Italy Targets €700 Million in Additional Gambling Revenue for 2027 Budget

Italy’s government expects gambling measures to contribute approximately €700 million towards its 2027 budget package, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said following cabinet approval on October 28.

The figure concerns additional budget funding from the sector, rather than Italy’s total annual gambling tax receipts. The wider package comprises approximately €26 billion in tax cuts and increased spending and must now pass through parliament. 

Subsequent reporting suggests the gambling contribution could exceed the headline target. On October 29, Agipronews cited institutional and industry sources putting the proposed package at slightly more than €750 million, primarily from land-based concessions and gaming machines. 

Concession Extensions and Higher Machine Levies

According to that report, three-year extensions for retail betting, bingo and gaming-machine concessions would run until December 31, 2029, generating slightly more than €300 million in 2027.

A separate 15-month extension of the Gratta e Vinci scratch-card concession could bring approximately €150 million, payable upfront next year.

The reported tax changes would increase the PREU levy on gaming-machine stakes by one percentage point. The VLT rate would rise from 8.6% to 9.6%, while the slot-machine rate would increase from 24% to 25%. Together, the increases are projected to generate €315 million.

These details remain subject to the legislative process and should be distinguished from measures already enacted. 

Online Gambling Changes Remain Unspecified

Earlier discussions also included possible adjustments to online gambling taxation. However, reporting following the cabinet meeting has focused principally on retail concessions, lotteries and gaming machines, without establishing a specific new online tax rate. 

Industry representatives have challenged the proposed machine-tax increases. EGP-FIPE, which represents businesses offering licensed gambling, estimates that higher levies could make at least 20% of specialised gaming halls financially unviable. That figure is the association’s assessment of the potential impact, rather than a government forecast. 

Parliament can amend the package during scrutiny. Final approval is required by December 31 for the budget law to take effect on January 1, 2027.