Italy readies new nine‑year gambling concessions with anti‑hacker slots to avert EU infringement
Executive summary: The Italian government announced it will issue new nine‑year concessions for physical gambling venues (slot machines, betting shops and bingo halls) before the summer to avoid an EU infringement procedure, while keeping existing distance limits from sensitive locations and requiring anti‑hacker slot technology. The move reshapes the regulatory landscape for Italy’s gambling market, affecting operators’ investment plans, compliance costs and the competitive balance between incumbents and new entrants.
Who is involved: Key actors include the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, gambling operators, and the European Commission monitoring compliance.
Likely next: The decree is expected to be published in the coming weeks, followed by a public tender for the concessions, installation of certified anti‑hacker slots, and potential legal challenges from industry groups or EU authorities.
The decree aims to bring Italy’s gambling licensing into line with EU requirements, preventing further infringement proceedings. By fixing the concession length at nine years and retaining current distance rules, the government seeks to provide stability for operators while addressing security concerns through mandatory anti‑hacker slots. The announcement signals a continued effort to modernize the sector without altering the controversial proximity restrictions.
Timeline
- — Slot, sale scommesse e bingo: il governo pronto alle nuove gare. Arrivano le slot anti-hacker (la Repubblica — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Publication of the gambling decree by summer 2026
- Launch of tender process for nine‑year concessions
- Deployment of anti‑hacker slot machines in licensed venues
Sectors affected
- Gambling and gaming
- Hospitality and leisure
- Technology (security slot systems)
Regulatory implications
- New concession framework lasting nine years replaces previous shorter terms
- Mandatory anti‑hacker technology for slot machines
- Maintenance of existing distance limits from schools, churches and other sensitive places
Historical parallels
- 2022 Italian gambling concession renewal that also aimed to avoid EU infringement
- 2019 EU Commission opening infringement procedure over Italy’s gambling rules
- 2021 French overhaul of its gambling licensing to introduce longer licences
Key entities
Sources
- Slot, sale scommesse e bingo: il governo pronto alle nuove gare. Arrivano le slot anti-hacker — la Repubblica — Economia