Italian Democratic Party MP Virginio Merola said the government may extend the deadline for reforming the land-based gaming sector beyond 26 August 2026. He made the claim after opposition parties presented motions in the Chamber of Deputies, and accused the government of avoiding discussion of the reform.
A further extension could delay decisions on gaming venues, local rules and public-health safeguards.
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Italy's reorganisation of land-based gambling remains unfinished ahead of the 29 August 2026 deadline for implementing the fiscal delegation, citing an analysis in Il Riformista. The online sector has been reshaped through new concessions, stricter operator requirements and stronger controls, while retail venues still face differing regional and municipal rules. The land-based sector generated over €7.5bn in tax revenue in 2025, the analysis said.
ADM Games Director Mario Lollobrigida said at the Forum Acadi in Rome that the next Italian government should revive the land-based gaming reform after the legislative delegation expired. He said extensions were necessary, cited declining AWP performance and a broader negative trend in gaming machines, and said ADM would propose higher machine payouts alongside a lower PREU tax rate.
Quirino Mancini, co-founder and executive committee member of IMGL, said at SBC Summit 2026 in Lisbon that Italy's land-based gaming reorganisation remains dependent on a political decision. He said central authorities could set common criteria while regions implement them, but that the framework remains unfinished.
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.