Italian Regions Push for 5% Share of Slot Revenue

Italian regional councils are rallying behind a proposal to allocate a portion of slot machine revenue to support local gambling reforms. The Conferenza Unificata (CU) is advocating for a 5% revenue share for regions with an Ordinary Statute, urging the government to endorse the initiative. This move aims to bolster funding for regional governments to enforce safer gambling policies and interventions.

In addition to the revenue-sharing proposal, regional councilors are calling for an extra €300 million annually to oversee gambling venues effectively. This funding would facilitate the implementation of safer gambling practices and enhance interventions for problem gambling.

The government's reorganization decrees are considered crucial by regional and municipal councils. They are urged to engage with these decrees to provide feedback and ensure adequate resources for tackling problem gambling. The reforms seek to gradually reduce gambling venues, promoting safer practices and combatting criminal activities associated with them.

The reorganization decree, supported by Treasury Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, awaits scrutiny from the Parliament's Finance Committee. Trade associations and stakeholders will voice their opinions on the decree's contents on February 7, potentially leading to amendments before publication.

The proposed reforms not only aim to improve customer safety but also promise economic benefits. Regional councils are keen to ensure fair distribution of revenue from gambling activities to support their local communities.