Italian Retail Gambling Calls for Interim Support as Concessions Near 2026 Expiry
Italy’s retail concessions expire December 31, 2026 after a reform decree missed the August 29 deadline and was shelved. AGSI demands temporary support for betting, machines and racing plus a government-industry forum to plan tenders immediately. Retail still comprises three-quarters of the €21bn market while online advances under its new framework.
SCCG Take — Without prompt interim measures and inclusive tender planning, retail operators face accelerated decline versus online. Regulators must act now to balance the network and protect its dominant market position.
Italy’s retail gambling sector is pressing for urgent interim measures as existing concessions head toward expiry on December 31, 2026. A planned decree to reorganize the land-based market and prepare for new tenders was shelved after missing the government’s August 29 deadline, according to reporting by Focus Gaming News. This leaves betting shops, gaming machine venues, and horse racing outlets in prolonged uncertainty.
The online segment has already moved to a new concession system, with additional rules set for November 13. Retail, however, continues to generate around three-quarters of Italy’s gambling market, which exceeds €21bn.
Demands for Temporary Measures and Immediate Planning
Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI) is urging temporary support for sports betting, gaming machines, and horse racing until fresh tenders launch. AGSI president Pasquale Chiacchio told Jamma: “Gaming machines, horse racing and betting cannot wait three years.”
The group wants the interim period used to make retail outlets more competitive by adding products at betting agencies and authorized venues. It cited the 1998-1999 pilot that introduced sports betting into horse racing agencies as a model. AGSI is also calling for a consultation forum of government, public institutions, and industry to start drafting tender rules now. The framework should allow small and medium-sized operators to compete with larger groups and support a balanced national network with trained staff, pointing to Campania’s regional legislation as an example.
Risks of Further Delay in Retail Reform
Prolonged uncertainty risks widening the imbalance between retail and online channels. Without swift action on temporary measures and planning, the physical network could face contraction at a time when it still dominates three-quarters of total market activity. Operators and regulators will need to prioritize the consultation forum to define viable tender terms that sustain employment and regional coverage rather than allow further erosion.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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