Italy's Budget Expects 700 Million Euros in Tax from Gambling

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has approved the 2027 Budget Law. The budget sets the financial targets of Meloni's Brothers of Italy party ahead of the 2027 general elections. To finance large spending plans and keep the Italian economy afloat against global economic impacts, the government sees the gambling, finance and energy sectors as sources of revenue.

The Ministry of Finance expects 700 million euros in tax revenue from the gambling sector in 2026 and 2027. Earlier, estimates for this figure had reached as high as 1 billion euros, and some had ranged between 400 and 500 million euros. Taxes collected from the three sectors will support spending and tax cuts worth 26 billion euros for 2027 and 27 billion euros for 2028.

The online betting market is nearing the end of the first year of the new licensing regime, which took effect in November 2025. The system charges an annual fee of 7 million euros. One of the most significant changes is that companies can no longer operate multiple brands under a single license. A separate license is required for each brand. Flutter Entertainment must obtain separate licenses for four of its brands in Italy: Sisal, Snai, PokerStars, tombola and Betfair. The Betfair brand is reportedly set to be shut down.

The physical gambling sector is still waiting for a regulatory agreement. Negotiations between the Ministry of Finance and the Conference of Regions have reached a deadlock. Meanwhile, no new tender has yet been held for Gratta e Vinci scratch cards. Ministers are reportedly considering a paid extension of the current concession, which expires in September 2028.