University of Salerno researcher Valentina Cucciniello said at SiGMA Central Europe in Rome that AWP and VLT machines generated over €5bn in tax revenue, equal to 44% of public gambling revenue. She said machine stakes had fallen by almost 35% compared with 2019.
The figures inform operators and policymakers about the tax contribution and contraction of Italy’s land-based machine sector.
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ACMI has asked Italy's government and parliament to assess the impact of public gambling measures in the 2027 budget law on supply-chain margins, company investment capacity and the competitiveness of AWP and VLT machines. The association proposed an institutional discussion involving ADM and industry representatives to link revenue decisions to innovation and player protection. ACMI president Gennaro Parlati said revenue sustainability also depends on the strength of the legal network and its companies.
ACMI has asked Italy's government and parliament to accompany public gambling measures in the 2027 budget law with an assessment of their impact on supply-chain margins, companies' investment capacity and the competitiveness of AWP and VLT machines. The association proposed an institutional discussion to link revenue decisions to a path of innovation and player protection.
Italy’s 2027 budget provides for paid extensions of betting, AWP and VLT concessions until 31 December 2029, according to a report on the bill. The government estimates revenue of about €343.5m from physical betting concessions, plus €36.45m from AWP and about €463m from VLT; concession charges will rise by 50% against earlier parameters.
The technical report on the 2027 budget law sets out the financial effects of provisions that change how long concessions last for betting and for the telematic networks of cash-prize entertainment machines. Under the measure, both types of concession run until 31 December 2029. Concession holders must pay fees that are 50% higher than the parameters set earlier. The concessions now in place end on 31 December 2026, and the paid extension carries them to 31 December 2029.
SAPAR warned that a reported one-percentage-point PREU increase on AWP and VLT machines could threaten small and medium-sized businesses in Italy. President Sergio D’Angelo said the proposed tax change, alongside potentially more costly three-year concession extensions, could increase pressure on operators and lead to reduced investment, fewer machines or business closures.
SAPAR has said it is concerned by reports that the 2027 budget law could raise the single tax on AWP and VLT machines by one percentage point. The association said the increase to the PREU is among the scenarios under discussion, alongside more costly three-year extensions of concessions, including those for amusement machines.
EVG presented products at SiGMA Rome in Italy and said it supports proposals in the 2027 budget bill affecting AWP machines. The proposals include a payout of at least 70%, a lower PREU and higher stake and prize limits; EVG said the bill still needs to complete its legislative process and may change. The company also said it will offer favourable terms for possible future reprogramming of cards bought from now on.
Reportedly, Italy's As.Tro association will convene its technical panel on 23 October at 11:30 to set its VLT proposal ahead of a 30 October meeting with the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli. The agenda covers simplification measures and possible higher AWP and VLT taxation in the next budget law.