Italy’s Senate is reviewing a new proposal that could reshape the financial landscape of Italian football. A parliamentary bill seeks to introduce a 2% levy on all domestic football bets, directing these funds to support youth development, grassroots programs, and social initiatives within Italian football.
Key Details of the Proposed Football Betting Levy
The bill, known as Bill 1902, was presented by Senator Paolo Marcheschi and is currently under consideration by Italy’s 7th Standing Committee. If adopted, the 2% levy would take effect from 1 January 2027, applying to all football bets placed through licensed operators in both retail and online channels. The scope covers matches organized by the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) and its affiliated leagues at both professional and amateur levels.
Levy Collection and Distribution
Under the proposed system, licensed betting operators would remit the 2% levy quarterly to the FIGC. Implementation guidelines, including payment and reporting processes, will be established by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in cooperation with the government’s sports delegate within six months of the law’s enactment.
The allocation of levy revenue follows strict guidelines:
- At least 50% directed to youth development, including women’s football, public sports infrastructure, and FIGC territorial centers
- Minimum 30% for social programs aimed at tackling problem gambling and reducing youth dropout from sports
- The remaining 20% allocated to women’s football and grassroots amateur football schools
Background and Industry Implications
The introduction of this football betting levy follows calls from industry leaders to address ongoing financial and developmental challenges in Italian football. According to iGamingBusiness, outgoing FIGC president Gabriele Gravina previously advocated for a gambling-linked levy as a partial solution for the sector’s funding needs. The bill aims to redirect approximately €230 million ($262.8 million) annually from the general state budget directly to football development, replacing a portion of the existing PREU tax on fixed-odds football wagers.
The law also mandates annual certified reporting by the FIGC, detailing the use and allocation of collected funds to ensure transparency and accountability. These reports will be submitted to the office of the Italian prime minister.
Italy’s Regulatory Environment for Betting Operators
Italy maintains a robust regulatory framework for gambling, overseen by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). Operators are already subject to significant fiscal obligations, such as the PREU tax—currently set at 24% for Amusement with Prizes (AWP) machines and 8.6% for Video Lottery Terminals (VLT). The proposed football betting levy would add another layer of financial responsibility for licensed operators, aiming to directly benefit the country’s football ecosystem.
More information on Italian gambling regulation can be found on the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli website.
Potential Impact on Italian Football and Betting Industry
With Italian football clubs reportedly facing combined debts of over €5 billion, the new levy is seen as a potential lifeline for funding essential development and social responsibility initiatives. By focusing on youth and grassroots programs, as well as supporting women’s football and preventing problem gambling, the levy could help establish a more sustainable future for the sport in Italy.
Stakeholders across the betting and football sectors are watching developments closely as the bill progresses through the legislative process.