AGSI president urges review of Italy’s 2027 gambling budget measures
Regulation2 min read
As parliamentary consideration of Italy’s 2027 budget began, AGSI president Pasquale Chiacchio called for a broad discussion of proposed tax increases and other issues affecting legal gambling businesses. He argued that higher costs could further strain land-based operators and said the €100 weekly cash top-up limit had caused confusion; he also raised difficulties businesses face accessing bank accounts.
AGSI president Pasquale Chiacchio has called for talks with legal gambling operators as parliamentary consideration of Italy’s 2027 budget begins, warning that proposed tax increases could further strain land-based businesses.
Chiacchio said a €100 weekly limit on cash top-ups at retail top-up points had caused confusion, while some business owners had been refused company or personal bank accounts, making it difficult to meet traceability obligations. AGSI is pursuing the banking issue in ongoing discussions with institutions.
Chiacchio called for a review of the gambling advertising ban introduced by the Dignity Decree, arguing that advertising was still taking place through other means. On rules concerning minors in gambling premises, he said operators must prevent underage gambling but questioned sanctions for a minor’s presence alone.
Chiacchio called for clarification with the interior ministry and shorter administrative procedures. Some police headquarters recognise continuity when a business is transferred, while others treat the transfer as a new opening, he said.
He called for stronger action against illegal gambling and said the Customs and Monopolies Agency should bring operators’ concerns to the government.
Chiacchio said discussions should include health and social considerations, with training, communication and prevention measures to protect vulnerable people.
He said the extension of land-based gambling concessions pending a reorganisation should be used for structured discussions, and that the paid extension could provide an opportunity to address the sector’s problems.