Italy is preparing a major overhaul of its land-based gambling framework as the government moves to modernise and harmonise rules across the country. The Council of Ministers is preparing to submit a draft decree to parliament, establishing new national standards for gaming machines, betting shops and bingo halls. The reform follows almost two years of negotiations between the central government and regional authorities. However, no fixed timeline for implementation has been announced.
Italy Prepares for Land-based Gambling Harmonisation: Highlights from the Story
- Italy’s government is preparing a draft decree to modernise and unify land-based gambling rules across all regions and municipalities. The proposal will introduce national standards for gaming machines, betting shops, and bingo halls.
- The reform follows the overhaul of Italy’s online gambling framework in November 2025. Proposed changes include a reduction in gambling venues and machines, the removal of certain retail distinctions, and tighter limits on gaming outlets.
- Stronger player protection measures will be introduced through a new certification system, minimum distance rules from sensitive locations, and mandatory daily shutdown periods.
National Framework for Land-Based Gambling
The government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to publish a draft decree covering the management of gaming machine networks across Italy’s 20 regions and 110 municipalities. The legislation will apply nationwide to franchise operators of slot machines, bingo halls and video lottery terminal systems.
According to the cabinet’s statement to local media outlets, the Council of Ministers will review the decree under Italy’s fiscal delegation framework. Once approved by the parliament, the draft law will move to the Joint State–Regions Conference and relevant parliamentary committees.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance has been leading negotiations with senior officials from the Agency of Customs and Monopolies (ADM), which oversees the gambling market. Officials have discussed balancing national consistency with regional concerns over taxation, revenues and local budgets.
Retail Reform Follows Online Changes
The land-based reform forms part of a broader restructuring of Italy’s gambling system, which the government has divided into online and retail phases. Lawmakers overhauled online gambling regulations in November 2025. The timeline coincided with neighbouring Austria announcing a competitive market as existing licences expire in 2027.
Italy’s online gambling reforms introduced new licensing, tax and compliance rules for digital operators. Authorities are now focusing on the retail sector, with early indications pointing to a reduction in the overall gambling footprint. Initial estimates suggest that the number of slot machine outlets will decline by 10% to about 40,000 locations nationwide.
The number of betting shops will remain capped at 10,000, while the distinction between specialised betting shops and betting corners in hospitality venues will be removed. The number of slot machines is also set to decline, with their numbers projected to drop from around 240,000 to 200,000 units and VLTs from about 55,000 to 46,000.
Stronger Player Protections and Their Impact on the Market
A key element of the reform is the proposed certification regime overseen by the ADM. Operators must meet stricter standards on player protection and restrict underage access. Authorities note that the guiding principles are “the gradual rationalisation of the retail network and the strengthening of consumer protection across all gambling channels.”
New minimum distance rules will be introduced, establishing buffers of 100 metres for certified venues and 200 metres for non-certified outlets from schools, addiction treatment centres and hospitals. The decree will also impose tighter controls on opening hours, mandating daily closure periods of six and a half hours for certified venues and eight hours for non-certified premises.
Alongside regulatory changes, the government is preparing new concession tenders for gaming machines, betting and bingo operations. The framework will be established by the end of the year and is projected to raise close to €2 billion in taxes. Once the legislation takes effect, regional governments will need to align local laws with the new national framework, marking the final stage of Italy’s land-based gambling reform.