Italian authorities have taken action against illegal gambling operations in Sicily after uncovering two unlicensed betting collection centres during a coordinated inspection across the province of Agrigento. The operation resulted in administrative penalties worth more than €20,000 ($22,796), the seizure of gaming equipment, and a criminal referral linked to one of the businesses under investigation.
The inspections formed part of a joint effort involving Italy’s customs and gambling regulator Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) and the Guardia di Finanza (GdF). Officials carried out checks at 14 betting shops and gaming halls located in Agrigento, Favara, Raffadali, Palma di Montechiaro, Campobello di Licata, Ribera, and the Pelagie Islands.
Inspectors Uncover Unlicensed Betting Operations
During the inspections, authorities identified two businesses that had been operating as unauthorized betting collection centres.
One of the locations, situated in Porto Empedocle, contained two computer terminals that had not been connected to Italy’s national gaming collection network. Investigators also found that the devices were missing the identification codes required under the country’s gambling regulations.
According to officials, the lack of connection to the national system allowed the terminals to avoid the mandatory counters used to record wagers and gaming activity. As a result, the equipment could potentially bypass payment of the single national gaming levy (PREU), which is calculated based on recorded turnover from gaming machines.
Authorities seized the terminals as part of the investigation. The owner of the Porto Empedocle business has also been reported to the public prosecutor in Agrigento on suspicion of running illegal betting activities.
Tax Proposals Add to Gambling Policy Debate
The enforcement action comes at a time when Italy is also considering changes to gambling taxation.
Earlier this month, a bill introduced in the Italian Senate proposed a new 2% levy on every domestic football bet placed in the country. The proposal aims to create a dedicated funding source for Italy’s football system.
If approved, the tax would apply to football bets placed both online and in retail betting shops. It would cover matches organized by the Italian Football Federation together with affiliated professional and amateur competitions. Under the proposal, the levy would amount to 2% of the stake placed on each qualifying football wager.
Industry Concerns Over Gambling Reform Delays
The latest enforcement measures also arrive while Italy’s regulated gambling sector continues to face uncertainty over long-delayed reforms.
During a Senate hearing held last month, EGP-FIPE, which represents gambling operators within the Italian Federation of Public Establishments under Confcommercio, argued that repeated extensions of national gambling concessions have slowed progress across the legal market.
The organization said the absence of a broader national reform plan has effectively left the sector at a standstill. It also warned that the situation has affected network planning while reducing the effectiveness of safeguards designed to address problem gambling.
Much of the discussion centered on land-based gambling venues. EGP-FIPE president Emmanuele Cangianelli said: “The evidence is that where the physical offer is rigidly restricted, the problem is not reduced, but moved. Play heads online or to the underground market, where control is nil. This makes territorial instruments little effective with respect to the declared objective and introduces heavy distortions in terms of legality and the sustainability of the authorised network.”
Investigation remains active
Officials from ADM and the Guardia di Finanza said the investigation has not concluded and that further enforcement work will continue. Their stated priorities include protecting consumers, especially minors and other vulnerable groups, while limiting criminal involvement in the gambling industry.
Authorities also reiterated that every individual reported during the investigation remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until any allegations are examined and decided through the judicial process.
Source:
Italian authorities shut down illegal betting centres, imposing fines over €20,000, igamingbusiness.com, July 27, 2026.
