Bingo License Extensions: Italy at a crossroads as EU Ruling shakes the sector
The long-running saga of Bingo licenses in Italy is approaching a crucial turning point. After years of technical extensions, increased fees and widespread regulatory uncertainty, the industry now faces the consequences of a landmark ruling from the (CJEU) and an imminent decision from Italys Council of State.
The sector is standing at a crossroads. Italy must now choose between clinging to the outdated system of endless extensions or finally embracing a new era of transparency and fair competition, as demanded by operators and now formally imposed by European institutions.
EU Court Ruling targets Italys Bingo License Extensions
To fully understand the current situation, it is essential to look at the European Court of Justices , concerning joint cases C-728/22, C-729/22, and C-730/22. The Court left no room for interpretation: Italys system of extending Bingo licenses is incompatible with European Union law.
According to the Court, the legislative extensions of these concessions, combined with progressive increases in fees and restrictions such as the ban on relocating Bingo halls, amount to substantial modifications of the original contracts. Such changes, introduced without any new public tender procedure, violate EU principles of transparency, fair competition, and equal treatment.
Furthermore, the Court stressed that forcing operators to accept costly extensions as a precondition to participate in potential future tenders represents a severe distortion of market rules. This system, as currently designed, undermines fair competition and disrupts the delicate balance between public and private interests.
The Council of State to Rule on the future of Italys Bingo sector
Italys Council of State has now taken centre stage, as it prepares to issue a decision that could redefine the entire structure of the Bingo sector. During Tuesdays hearing, the Council heard arguments from industry representatives and legal experts, exploring possible solutions to resolve the legal uncertainty that has plagued the system for years.
Lawyer Matilde Tariciotti suggested returning to the original license fee established in the 2014 public tender, amounting to 2,800 per month, as a temporary, sensible measure to ensure business sustainability while awaiting a new bidding process.
Lawyer Alessandro Dagnino proposed a more flexible, revenue-based model, arguing that a flat fee structure unfairly penalises operators in regions with lower turnover and creates competitive imbalances within the industry.
Lawyer Luca Giacobbe took a more radical approach, highlighting the need to link license fees exclusively to revenues generated from Bingo games, explicitly excluding other revenue streams such as gaming machines. This position aligns directly with the European Court’s interpretation of EU law.
Even more uncompromising was the stance of lawyer Pietro Vergerio, who called for a complete reset of the extension regime and the immediate launch of a new, transparent public tender. According to Vergerio, the current regulatory framework is “illegitimate” and reflects a longstanding political failure to address the issue properly. “It’s like hitting a rubber wall”, he declared. “We carry on with extensions, which have now reached 9,000 a month, perpetuating restrictive conditions such as relocation bans. Its time to start from scratch and restore legality and transparency”.
Endless extensions: an Italian habit that goes beyond Bingo
The Bingo license dispute is just the latest chapter in a broader Italian trend. For years, legislative extensions and delays have affected various sectors of the gaming industry, from slot machines to sports betting.
While these extensions provide short-term continuity for operators, they fuel legal uncertainty, block investment, and hinder genuine market competition. Without a clear and stable regulatory framework, Italy’s gaming sector risks remaining trapped in a cycle of endless legal disputes and postponed reforms.
A ruling that could reshape the industry
The European Court of Justice’s decision marks a clear watershed moment, leaving Italy with no room for delay. Continuing with the outdated extension model could expose the country to legal sanctions and further litigation. On the other hand, embracing a new system based on transparent public tenders and strict compliance with EU rules would restore order and credibility to the sector.
The Council of State is expected to deliver its verdict by the end of the summer. This ruling could reshape the entire Bingo licensing framework in Italy and will undoubtedly set a precedent for other segments of the gaming industry.
A unique opportunity for real reform
The Bingo license saga has reached its final act. After years of uncertainty, extensions, and legal loopholes, Italy’s institutions can no longer avoid addressing the need for structural reform.
The European Union has made its position clear. Now, it is up to lawmakers and the Italian judiciary to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency, legality, and fair competition. The Bingo sector, weary of delays and contradictions, is watching closely and hoping that this time, Italian politics will choose a new direction – not just another extension.
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