Italy Expects 700 Million Euros from Gambling Tax

The Council of Ministers of Italy approved the draft 2027 budget law. The Ministry of Economy and Finance estimates that tax revenue from the gambling sector will be 700 million euros in 2026 and 2027. This figure falls within scenarios that had earlier ranged from 400 to 500 million euros, with some reaching up to 1 billion euros.

Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti presented the draft 2027 Budget Plan on October 15. The package totals 26 billion euros for 2027 and 27 billion euros for 2028. The gambling, finance and energy sectors are listed as revenue sources for this package. However, the 700 million euro figure is not yet revenue that has been collected. As the draft law goes through the legislative process, it should be read as a budget projection.

The draft does not include a new tender for the Gratta e Vinci scratch card concession. The government is considering either a new competition or a paid extension after the concession ends in September 2028. Talks on a regulation for land-based retailers stalled, so the Customs and Monopoly Agency extended existing concessions until the end of 2028.

The online market is going through the first year of the new licensing system. The system brings in a concession fee of 7 million euros and requires a separate license for each brand. Flutter Entertainment is a clear example of this pressure. The group operates in Italy through the Sisal, Snai, PokerStars, Tombola and Betfair brands, but it is closing its Betfair operations in Italy.