Italians lose €22 billion on gambling every year says new report
Summary
A new report published by Italy's top trade union and leading consumer group indicates that Italians lose €22 billion annually on gambling. The report, titled "The Losing State," highlights that gambling revenues reached a record €165.34 billion in 2025, equivalent to 7.3% of the country's GDP. While revenues are soaring, citizens' losses are also rising to €21.88 billion, with each adult spending an average of €3,284 on gambling. The report emphasizes the alarming growth of online gambling, which surpassed the €100 billion threshold for the first time in 2025, with revenues increasing by 9.5% over 2024 and 221% compared to 2018. Active online gamblers are estimated at 4.8 million, with significant growth among young people. Regional analysis shows Isernia leads provincial capitals with €6,307 per capita, while Patti tops municipalities with €7,715 per capita. Ultimately, the report argues that the state and citizens are the losers, as the sector's businesses have seen profits grow by 165% in real terms over five years, reaching aggregate turnover of €10.4 billion in 2025.
(Source:Agenzia ANSA)