Italy has decided to delay its sweeping overhaul of land-based gambling regulations. Originally set to take effect by December 2025, the reform package now has a new deadline: August 2026. This change follows pressure from regional authorities, as well as a formal appeal led by MP Mariangela Matera of the Fratelli d’Italia party, who argued that rushing the implementation could be counterproductive. The decision was ultimately supported by Italy’s Conferenza Unificata, a body representing all 20 regional governments and hundreds of municipalities.
The reform, known as the Reorganisation Decree, is intended to streamline Italy’s gambling laws by introducing a national licensing system for physical gambling venues. It also aims to introduce stricter location requirements, such as ensuring gambling venues are located at least a certain distance away from sensitive areas like schools and churches. Additionally, the reforms include mandatory player ID checks and the establishment of national exclusion systems to improve consumer protections.
Regional Governments Demand Financial Guarantees
The delay largely stemmed from concerns raised by local leaders about the fiscal aspects of the reform. Regional governments sought clearer financial guarantees before committing to the reform. In particular, they are asking for a share of the estimated €300 million in annual gaming tax revenues, which would be allocated to fund social programs and support gambling addiction services.
Mariangela Matera defended the decision, emphasizing that the delay is not a sign of weakness but rather an opportunity to make the reform more robust. “This extension is an opportunity to implement reforms more thoroughly, aligning fiscal policy and enforcement mechanisms,” she said. The extension of the timeline will allow more time for regional authorities to finalize the financial distribution of tax revenues and ensure the proper allocation of funds.
A Balanced Approach to Gambling Reforms
The Reorganisation Decree is a key part of Italy’s strategy to modernize its gambling sector. It aims to reduce market saturation by enforcing stricter licensing regulations and implementing mandatory distance requirements from sensitive locations. Furthermore, the decree is expected to strengthen responsible gambling measures. For example, all machine-based gaming will require mandatory player ID checks, which will integrate into a national exclusion register to help safeguard against problem gambling.
However, despite the reform’s promise, local authorities have struggled to fully commit due to the lack of a well-defined financial plan. The revised timeline allows time for the government to ensure the reform’s financial stability, particularly with regard to how the gaming tax revenues will be shared and allocated.
Strengthening the Legal Framework
In parallel with the financial adjustments, lawmakers are also focused on overhauling Italy’s outdated criminal and administrative penalties related to gambling offenses. The current penalty framework is seen as fragmented and ineffective, and lawmakers are working to create a more unified system with stronger deterrent measures. These revisions are intended to apply across both retail and online gambling sectors, providing a more cohesive and enforceable legal foundation.
Matera stressed that the reform’s delay would allow for the necessary coordination to implement it effectively. “Without clear budget guarantees, rushing the implementation would create imbalances and weaken the reform’s impact,” she noted. This delay, she explained, will provide the time needed to ensure the reform is applied consistently across regions and with a more comprehensive legal structure.
Aligning With the 2026 Budget Law
The revised timeline also aligns the reform with Italy’s 2026 Budget Law. This will ensure that the necessary financial backing is in place before the reforms can be enacted. The delay offers more time for the government to finalize the budget allocations required to implement the changes, guaranteeing the reform’s long-term sustainability.
While the postponement has sparked some frustration, the extended timeline gives Italy’s regional governments more time to address the fiscal and logistical challenges involved in the reform. Once implemented, the Reorganisation Decree is expected to create a more modern, regulated gambling market with better consumer protections, setting the stage for a more stable and transparent industry in Italy.
Source:
“Italy to delay regional reforms on land-based gambling“, sbcnews.co.uk, June 4, 2025.
