AGIC has called for Italy to complete its gambling regulatory overhaul after the 2026 Report to Parliament on addictions recorded a further rise in gambling among students.
The association, which represents major public gaming concession operators, said the report showed the need for “effective regulations” rather than further weakening of Italy’s licensed market.
According to the report, 60% of students gambled at least once during 2025. The document also recorded an increase in “at-risk” and “problematic” gambling profiles compared with 2024, alongside wider concern over behavioural addictions linked to digital activity, online gambling and land-based gambling.
AGIC said the figures should not be minimised, but argued that underage gambling is already outside the legal framework because minors are barred from gambling. It said further pressure on licensed operators could push demand towards channels without age and identity checks.
The intervention comes as Italy continues to work through the reorganisation of its gambling sector under the 2023 tax delegation.
The online sector was addressed through Legislative Decree No. 41/2024, which set out a national framework for remote gambling, player protection requirements, concession rules and measures aimed at monitoring illegal and unauthorised activity.
However, the physical gaming network remains subject to a separate and unfinished reform process, with rules for land-based venues still requiring agreement between the state, regions and local authorities.
AGIC said completing that process would strengthen prevention tools, especially for younger and vulnerable groups.
The association added that licensed gambling offers identification, traceability and spending limits that can help detect risky behaviour and direct players towards support.
The debate also reflects a broader divide in Italy’s gambling policy. Public health concerns have kept pressure on the sector, while licensed operators argue that strict restrictions and delays in reform can benefit offshore or illegal supply.
The call for reform follows renewed scrutiny of Italy’s Dignity Decree after the Constitutional Court heard a challenge to the minimum €50,000 ($58,500) sanction for gambling advertising breaches.
Italy’s online gambling reform entered into force in April 2024, while the land-based network is still awaiting a separate legislative framework
