Italy’s government may not approve a decree reorganising betting, bingo and gaming-machine rules before the tax delegation deadline, according to reports. The proposed reform included different distance limits for specialised and general retail outlets; without new rules, concessions could be extended again.
A delay could prolong uncertainty over concession terms for betting, bingo and gaming-machine operators.
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Lawyer Geronimo Cardia called for action on Italy’s stalled land-based gambling reform at the Forbes Italia & SiGMA Talks, according to the report. He said the 29 August deadline under Law No. 111/2023 passed without implementation and proposed seven measures, including changes to gaming-machine taxes, technical discussions led by ADM and a permanent consultation forum. These were Cardia’s recommendations, not adopted policy.
Reportedly, Italy’s government has ended its attempt to reform land-based gambling under the tax delegation without issuing a legislative decree. Regional administrations have again raised concerns about funding to address problem gambling.
Italian Democratic Party deputy Stefano Vaccari said the government had not completed the planned reorganisation of land-based gambling, leaving issues including venue distribution and distances from sensitive locations unresolved. He also cited the Customs and Monopolies Agency’s objection to the Serie A “True Data” campaign and its intention to seek its interruption.
Italian Democratic Party deputy Stefano Vaccari said the government had failed to complete its planned reform of land-based gambling before the parliamentary delegation expired. He said national rules for the physical gambling network, venue distribution and distances from sensitive locations remained unresolved, and referred to the Customs and Monopolies Agency’s objection to the Serie A “True Data” campaign.
Italy's government reached 29 August 2026 without approving the delegated decree to reorganise land-based public gambling, according to the report. The online sector has received new rules, but retail betting, gaming machines, bingo halls and other physical venues remain under fragmented rules and extensions. The article says a new legislative basis would be needed to restart the reform and notes that several concession periods expire on 31 December 2026.