upheld this pledge against a backdrop of political uncertainty. She recently suffered a defeat in the high-stakes Nordio Referendum on 22 March, which aimed to reform Italy’s judicial system.

In that referendum, 52% of voters opposed the government’s proposal to create a new 15-member Disciplinary Court and a new appointment system for Italian judges. The result was noted as Meloni’s first major political defeat since assuming office in 2022.

However, despite this recent setback, gambling reform continues to be a high-priority item on the government’s agenda.

The regulatory overhaul seeks to enhance public health safeguards, assist licensed operators, and stabilise tax revenues nationwide.

Importantly, finalising the decree before the fiscal delegation law expires on 29 August would enable Italy to conclude the repeated extensions for concessions on gaming machines, betting, and bingo – all of which are scheduled to expire on 31 December.

Italy’s long-awaited retail gambling reform is now close to realisation, though its success depends on the ability of Rome and the regional authorities to agree on the final terms.

The decree’s ultimate approval will serve as a crucial examination of the government’s capacity to restructure the market.

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