M5S senator criticises proposed fifth weekly Lotto and Superenalotto draw
Regulation1 min read
In brief
- Five Star Movement senator Marco Croatti criticised the 2027 budget's proposed fifth weekly Lotto and Superenalotto draw.
- Croatti cited 2025 Italian gambling turnover of €164bn and said 80% came from people with a gambling disorder.
- The report said the budget also includes new operator taxes, machine regularisation and costly concession extensions.
Marco Croatti, a senator for Italy's Five Star Movement, has criticised the 2027 budget's proposed fifth weekly Lotto and Superenalotto draw, saying the Meloni government intends to raise state revenue through public gambling. In remarks reported on 1 November 2026, Croatti said the measure would worsen problem gambling. The budget proposal includes the extra draw alongside other gambling measures.
Croatti said problem gambling affects almost two million people in Italy. He said gambling turnover in Italy reached €164bn in 2025 and that 80% of that figure came from people with a gambling disorder. He also said the sector brings the state €13bn in revenue.
The report said Croatti's account did not refer to the budget's other provisions affecting the gambling sector. According to the report, the 2027 budget also includes further tax measures on operators, with new levies on gambling activity. It also provides for the regularisation of amusement machines without cash winnings, with financial obligations and a penalty system, and for costly extensions of expiring concessions. The report said the approaching concession deadlines and the impossibility of completing new tender procedures in time make it necessary to ensure continuity of service.