Italy's 2027 Budget Bill Raises Taxes on Gaming Machines and Extends Land-Based Concessions
Italy's 2027 budget bill would raise PREU taxes on AWP machines to 25% and VLTs to 9.6%, double slot stakes to €2, and extend land-based concessions to 2029. The changes are projected to raise €952m in 2027 and nearly €2bn by 2029. Online taxes are untouched, drawing criticism from retail operators.
SCCG Take — Retail operators face higher costs and fees without online parallels, while the extension provides three years of stability at a price. Parliament's amendment process before December 31 is the last point for potential relief.
The Italian government has proposed a series of gambling measures in its 2027 budget bill. These include tax increases on retail gaming machines, higher slot stakes and payouts, extensions for multiple land-based concessions, and a new licensing regime for esports and LAN gaming venues. Online gambling taxes remain unchanged.
The bill now heads to the Chamber of Deputies for scrutiny. Amendments are due by November 17, with final approval required before December 31.
Tax Increases and Slot Limit Changes
The PREU levy on AWP machines would rise from 24 per cent to 25 per cent from January 1, 2027. The rate on VLTs would increase from 8.6 per cent to 9.6 per cent. Machines returning at least 70 per cent of stakes in prizes would qualify for a reduced 20 per cent rate.
Maximum stakes on slot-machine games would double from €1 to €2. Maximum payouts would increase from €100 to €200. As reported by Focus Gaming News, the government estimates the PREU increase could generate €334 million annually. The full package is projected to raise around €952 million in 2027, with almost €2 billion between 2027 and 2029.
This includes €281 million from concession extensions, plus €188 million from the Gratta e Vinci scratchcard concession extension. A settlement mechanism for disputes over a 2015 slot machine levy is also included. Lotto and SuperEnalotto products would receive an additional weekly draw. Trade association As.Tro has called an emergency meeting to assess the impact on the land-based sector.
Concession Extensions and Esports Licensing Rules
Betting, slot, VLT and bingo concessions due to expire on December 31, 2026, would extend until the end of 2029. Primary gambling betting shops would pay €14,250 annually per operating right. Secondary outlets would pay €8,550. Slot and VLT network concessionaires would face €150 per slot permit and €7,500 per VLT right. Bingo operators would pay monthly charges from €6,500 to €14,500 based on card sales.
The bill establishes a licensing system for esports and LAN gaming venues that offer skill-based games without cash prizes. Operators need approval from Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency. Fees are set at €200 per device, €1,000 per venue and €10,000 per online platform. Gambling and betting activities of any type are prohibited in those facilities.
The measures place the fiscal burden squarely on the retail sector. Parliamentary review will determine whether adjustments are made before the year-end deadline.
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