AGSI urges Italy to reject tax rises in 2027-2029 budget

Pasquale Chiacchio, president of AGSI (Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia), called for no further tax increases on gambling in Italy's 2027-2029 budget, warning that part of the land-based network could collapse, according to an interview. AGSI also proposed raising the minimum payout on AWP machines from 65% to 70% and cutting the PREU levy from 24% to 19% of takings.

Chiacchio said the sector has been called on to contribute to public finances for more than 20 years and that further increases in the levy risk compromising the sustainability of the businesses. He said operators are already required to fund machine renewals, technological adjustments and costs linked to the concession system, and that an additional tax rise could push a significant part of the land-based network into collapse, with consequences for employment and a possible shift of demand to the illegal market.

Under current rules, AWP machines carry a minimum payout of 65% of sums played and a single tax levy (PREU) of 24% of takings. AGSI illustrated this with a machine returning exactly the legal minimum: of €100 played, €65 goes to winnings, €24 to the State and the remaining €11 forms the margin available to the chain, to be divided among concessionaires, managers or lessors and venue operators before further charges and operating costs. AGSI's proposal would keep that €11 margin unchanged while the player would receive €70 instead of €65, with the reduction falling on the State levy rather than operator remuneration.

Chiacchio argued that a higher payout could strengthen the entertainment component of the machines and reduce the theoretical share retained at the same volume of play, and that it could support play volumes with possible offsetting effects on tax revenue. He said that prospect would still require an assessment of the actual effects on takings, consumer spending and fiscal revenue.

AGSI said the reorganisation must cover the whole distribution network, from AWP machines to dedicated rooms, betting agencies, corners, bingo halls and the horse-racing network. Chiacchio called for a national bridge measure valid across the whole country to accompany businesses until new tenders are completed, for completion of the horse-racing betting reform, support for the machines segment and broader commercial opportunities for the authorised network through new products and services.

On territorial distribution, AGSI supports a regulated reduction of supply that safeguards existing businesses and avoids excessive concentrations, with adequate distances between points of play. Chiacchio also said the sector's plurality of small, medium and large companies must be preserved, and that new rules must allow all to continue operating.

Chiacchio proposed using the term "gioco legale" for activities authorised and regulated by the State, and expressed support for the work of the Fondazione FAIR in promoting dialogue and responsible gambling initiatives. He said training for land-based staff should become a central element of the new rule system, to help protect consumers and identify vulnerable situations.

On public revenue, AGSI said the State should focus on combating illegal supply rather than raising the fiscal burden on authorised businesses. Chiacchio proposed a permanent roundtable involving institutions, politicians, businesses and social partners, and concluded by restating opposition to new increases in the gambling levy in the 2027-2029 budget, calling for a programme combining economic sustainability, regulatory reorganisation and protection of legality.