The new regulations may not be implemented until the summer of next year
Italy’s plans to roll out sweeping gambling reforms have been officially pushed back, with the government now aiming for an August 2026 implementation. Originally scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2025, the delay comes after a proposal by MP Mariangela Matera to extend the timetable from 24 to 36 months. The goal is to give regional authorities more time to prepare budgets and align with new regulatory responsibilities.
The central reform, known as the Reorganization Decree, is designed to unify and modernize the country’s gambling laws. It includes the introduction of a national licensing system for land-based gambling venues and stricter rules for responsible gaming. These include mandatory player ID checks on gaming machines and integration with exclusion registers to enhance consumer protections.
However, while the federal government has laid out the broad goals, regional authorities have yet to agree on how shared tax revenues from the industry will be distributed. This lack of consensus has complicated efforts to move forward.
Under the new plan, local governments are expected to receive 5% of income tax revenues from licenses—an estimated €300 million annually—to help cover social costs and fund programs for problem gambling. In return, they will take on more defined roles in managing local implementation, although they will not have the authority to issue licenses themselves.
The delay has been endorsed by the Union Conference, which represents Italy’s 20 regions and hundreds of municipalities. The group emphasized the importance of aligning the gambling reforms with upcoming national budget laws to ensure proper funding and execution.
The postponement also opens the door for a broader review of criminal and administrative penalties related to gambling, with plans to replace outdated laws with a more consistent and deterrent-focused framework. Lawmakers hope this additional time will lead to more balanced reforms that serve both public interests and long-term regulatory goals.
