Vietnam Moves to Ease Casino Entry Rules
A fresh proposal submitted to Italy’s Senate Budget Committee has reignited debate over how slot machines are governed and taxed across regional and municipal jurisdictions.
The motion introduced by Forza Italia senator Claudio Lotito during discussions on the 2026 Budget Law calls for a pilot taxation model for amusement-with-prize (AWP) machines. If adopted, the initiative could redefine how one of Italy’s most widely played gambling products is regulated and taxed.
Presented as part of the Budget 2026 considerations, the proposal comes as lawmakers continue evaluating the land-based sector’s alignment with the broader gambling overhaul spearheaded by the Meloni administration.
Shifting to an Expenditure-Based Tax Model
Lotito’s plan suggests replacing the current GGR-based slot tax with a system tied directly to player expenditure. The senator argues the new structure would make slots more competitive against other regulated verticals and help curb migration toward the illegal market, which continues to siphon customers away from licensed operators.
Player Protection Measures Expanded
Under the proposal, slot machines would be required to provide a minimum payout of 70%, while the maximum allowable prize would rise from €100 to €200. The motion also outlines enhanced responsible-gaming safeguards, including features to block underage access, enforce play-time limits and display periodic on-screen warnings measures that echo the government’s ongoing reorganisation decree.
Economic Pressures on the Slot Sector
The amendment replaces an earlier version withdrawn from committee review but arrives at a pivotal time. Budget data shows a marked decline in slot wagers falling from €24 billion in 2018 to a projected €15.4 billion in 2026 while the slot tax rate has increased from 19.1% to 24%. Combined, these trends have reduced the state’s fiscal intake from the segment by an estimated €900 million.
Digital Transformation of the Land-Based Market
The initiative fits into the wider reform programme led by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). Starting January 2026, all slot and VLT licences will transition to fully digital formats, with QR-code labels replacing physical documentation under new traceability protocols. The ADM has confirmed that the digital trial phase concluded smoothly and penalties will apply to any machines operating without valid or readable QR codes.
What’s Next for Italy’s Gambling Reform
The Meloni government is preparing to enter phase two of its gambling reorganisation in 2026. Key priorities include establishing a Unified Concession Model to standardise operations for all retail gaming venues nationwide, strengthening compliance requirements and reinforcing player-protection standards.
The ADM also plans to launch new tenders in late 2026 for retail betting shops and gaming halls, part of a long-term strategy to stabilise tax revenues and ensure alignment with EU procurement rules.
