Italian Senator Paolo Marcheschi introduced Bill 1902 to impose a 2% levy on domestic football betting. The measure aims to generate €230m annually for the Italian Football Federation starting in 2027.
The legislation applies to all wagers placed on fixtures organized by the FIGC, covering both professional and amateur leagues. Licensed operators must transfer funds to the federation quarterly. To ensure the measure remains revenue-neutral for businesses, the new levy will be offset by a reduction in the existing PREU tax on fixed-odds football bets.
This proposal presents an alternative to reinstating gambling advertising, which has been banned since 2019.
Fund Allocation and Oversight
Funds will be distributed according to strict percentages. At least 50% is designated for youth development, including infrastructure and women's training programs. Social initiatives, such as gambling harm prevention, will receive 30% of the revenue.
The remaining 20% supports women's football and the grassroots amateur sector.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance will establish specific payment and reporting procedures within six months of enactment. The FIGC must submit a certified annual report to the prime minister's office detailing fund usage. The proposal follows the national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup, which prompted a review of sport funding.
Previously, Italy introduced a 0.5% emergency levy on sports bets during the pandemic to support economic recovery. Former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina supports the initiative. The bill defines the levy as a mechanism for a self-sustaining ecosystem rather than state aid.