Italy Targets €2bn From Gambling Sector in 2027–2029 Budget Plan

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Altay Celikkaya

Content Manager

Updated: 15/10/26

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Italy plans to raise about €2 billion in additional revenue from the gambling sector between 2027 and 2029, according to its newly released Draft Budgetary Plan (DPB). The document, submitted to European Union authorities on 15 October 2026, identifies gambling as a separate funding source for the government’s upcoming fiscal measures. However, the plan does not specify which taxes, licensing fees or other financial obligations will be introduced, leaving operators awaiting further details.

Italian flag and Rome government building illustrating Italy's €2bn gambling budget plan.

Regulation & Compliance

Key Takeaways From Italy's Gambling Budget Plan

Italy expects about €2 billion in additional gambling-sector revenue between 2027 and 2029.
The projected contribution represents 0.03% of GDP in both 2027 and 2028.
The expected contribution falls to 0.02% of GDP in 2029.
Gambling revenue will help finance the government’s broader €23.5 billion budget package for 2027.
Specific tax rates, licensing fees and implementation dates have not been announced.

Gambling Sector Becomes a Source of Budget Funding

According to Italy’s official 2027 Draft Budgetary Plan, gambling-related measures will contribute to government revenue throughout the three years. The document identifies the measures under a separate category, Misure in materia di giochi, within its public finance projections.

The expected contribution is about €690 million annually in 2027 and 2028, though the precise amounts will depend on nominal GDP. The document classifies the measures as non-one-off revenue sources, suggesting the government expects continued contributions rather than a single payment. The new projections follow Italy’s transition to 52 online gambling licences, which generated €364 million in authorisation fees.

Operators Await Details of Potential Financial Changes

The budget plan sets a revenue target but does not explain how the government intends to collect the additional funds. Potential measures could involve gambling taxation, concession payments or other industry-specific charges. However, none has been confirmed in the published framework.

The uncertainty affects online casinos, sportsbook operators, and land-based gambling businesses as they evaluate future operating costs. Italy is already pursuing a broader restructuring of its land-based gambling framework, including proposed changes to gaming machines, betting shops and licensing requirements.

Further fiscal measures could add another consideration for companies planning investments in the Italian market.

How Does Gambling Fit Into Italy's Wider Budget?

The proposed gambling contribution forms part of Italy’s wider fiscal strategy. The government also expects approximately €10.7 billion from banks and insurance companies between 2027 and 2029.

Meanwhile, its 2027 budget includes planned tax cuts and about €23.5 billion in additional spending. Gambling already contributes to public financing through existing duties and regulated products, including Sisal’s recently launched lottery supporting Italian Olympic programmes. The new budget projections would expand the sector’s expected contribution to public finances.

What Happens Next for Italy's Gambling Industry?

The Draft Budgetary Plan outlines financial expectations rather than final legislative requirements. Further budget legislation will need to clarify which gambling activities are affected, how the government will collect additional revenue, and when any new obligations take effect.

For licensed operators and B2B suppliers, these details will determine whether the measures affect profitability, compliance costs or future investment decisions. Until the government publishes specific provisions, the approximately €2 billion figure remains a fiscal target rather than an approved gambling tax.