Italian casinos thriving despite inflation: record number of players

Despite the overall price increase due to the cost of living, Italian casinos continue to record record numbers. In 2025, over 1.7 billion euros were played on slot machines alone. Attendance is sharply increasing at Italy's main gaming centers, such as Venice, Sanremo, Campione d'Italia, and Saint-Vincent.

This countertrend compared to the general economic situation is analyzed in a report that examines how much is won and who actually controls the casinos in the country. The article provides all the numbers for the sector, also highlighting who the biggest winners are in this context.

The phenomenon of gambling in Italy has deep historical roots, with the first legal gambling houses dating back to the last century in places like Sanremo and Venice. In recent decades, the sector has expanded significantly with the introduction of slot machines and online games, becoming a multibillion-dollar industry.

The recent growth despite the cost-of-living crisis suggests a possible shift in Italian consumer behavior. During periods of economic hardship, some people might see gambling as a potential financial escape or as a form of evasion, despite the obvious risks. The sector is strictly regulated by the Italian state through the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies (AAMS), which controls concessions and licenses, ensuring that a significant portion of the profits returns to public coffers in the form of taxes.