Italy Targets $2.13 Billion From Gambling Revenue in 2027-2029 Draft Budget
Italy plans to raise nearly €1.9 billion from gambling through higher taxes and revised lottery commissions between 2027 and 2029.Summary
Italy's government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is seeking nearly €1.9 billion ($2.13 billion) from the gambling sector between 2027 and 2029 through higher taxes and changes to lottery commissions and concession fees. The draft budgetary plan submitted to Brussels projects annual gambling revenue of €718 million in 2027 and 2028, and €478 million in 2029, up from earlier estimates of €400 million to €1 billion. Measures under consideration include raising the PREU levy on gaming machine stakes and introducing paid concession extensions. Licenses for slot machines, retail betting and bingo expire on December 31, 2026. Dario Peirone of the Istituto Milton Friedman warned that further taxation "would spell the final collapse of land-based gambling." Changes to the Lotto concession's fixed 6% commission could face legal challenges, and the Gratta e Vinci scratch-card concession expires in September 2028. Online operators already pay €7 million per brand license plus an annual 3% concession fee, and must certify systems by February 15, 2027. The measures support Meloni's fiscal strategy ahead of the 2027 general election, helping fund €26 billion in 2027 and €27 billion in 2028 in spending and tax reductions.
(Source：Sccg Management)