Italian Senate bill proposes 2% levy on domestic football bets to fund sport

A bill introduced in the Italian Senate proposes a 2% levy on all domestic football bets to create a dedicated funding stream for Italian football, with proceeds earmarked for youth development, women’s football and problem gambling prevention.

Bill 1902, tabled by Senator Paolo Marcheschi as part of a broader legislative proposal, seeks to address challenges facing Italian football, including rising club debt, declining competitiveness and difficulties in developing young players.

The proposal was assigned to the Senate’s 7th Standing Committee on July 2 and, if approved, would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Under the bill, the levy will apply to all domestic football bets placed in Italy, both online and at retail betting shops, covering matches organised by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and its affiliated professional and amateur leagues.

Licensed betting operators are required under the proposal to remit the levy to FIGC on a quarterly basis. The Ministry of Economy and Finance, together with the government’s sports delegate, is tasked with establishing payment and reporting procedures within six months of the law’s enactment.

The bill requires FIGC to allocate at least 50% of the proceeds to youth development programmes, including women’s youth football, player development, sports infrastructure and regional training centres. At least 30% is earmarked for initiatives to prevent problem gambling and reduce youth dropout from sport, while the remaining 20% is allocated to women’s football and grassroots football schools.

The proposal follows calls by outgoing FIGC President Gabriele Gravina for a football betting levy, outlined in a report submitted to parliament in April.

The proposal comes as Italian football clubs are estimated to carry combined debt of about 5.5 billion euros.