Legal gaming is one of the largest revenue sources for the Italian economy in 2025. Between January 1 and April 30, the government earned €2.3 billion from gambling taxes. This highlights the importance of the gambling sector in boosting the fiscal budget. Several notable regulatory reforms are at the core of this situation. From lifting a ban on sports betting to regulating the remote gaming sector, the government’s proactive approach is behind the sector’s steady revival.
Gambling Revenue in Italy Hits a New Peak in Q1 2025: Key Insights and Figures
- The latest report from Italy’s State General Accounting Department has revealed that gaming generated €2,306,594,206.49 in revenue between January 1 and April 30 2025.
- Preu, a single tax levied on gaming machines and other devices, generated a significant portion of the revenue, to the tune of €1.8 billion. This highlights the importance of gaming machines as a revenue source for the Italian Treasury.
- “Proceeds from gaming activities” contributed €140.1 million to Treasury revenue. Taxes on skill games and betting competitions increased by 40%, reaching €191 million, while the fixed state levy on betting competitions contributed €24 million.
Official Italian Treasury Report Signals Gaming Revenue Growth in Q1 2025
According to the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance’s latest Treasury Summary Account, the gaming industry generated €2,306,594,206.49 in revenue in the first quarter of 2025. The Ministry’s report provides a more detailed breakdown of the numbers. Preu remained the largest contributor, generating €1.8 billion in tax revenue.
This single tax structure imposed on gaming machines and other devices remains the largest source of revenue for the Italian treasury. Slot machines remained the biggest contributor, generating €140.1 million, while tax revenue on skill games and betting competitions increased by 40%, reaching €191 million.
The fixed state duty on betting competitions generated roughly €24 million. The Ministry’s Treasury Department also collected fees for managing the telematic network of amusement machines and national totaliser to the tune of €162.7 million. Additionally, the government collected €360.1 million in taxes from Lotto.
Meanwhile, revenue from scratch cards and instant lotteries totalled €594 million. Bingo contributed an additional €61 million to the state coffers. The Ministry’s report also highlighted the impact of direct and indirect taxation on the nation’s economy. The single tax framework has proven to be the backbone of the national economy.
The Role of Regulation and Enforcement in Shaping a Sustainable Gaming Industry
The gambling sector in Italy is undergoing a rapid transformation. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) officially closed the tender window for licensing applications earlier this year. 46 new gaming licences were awarded shortly after. The ADM plans to reduce the number of licensed gaming sites in the country from 400 to 50.
Raising the financial bracket was one of the measures enforced by the government to ensure compliance. For example, licensees must now pay €4 million upfront and €3 million in financial guarantees. This replaces the €200,000 fee bracket that operators paid for multiple gambling verticals.
Several of Italy’s European Union neighbours have quite recently begun updating their gambling regulations. France has updated its gambling legislation to categorise match-fixing as organised crime. This is a positive step in preventing organised crime, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Germany has also witnessed a steady demand for gambling services. The GGL, Germany’s gambling regulator, published its Q1 financial report for the first time. This marks a significant shift in global gaming legislation, fuelled by the rise in remote gambling activity.