Italian betting association AGSI urges bridging measure as retail gaming concessions near year-end expiry

Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI), which represents betting operators, has called on the Italian government to introduce an emergency measure that would let gaming shops keep operating once current retail concessions run out. The concessions covering sports betting, bingo, VLTs and AWPs are due to expire on December 31, 2026.

The association's concern stems from delays in the tender process for new concessions. According to the source, the procedure was shelved in August and missed its deadline. Further postponements are expected, and experts suggest the government is unlikely to reorganize the retail sector before the next general election. The reorganization has been discussed for years and the broader technical questions have reportedly been settled, but political obstacles have prevented reform.

The situation contrasts with the online segment, where operators already hold new concessions that give the digital sector considerable stability. Italy's retail gaming sector is valued at EUR 21 billion and accounts for most of the money wagered in the country. Land-based stakeholders point out that iGaming licences run for nine years, while retail concessions are extended on an annual basis. They argue this gap has made shop operators less competitive, and the growing popularity of online play has contributed to lower retail revenue and tax contributions.

AGSI has asked for bridging measures, stressing that operators of gaming machines, sports betting and horse racing cannot wait three years. Its proposals include transition rules that would make the retail network more competitive, such as allowing businesses to offer new products. The association also wants small and medium-sized businesses to be able to bid alongside larger companies in the tender, which it says would produce a more evenly distributed network of betting shops.

AGSI warned that failing to act quickly would damage the legal market and, as a result, benefit the illegal one. It also urged stricter action against unlicensed operators rather than additional restrictions on licensed ones.