Call for transitional rules on retail betting licences in Italy

The Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI) has called for an urgent transitional arrangement because retail gambling licences in Italy expire on 31 December 2026. The association wants rules applied uniformly across the country that would allow licensed betting and gaming venues to keep operating while the new tender is prepared.

The tender that is meant to replace the current licences, which cover sports betting, bingo, VLTs and prize amusement machines, was shelved in August because talks on retail reform stalled. According to industry representatives, the restructuring has been debated for years and is not expected to be completed before Italy's next general election. The retail channel accounts for about three quarters of gambling activity in Italy and a yearly volume of more than 21 billion euros. While online licence holders are moving to nine-year licences, retail operators remain dependent on short-term extensions.

AGSI President Pasquale Chiacchio said the licence extension should be handled together with interim technical rules that would apply until the next tender. According to Chiacchio, these rules should balance the restrictions needed to reach agreement with local authorities against commercial sustainability.

The association presents the transitional period as a trial that could serve as a model for the permanent retail framework. Among the proposals is a 250-metre distance limit for a narrower list of sensitive sites, with an emphasis on schools and addiction treatment centres. AGSI also wants small and medium-sized businesses to be able to compete with large groups in the new tender, stronger enforcement against illegal operators, and no further delay to the reform of horse race betting.