AGCM reports potential issues with the bingo sector regulations
The Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato – AGCM) has submitted a report to the Italian Parliament on the legislation governing bingo. The AGCM sought to highlight concerns and issues regarding the regulatory framework for licences.
Regulatory context
As reported by Agimeg, at the core of the report is Article 10, paragraph 9-septies, of Decree-Law 16/2012, as amended by the 2025 Budget Law. The law sets out certain key economic parameters for bingo. These include: the tax levy (the share of wagers paid to the State), the prize pool, and the remuneration for the controller responsible for managing gaming data. The tax levy is set at 11 per cent, and the prize pool must be between 70 and 71 per cent of the price of the bingo cards purchased by players.
Competition issues and concessions
The Competition Authority also raised competition concerns. The authority’s concern is that certain rules may restrict competition in the bingo market. For example, if licences are renewed without new public tenders, there will be no room for new operators. While existing operators will have an advantage.
The AGCM does not want the sector to remain stagnant. It wants to see a process of constant evolution that gives importance to the bingo sector and to new competitors entering this market. Therefore, the duration of licences, any extensions and the conditions for market access remain key issues in ensuring a balance between public control and competition among the various operators.
Consequences for the operators
It is difficult to say what will happen to operators who are already in business. However, any regulatory intervention can affect economic sustainability and investment planning. If conditions keep changing, operators may find it more difficult to plan new activities, recruit staff and participate in future public tenders to secure state licences.
The Competition Authority’s aim is to preserve public control over legal online gambling. For this reason, if Parliament intervenes, it should prioritise the position of operators calling for a protected, economically reliable market.
Bingo as the central theme
The bingo sector has therefore become a key issue at the institutional level. The AGCM’s report was sent directly to the Senate, and subsequently referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where it is registered as Document No. 1129.
The Authority is seeking Parliament’s support regarding aspects relating to the functioning of the bingo market. Over the years, in fact, there have been doubts about competition among the various operators, leading to a complex and not always consistent sector.
The legislation sends a strong signal to an industry characterised by regulatory interventions and numerous revolutionary attempts. The legislation, therefore, represents a fundamental step forward for online gambling in Italy, empowering Parliament to intervene where necessary.
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