Italy's cabinet has approved a €26 billion budget package for 2027 that expects the gambling industry to contribute about €700 million. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the sector target after the cabinet meeting, according to Reuters. The government has not yet published the final mechanism for collecting the money.
A draft budgetary plan sent to Brussels put the expected gambling contribution at €718 million in both 2027 and 2028, followed by €478 million in 2029. Industry specialists interviewed by iGaming Business said likely options include higher levies on land-based gaming machines and more expensive extensions for retail concessions. They cautioned that the final legislation will determine which channels carry the burden.
The budget comes as parts of Italy's retail gambling market are already under pressure. The iGaming Business analysis cites regulator data showing slot revenue fell 5.7% in the second quarter and a Court of Auditors estimate that gambling tax receipts declined by about €200 million in the first eight months of the year. Lawyers quoted in the report disagree over whether the €700 million target is achievable, but several warned that higher costs could reduce licensed operators' margins and push some players toward offshore sites.
Online operators are also watching the final text closely. Forty-six companies paid €7 million for each licence under Italy's recently overhauled online regime, and advisers argue that a sudden change to the economic framework could complicate investment decisions. For now, the €700 million figure is a government revenue objective rather than a confirmed tax rate, and parliament must still examine the budget legislation.
