Italy set for retail gambling sector reform
Italy’s government is preparing to bring a sweeping reform of the land-based gambling sector to the Council of Ministers, as part of its broader fiscal delegation programme, according to reports.
The legislative decree will overhaul the national framework for slot machines, Video Lotto Terminals (VLTs), betting and bingo, with detailed game rules and concession tenders to follow later under the supervision of the Agency for Customs and Monopolies (ADM).
The proposed reform will in practice kick-start a significant reduction in the retail gambling network, cutting slot locations by around 10% to roughly 40,000 venues, while keeping betting shops at 10,000 nationwide. The total number of slot machines will fall to about 200,000, with VLTs reduced by 20% to 46,000 units.
A new certification regime will reward venues that meet stricter player-protection standards, including surveillance systems and tighter controls on minors. Certified venues will benefit from shorter mandatory shutdown periods and reduced distance requirements from designated sensitive locations.
The decree also sets out new nine-year concession tenders for gaming machines, betting and bingo, with minimum bids ranging from €1.4m for betting rights to €350,000 per bingo hall.
Italy has also upgraded its gambling laws surrounding online casinos and sports betting sites in recent years, giving them a modern framework with player protection at the heart of it.
