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Five Star Movement accuses Italian government of favouring gambling sector in 2027 budget

Regulation1 min read

In brief

  • Italy's Five Star Movement rejected the 2027 budget and accused the government of a settlement for gambling operators.
  • The party called the budget a social robbery that favours gambling over pensioners and public services.
  • Gambling associations are concerned about a possible rise in excise duty on AWP and VLT machines.
  • The party has not specified which provisions it meant by a settlement.

Italy's Five Star Movement has rejected the 2027 budget and accused the government of providing a settlement for gambling operators, according to the party. The party described the budget as a humiliation, disputing cuts to schools, changes to pensions and the resources allocated to defence.

Within its criticism, the party described the budget law as a social robbery that would penalise pensioners and public services while favouring the gambling sector. It has not been clarified which specific provisions the Five Star Movement was referring to when it spoke of a settlement, or how that judgement relates to the tax measures opposed by the machine-gambling sector.

The accusation comes as public gambling associations have expressed concern about a possible increase in the excise duty on AWP and VLT machines, warning of possible consequences for business sustainability and employment. The machine-gambling sector fears a further economic burden, according to the report.

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Mattarella authorises Italy’s 2027 budget bill to proceed to parliament

Italian President Sergio Mattarella authorised the 2027 budget bill’s submission to parliament, and the Chamber of Deputies was due to begin examining it on 2 November, according to the report. The draft includes measures affecting AWP and VLT taxes, slot-machine rules, concession extensions and LAN venues; EGP-FIPE estimated the tax increase could make at least 20% of specialist venues uneconomic. Hearings were tentatively scheduled for 5–12 November, with amendments potentially due by 17 November.

Italy's President Sergio Mattarella has authorised the submission to parliament of the 2027 budget bill, the Quirinale announced. The text, made up of 157 articles, has already been sent to the presidency of the Chamber of Deputies, which is due to begin examining it on Monday 2 November, according to the report.

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