Ruffini criticises Italy’s proposed 2027 budget measures on gambling
Regulation1 min read
In brief
- Ernesto Maria Ruffini of Più Uno criticised the gambling measures in Italy's 2027 budget.
- He said taxing gambling is justified but questioned encouraging more wagering to raise revenue.
- He described the budget as lacking a wider strategy beyond balancing the accounts.
Ernesto Maria Ruffini of Più Uno – Uguali per la Costituzione has criticised the gambling measures in Italy's 2027 budget. He disputes the government's decision to raise tax revenue through measures on the gambling and betting sector.
Ruffini, a former director of the Agenzia delle Entrate, separated the legitimacy of taxing gambling activity from the choice to encourage more wagering in order to raise state revenue.
To explain his position, Ruffini compared the issue with the taxation of other products that carry health risks. According to Ruffini, the problem mainly concerns the social consequences of a fiscal policy that aims to raise revenue through greater participation in gambling.
Ruffini also referred to a maxi-amendment due at the end of the year, saying further announcements may follow. His criticism forms part of a wider assessment of the budget, which he considers lacks a strategy that goes beyond financial balance targets.