Italy’s Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, and the Head of the Department for Sport, Flavio Siniscalchi, have officially submitted a new Sports Decree. This decree allocates €64.5 million (approximately $74.4 million) to a “Sport and Suburbs Fund,” earmarked for nationwide infrastructure upgrades.
The funding, distributed across municipalities with some receiving €1.5 million each, will primarily support preparations for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics. These improvements encompass enhanced security measures, stadium renovations, logistical enhancements, and initiatives to combat match-fixing. The Department of Sport will oversee the decree’s implementation, submitting it to the Court of Auditors via the Budget Office.
While the decree doesn’t directly address Italy’s stringent gambling regulations, its provisions for major sporting events suggest a potential shift in perspective. It is standard practice for Olympic host nations to invest significantly in infrastructure improvements.
However, Italy remains subject to the 2018 Dignity Decree, which prohibits all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships in sports. This decree’s review is not scheduled until September 2025. Debate continues within the government regarding potential deregulation. Proponents argue that easing restrictions would facilitate better player education regarding illegal operators and improve regulated market participation. Others emphasize the substantial revenue potential.
The substantial increase in global betting activity during major sporting events underscores this argument. Official figures indicate that worldwide wagering during the Paris 2024 Olympics surpassed €11 billion, a 20% increase from Tokyo 2020 and 50% higher than Rio 2016. The combination of the dedicated funding and the growing interest in sports betting surrounding the Olympics could sway Italian lawmakers when the Dignity Decree is reconsidered.
Further adding to the financial discussion, Italy is also expected to release updates on new online betting licenses in September. The recent increase in licensing fees from €200,000 to €7 million generated considerable speculation. Despite this significant cost, 46 operators have qualified for a remote gambling license.
