Italian MP Vaccari criticises proposed gambling tax and concession measures

Stefano Vaccari, a Democratic Party member of Italy's Chamber of Deputies and a secretary of the chamber's presidency, criticised measures he said were under consideration for the 2027 budget, according to remarks reported on 29 October 2026. Vaccari said the proposals include higher levies on slot machines and VLTs, paid extensions of concessions and a fifth annual Lotto draw.

Vaccari also cited three new scratchcards priced at €5, €10 and €20, which he said were presented with the promise of million-euro wins. He said the state collected €11.4bn from gambling in 2025 and that about 1.5 million Italians are estimated to show problematic gambling behaviour.

Vaccari said the state cannot claim it wants to counter the harm of gambling while increasingly relying on that revenue to fund public spending. He called for prevention, treatment and policies that reduce risk rather than new opportunities to bet.