Italy is accelerating its land-based gambling reform in 2026 under mounting fiscal and regulatory pressure. The government, led by Giorgia Meloni and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, aims to finalize a decree by April 10, 2026, following a €250 million decline in tax revenues from slot machines in 2025.
The reform is grounded in the Budget Law 2026 and the Fiscal Delegation framework, which empowers the government to restructure the land-based gaming sector. Oversight remains under the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), responsible for licensing, enforcement, and market supervision.
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The decree introduces structural changes: stricter operating hour controls, mandatory minimum distance rules between gambling venues and sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals, and a new operator certification system. Under this framework, certified venues will be allowed to operate at a minimum distance of 100 meters from sensitive sites, reducing local regulatory fragmentation.
It also activates a revenue-sharing mechanism with regional authorities, backed by an initial allocation of €80 million, increasing local participation in gambling-derived income. Additionally, a permanent committee on gambling addiction will be established, alongside reinforced anti-money laundering oversight, further strengthening state control.
The context is critical: the unregulated market is estimated at €30 billion to €35 billion across retail and online channels. Policymakers warn that delays have fueled its expansion.
The government aims to finalize the decree before August 29, 2026, when the fiscal delegation expires, while avoiding further extensions of concessions for slot machines, betting, and bingo, all currently set to expire on December 31, 2026.
Italy is not expanding gambling—it is tightening control to reclaim market share from illegal operators through regulation, standardization, and fiscal enforcement.
