Europe’s gaming industry is facing a dual regulatory shift that could reshape the sector over the coming years. While Italy is moving forward with a comprehensive overhaul of its land-based gaming market, the European Union is evaluating new taxes on online gambling and crypto-assets to help finance the bloc’s 2028–2034 budget, increasing the strategic and fiscal importance of the gaming sector across Europe.
In Italy, the focus is on completing the restructuring process launched through Legislative Decree 41/2024, which modernized online gambling regulations while leaving the land-based sector for a second phase. The reform affects gaming halls, betting shops, bingo operations, AWP machines, VLT terminals, and retail gaming concessions, with the next concession renewal cycle scheduled for 2027–2028.
Roberto Alesse
The initiative is being driven by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), led by Giancarlo Giorgetti, and the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), headed by Director General Roberto Alesse. During industry discussions held in June, Mario Lollobrigida, ADM’s Director of Gaming, confirmed that the regulatory framework is largely complete and awaiting final political approval.
Mario Lollobrigida
The reform seeks to establish national standards governing minimum-distance restrictions, operating hours, concession rules, player identification requirements, self-exclusion mechanisms, mandatory staff training, and anti-illegal gambling measures. Policymakers are also examining machine modernization, prize-limit revisions, and a more balanced regulatory framework between online and retail gambling channels. The sector currently contributes more than €12 billion annually to Italian public finances.
Ursula von der Leyen
Also, European leaders meeting in Brussels on June 19, 2026, tasked the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union with presenting new revenue proposals in October as part of negotiations over the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034.
Among the options under consideration are levies on online gambling, crypto-asset gains, digital services, large corporations, electronic waste, and tobacco products. The initiative is supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, both of whom argue that additional revenue sources are necessary to sustain a budget that could approach €1.76 trillion over the seven-year period.
Roberta Metsola
The European Parliament, under the presidency of Roberta Metsola, voted on May 18 -20, 2026, in favor of expanding the EU budget and formally endorsed online gambling, crypto-assets, and digital services as potential new own-resource revenue streams. The measure passed with 370 votes in favor, 201 against, and 84 abstentions.
If both initiatives move forward, Europe will simultaneously strengthen its legal land-based gaming sector through Italy’s modernization agenda while positioning online gambling as a direct contributor to the financing of the European Union’s future budget.
