Rome, October 14, 2026. The government of Giorgia Meloni is considering raising an additional €1 billion from the gambling industry during 2027 and 2028 through tax adjustments, higher concession fees, and a potential early tender for the Gratta e Vinci instant lottery. The proposals form part of preparations for Italy's 2027 budget.
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The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), headed by Giancarlo Giorgetti, is examining new audits of online gambling concessions, accounting controls covering winnings and withdrawals, and higher fees for extending existing licences. Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo is involved in the fiscal negotiations.
Mario Lollobrigida
The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), led by Roberto Alesse, oversees the gambling market through its Gaming Directorate, headed by Mario Lollobrigida. The restructuring of land-based gaming includes possible concession extensions until 2029, potentially generating between €200 million and €250 million annually, according to industry estimates. Current reference fees include €120 per AWP slot machine, €4,000 per VLT terminal, and €9,500 per betting agency.
Roberto Alesse
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Another option involves bringing forward the Gratta e Vinci tender to 2027. The instant lottery is operated by Lotterie Nazionali, associated with Brightstar Lottery, Scientific Games, and Arianna 2001. Its concession expires on September 30, 2028, and a new award could be worth €1 billion. For context, the 2017 concession extension cost €800 million. Furthermore, the online gambling licensing process attracted 52 applications from 46 companies in 2025, with concessions priced at €7 million for nine years, representing a combined value of approximately €365 million.
Italy currently applies tax rates of 24.5% on online sports betting, 25.5% on online casinos, and 20.5% on land-based betting, with no new rates approved. The government is examining these measures as part of a broader €7 billion to €8 billion fiscal programme, while Parliament is expected to receive the draft budget around October 28. The proposed lottery tender and increased concession fees remain subject to approval.
