AGSI Pushes for Emergency Steps as Italy Retail Gaming Concessions Head Toward 2026 Expiration

Italy’s retail gaming concessions expire on December 31, 2026. The tender process for replacements was shelved in August and faces further delays past the next general election. With the land-based sector stuck in uncertainty, the Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI) is calling on the government to enact bridging measures so betting shops, gaming machines, sports betting, and horse racing outlets can keep operating.

The retail sector is worth EUR 21 billion and generates most of the country’s wagers. Reforms have been discussed for years with technical details resolved, yet political obstacles have blocked progress. Online operators hold concessions valid for 9 years, while retail licenses receive only annual extensions. That gap has left land-based businesses less competitive, accelerated player migration to digital channels, and cut retail revenue and tax receipts.

Retail Sector Limbo Widens Gap With Online Gaming

Current concessions cover sports betting, bingo, video lottery terminals, and amusement with prizes machines. The missed tender deadline has left operators wary of abrupt closure. Experts see little chance of reorganization before the next election cycle. This leaves the physical market exposed while the online side enjoys multi-year stability. The result is a steady erosion of retail market share as convenience drives customers online.

Risks of Delay and the Case for Transition Measures

AGSI has warned that operators cannot wait three years for resolution. It proposes transition steps to restore competitiveness, such as permitting new products at retail locations and opening tenders to small and medium-sized businesses alongside larger players. Such changes would support a more balanced network of shops. Without swift government action the legal sector stands to lose ground, boosting illegal operators instead. AGSI therefore urges stricter enforcement on unlicensed activity rather than added limits on licensed ones. According to Gambling News reporting, these steps are presented as essential to protect the EUR 21 billion industry and the tax revenue it supplies.

The disparity in license duration creates measurable operational pressure on land-based firms. Regulators face a narrowing window to align frameworks before the concession cliff arrives. Early bridging measures could stabilize the sector and preserve the balance between legal channels.

Reporting: GamblingNews

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