Novomatic Italia chief executive Marcus Buechele called for reform of Italy's land-based gambling rules during a panel at ICE Barcelona 2026. He said differences between online and retail regulation had shifted consumers towards online gambling and that operators were ready to invest in the Italian market.
Changes to retail gambling rules could affect Novomatic Italia and other operators' investment plans in Italy.
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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.
Italy has removed a planned overhaul of its land-based gambling sector from this year's government agenda. It was reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office rejected the draft reform decree last week, leaving operators facing uncertainty over retail betting and gaming regulation.
Italy’s land-based gambling reorganisation could be postponed until 2028. Delegated reform authority expires on 29 August 2026, with the report anticipating further extensions for betting, slots, video lottery terminals and bingo.
Agimeg reported, citing ItaliaOggi, that land-based gambling reform could receive preliminary cabinet approval by 29 August. Deputy finance minister Maurizio Leo continued work while government questions remained unresolved.