Southeast Asia News Desk

(AsiaGameHub) –   Italy’s Council of Ministers is expected to release the finalized legislative decree concerning the restructuring of land-based gambling by the beginning of April.

The Council currently projects the full decree to be published on April 10, marking the commencement of the second phase of the Meloni government’s comprehensive reform. The final approvals for the decree are presently undergoing review by the Unified Conference (UC), which represents Italy’s 20 autonomous regions and 110 municipalities.

This initiative, initially launched in 2023, began with the overhaul of Italy’s online gambling framework and the introduction of a new licensing system, which was implemented in November 2025.

The decree’s final amendments will concentrate on regulations regarding operating hours and the minimum distance between gambling establishments and ‘sensitive locations,’ such as schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.

New concession structure detailed

The decree will introduce a new framework for retail betting operations across key sectors:

• Gaming machines: A starting bid of €25 million is set for packages containing 4,000 Amusement with Prizes (AWPs) and 900 Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).
• Retail betting licences: Batches of 25 licences will be available for €60,000 each, with a base bid of €1.5 million.
• Bingo halls: The starting bid is €350,000 per venue, covering 210 locations.

There is growing pressure in Italy to enact these reforms, particularly within the gaming machine sector, which experienced a €250 million decrease in tax revenue in 2025.

Lawmakers have cautioned that delays in implementing the new decree are contributing to the expansion of the unlicensed market, which is estimated to be valued between €30 billion and €35 billion across both retail and online channels.

Increased share for provinces

The reorganization will also implement a revenue-sharing mechanism to benefit regional authorities, as stipulated by the 2026 Budget Law.

Following negotiations, the UC has proposed an initial allocation of €80 million to be distributed among various localities, indicating a greater involvement of local entities in gambling revenue.

A certification system for licensed operators will also be established, enabling approved businesses to open venues at a minimum distance of 100 meters from sensitive sites.

Authorities will also form a permanent committee to monitor problem gambling rates and enhance anti-money laundering controls, overseen by ADM – Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency.

These measures are designed to reduce the overall availability of gambling, combat illegal market activities, decrease tax evasion, and mitigate the risks of criminal infiltration.

Meloni’s commitment

The government remains committed to its promise of a complete overhaul of both retail and online gambling in Italy, with an initial target date of 2026, aiming to usher in new standards for governance and licensing.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has upheld this commitment despite a period of political uncertainty. She recently faced a significant setback with the rejection of the Nordio Referendum on March 22, which aimed to reform Italy’s judicial system.

During the referendum, 52% of voters opposed the government’s proposals for a new 15-member Disciplinary Court and a revised appointment system for Italian judges. This outcome marked Meloni’s first major defeat since assuming office in 2022.

However, despite this recent loss, gambling reform appears to remain a high priority.

The reform of current gambling regulations seeks to improve public health protections, support licensed operators, and stabilize tax revenues throughout Italy.

Crucially, finalizing the decree before the expiration of the fiscal delegation law on August 29 would enable Italy to avoid further extensions of concessions for gaming machines, betting, and bingo, which are currently set to expire on December 31.

Italy’s long-awaited retail reform is nearing completion, but its success will depend on the alignment of Rome and the regional authorities on the final terms.

The final approval of the decree represents a significant test of the government’s capacity to reshape the market.

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