Lottery consortiums are monitoring Italian government developments as ministers finalise outstanding measures for the Budget Law 2027.
Attention surrounds the measures to be signed off by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government is seeking additional revenues to support spending commitments and manage pressure on public finances.
Gambling has emerged as a key funding source. As reported by SBC News last week, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has examined proposals targeting a €1bn contribution from the sector across 2027–2028 through licensing, concession charges and taxation.
However, the government’s latest budget planning provides a more specific annual forecast. A summary published by the Emilia-Romagna regional government identifies approximately €700m in gambling and betting revenues towards the 2027 spending package. The detailed measures remain subject to the budget’s legislative settlement.
For international lottery businesses, the principal development concerns whether the budget will establish the framework for a new tender covering Italy’s national instant-win and scratchcard concession.
Scratch tender moves forward
The existing Gratta e Vinci concession, operated by Lotterie Nazionali, expires in September 2028. MEF is reportedly considering a tender with a starting value of approximately €1bn, potentially retaining the single-concessionaire structure.
An earlier tender would give prospective bidders greater clarity on the commercial opportunity, financing requirements and conditions attached to operating one of Italy’s largest lottery products.
However, launching procurement in 2027 would not necessarily mean that the replacement concession begins that year. Nor should its potential proceeds automatically be counted as immediate budget income. Previous SBC reporting indicated that initial payments could arrive in 2028, depending on the procurement timetable.
The distinction matters for lottery groups assessing when to assemble bidding partnerships and commit capital. Tender documentation would determine eligibility, payment schedules, operating obligations and the duration of the next concession.
Beyond lotteries, reported budget options include changes affecting online gambling, the treatment of winnings and withdrawals, and higher charges for extending existing concessions. Final rates and implementation arrangements have yet to be confirmed.
The wider fiscal package also draws on contributions from financial businesses and savings across government departments, with resources earmarked for families, businesses, healthcare, infrastructure and defence.
For gambling stakeholders, the next decisive stage will be publication of the detailed budget bill. Until then, the proposed scratchcard tender remains a significant commercial prospect, with its timing, financial terms and contribution to Treasury receipts still awaiting clarification.
