Meloni confirms €700m gambling levy in Italy's 2027 budget, leaked draft targets slots

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed that the country's 2027 budget will include €700 million in revenue sourced from the gambling sector. The specific tax and regulatory measures have not yet been officially published, but a leaked draft of the budget indicates that the burden will fall primarily on land-based gambling concessions and gaming machines.

The leaked document points to increased costs for operators of slot machines and physical betting halls. Under the proposed plan, existing land-based concessions would face higher fees or new levies aimed at generating the substantial sum. The government has framed the move as part of broader fiscal consolidation efforts, though no official breakdown of the €700 million target has been released.

Industry representatives have reacted with concern, warning that the additional financial pressure could push many betting halls and arcades into unprofitability. Operators argue that the levy, combined with existing taxes and regulatory costs, may force widespread closures, particularly in smaller venues that depend on slot machine revenue.

The confirmation from Meloni's office follows months of speculation about how the government would close budget gaps without raising income or corporate taxes. The gambling sector, which is a significant contributor to state coffers, has been a frequent target for increased taxation in recent years. The final budget is expected to be debated in parliament before approval later this year.

Analysts note that the leaked draft targets a narrow segment of the industry, potentially accelerating a shift toward online gambling, which is not directly affected by the proposed measures. However, the government has not yet indicated whether online operators will face similar contributions in future budgets.