ADM rejects further extensions for self-certified amusement machines in Italy

Italy's Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) told amusement-sector representatives that it will not grant further administrative extensions to the transitional regime for certain self-certified machines, which expires on 31 December 2026. The agency gave the position at a meeting of the amusement technical panel in Rome on the afternoon of 23 October 2026, according to the account of the meeting. The regime covers self-certified "ante 2003", "7c-bis" and "7c-ter" machines.

The meeting was held with Elisabetta Poso, head of the entertainment machines office in the games directorate, and agency officials. Federamusement Confesercenti, ASTRO, SAPAR, Consorzio FE, ANBI, SNIV Felsa and New Asgi Italia took part, in person or connected remotely.

ADM has put a proposal to lawmakers for a definitive administrative regularisation of machines that have already been self-certified, while the administration would keep the power to check their regularity at the places where they are installed. The proposal is under legislative consideration.

Several associations raised reservations about the proposal, mainly over the likely cost of regularising machines that are already self-certified and, especially in the case of ante 2003 machines, are due to end their useful life within a relatively short period. The associations also questioned whether regularisation, if carried out, could in practice lead to a contraction of the sector by forcing operators to choose between reducing their machine stock and buying new machines.

ADM said the choice falls within market dynamics and is left to the business judgement of owners, with a view to modernisation and competitiveness of the entertainment segment.

On other points, ADM said it views positively proposals to raise the maximum cost per game for 7a machines, a parameter that requires a legislative change, and for 7c-bis machines, which requires an amendment to technical rules that is currently under study. For travelling shows, the agency reminded operators of the 31 December 2026 deadline to submit self-certifications, a condition for access to any regularisation path; the associations urged operators not to wait until the last moment.

ADM also set out a medium-term project to use existing electronic systems, RFID devices, for the identification and remote control of all installed machines without cash winnings, with the aim of making their commissioning and tax obligations more uniform and simpler. The administration and the technical panel agreed to work together to make the activities of inspection bodies across the country more uniform and effective, and a circular for the agency's territorial offices is being prepared, to which the associations will contribute by reporting problems encountered by operators. The panel will also draw up operational proposals on other topics indicated by the agency.

ADM said it had formalised a proposal for legislative regulation of so-called Sale Lan, placing them in the framework of the consolidated public security law in the same way as "comma 7" venues. The meeting also covered operational issues concerning monitors on 7a machines, virtual reality simulators (cinemavisione machines) and QR codes. The associations confirmed their commitment to continue the dialogue while expressing reservations, particularly about the concrete administrative regularisation path announced.