Italy’s MEF Targets €1bn from Gambling Sector for 2027-2028 Budget

Italy’s Ministry of Finance and Economy (MEF) projects that it will raise €1bn in funding from gambling companies from 2027 to 2028. This forecast forms part of the Meloni government’s settlement of the 2027 Budget Law, as reported by SBC News.

The MEF’s €1bn target accounts for significant reforms to online gambling licensing, licence auditing, and new technical standards. A new licensing regime with an annual fee of €7m took effect in November 2025. New auditing measures will apply to this regime, including reviews of impacts on online gambling accounts.

A revised auditing structure for online gambling concessions will change accounting for winnings and withdrawals. It will also bring higher charges for extending existing concessions. Gambling sits within a wider revenue programme targeting €7bn to €8bn overall, with contributions also expected from banks, insurance companies, and energy businesses.

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti reiterated that “everyone who can, will contribute” to meet spending commitments within constrained public services. The Budget Law settlement leads Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s agenda as Italy approaches its 2027 election cycle.

Scratchcard Tender Remains a Funding Option

Principal uncertainty concerns which specific measures will enter the final Budget settlement and the obligations imposed on licence holders. Proposals span online gambling, winnings withdrawals, and concession arrangements, yet no final rates, charges, or timetable have been confirmed.

Parliament has still to decide whether the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) will launch a tender for the instant-win and scratchcard concession. The current concession is operated by Lotterie Nazionali, a joint venture of Brightstar Lottery, Scientific Games, Arianna, and Allwyn. The arrangement, due to expire in 2028, could be brought forward to 2027 with the MEF and ADM seeking a stewardship contract valued at approximately €1bn.

Brussels Talks Shape Spending Plans

Preparations follow parliamentary approval of a €29bn budget deviation over two years for energy and defence spending. Final plans will depend in part on discussions with the European Commission concerning budget flexibility. Giorgetti warned that “clouds are gathering on the horizon” and urged continued fiscal caution.

The budget bill is expected to reach the Chamber of Deputies around 28 October, at which point gambling stakeholders will see whether the €1bn contribution materialises as specific taxes, concession charges, or other measures.

Reporting: SBC News

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