IGT to Secure Italian Lottery Licence Until 2034

International Game Technology (IGT), a global leader in gaming and lottery solutions, is expected to secure the Italian National Lottery licence until 2034. This follows a recent announcement by the company stating that the Judging Commission has concluded its technical and financial evaluation of the LottoItalia bid — a collaborative consortium headed by IGT alongside partners Allwyn, Arianna 2001, and Novomatic Italia.

The decision is now pending final approval by Italy's Customs and Monopoly Agency (ADM), which is anticipated to confirm the winning bidder publicly within the next 35 days. If confirmed, this victory will solidify IGT’s presence in the Italian gaming market for an additional nine years, extending a legacy that has already spanned over three decades.

Strategic partnerships behind LottoItalia’s bid

The strength of the LottoItalia consortium lies in its composition. IGT leads the group, bringing with it decades of experience in managing national lottery operations in Italy and other jurisdictions. Allwyn, a growing force in the European lottery market, adds significant regional expertise, while Arianna 2001 and Novomatic Italia contribute critical technological and operational infrastructure.

Combined, these companies successfully raised €2.23 billion ($2.51 billion) to support the bid — a substantial financial commitment that reflects the long-term value and potential of Italy’s national lottery concession.

Flutter’s unsuccessful bid through Sisal

While IGT appears poised for success, Flutter Entertainment — the global gambling operator behind brands like Betfair and Paddy Power — appears to have lost out. Flutter entered the bidding process through its subsidiary Sisal, which had previously operated the Italian lottery. However, the company has not issued any statements confirming its position, and indications suggest that its proposal did not meet the necessary criteria or competitiveness to outmatch LottoItalia’s offer.

CEO Vince Sadusky underscores confidence and growth potential

Commenting on the consortium’s near-certain success, IGT CEO Vince Sadusky emphasized the strategic and financial importance of the Italian lottery licence:

“The €2.23 billion investment in upfront fees reflects the significant value of the new license, and IGT is confident that the investment will enhance our revenue and profit potential,” he stated.

“The exciting innovation pipeline with fresh launches planned for commencement of the new license will drive Lotto wager growth. In addition, we plan to significantly grow our iLottery sales and leverage that momentum to expand into the Italian B2C iCasino, sports betting, and other digital gaming business.”

Sadusky's remarks suggest that IGT sees the lottery not as a static revenue stream, but as a springboard into broader digital gaming opportunities across the Italian market.

Executive chair Marco Sala highlights legacy and innovation

Reinforcing the company’s long-standing relationship with Italy’s national lottery, IGT Executive Chair Marco Sala reflected on the historical importance of this concession:

“The Italian Lotto concession is one of the world's most important lottery contracts. IGT and its predecessor companies have successfully managed the license for 30+ years through constant innovation and the introduction of cutting-edge technology,” Sala said.

“The award is very gratifying, and we are honoured and excited to continue working with the ADM for nine more years.”

Sala’s remarks underscore the company's stability and its ability to innovate within a legacy framework — a key factor in why LottoItalia’s bid was so compelling.

Allwyn’s continued collaboration and ongoing regulatory scrutiny

Allwyn, one of the consortium’s key partners, has also expressed optimism about the extension of its partnership with IGT in Italy. Robert Chvátal, CEO of Allwyn, praised the bid's success and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the national lottery's responsible growth:

“We’re thrilled to continue our strong partnership with IGT in Italy for another nine years. We’re pleased that Allwyn’s positive contribution to the consortium, including our proven track record of modernising and growing lotteries across Europe, will continue to support IGT’s exemplary stewardship of an important Italian national asset.”

Chvátal also hinted at new initiatives aimed at promoting responsible play while expanding the lottery’s reach and accessibility.

However, Allwyn is simultaneously dealing with regulatory issues in the UK, where it may face financial penalties from the Gambling Commission for not meeting certain obligations related to the UK Lottery licence. These developments could influence the company’s operations, but they have not affected its role in the Italian consortium to date.

Recent developments and international expansion

This latest milestone comes amid a series of strategic moves by IGT. Earlier in May 2025, IGT secured official certification from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates. This approval enables the company to offer its land-based gaming products within the UAE, representing a key advancement into a growing and strictly regulated market.

Additionally, IGT recently celebrated the renewal of its responsible gaming certification — the sixth consecutive year the company has achieved this distinction. The certification highlights IGT’s dedication to responsible gaming, openness, and safeguarding players—essential elements for preserving public confidence and positive regulatory relationships.

Digital expansion and the future of gaming in Italy

IGT has made it clear that the future of the Italian lottery will be increasingly digital. With a clear strategy to expand its iLottery operations and leverage its existing infrastructure to enter the B2C iCasino and sports betting markets, the company is aligning itself with broader trends in European and global gaming.

As consumer behaviors continue to shift toward online platforms, the ability to offer integrated, omnichannel experiences will become a key differentiator. IGT's planned digital innovations are expected to help increase player engagement, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately, generate greater returns for both the company and the Italian government.

Implications for Italy’s gaming industry

Securing the national lottery licence for another nine years places IGT at the center of Italy's regulated gaming landscape. The Lotto remains one of the country’s most recognizable and trusted forms of gambling, and its administration affects not only operators but also retailers, digital providers, and state revenues.

The large upfront investment also signals confidence in the sector's long-term stability. The €2.23 billion allocated by the consortium will likely be recouped through increased digital engagement, expanded product offerings, and operational efficiencies introduced through new technologies.

With Flutter missing out on this licence, the competitive dynamics in Italy’s gambling sector may shift. Operators will likely focus more on verticals such as sports betting and online casinos — sectors where regulatory environments are evolving but still competitive.

Conclusion

IGT’s anticipated renewal of the Italian National Lottery licence marks a significant milestone for the company and the broader Italian gaming industry. With a strong consortium comprising Allwyn, Arianna 2001, and Novomatic Italia, IGT is well-positioned to leverage its decades of experience and substantial financial investment to modernize and expand the lottery’s reach. The nine-year licence extension through 2034 not only ensures continuity but also signals a strategic shift toward digital innovation, including growth in iLottery, online casinos, and sports betting. This development promises to enhance player experiences, promote responsible gaming, and secure significant revenues for the Italian government. Meanwhile, the setback for Flutter and its Sisal subsidiary highlights the competitive nature of the market and underscores the importance of innovation and strong partnerships. As Italy’s gambling landscape evolves, IGT and its partners appear ready to lead the way with a forward-looking approach that balances tradition with technology.

FAQs

What is IGT's role in the Italian lottery?
IGT leads the LottoItalia consortium, which has managed the Italian National Lottery for over 30 years. It now expects to secure the licence until 2034.

Who are the members of the LottoItalia consortium?
The consortium includes IGT, Allwyn, Arianna 2001, and Novomatic Italia, bringing together global experience and strong local partnerships.

Why did Flutter lose the bid?
While Flutter submitted a bid via its subsidiary Sisal, it appears the proposal was outmatched in financial and technical terms by LottoItalia’s offer.

How much did the consortium invest in the bid?
The consortium raised a total of €2.23 billion to secure the Italian Lottery licence, with IGT alone allocating €500 million.

What are IGT’s future plans in Italy?
IGT aims to grow its iLottery business, enter the B2C iCasino and sports betting markets, and implement new technologies to enhance player engagement.

What is Allwyn’s role in the consortium?
Allwyn contributes its European lottery expertise and is expected to work with IGT to develop responsible and modern lottery services in Italy.

Is IGT involved in other international markets?
Yes, IGT recently gained certification to operate in the UAE and has a strong presence in both land-based and digital gaming markets worldwide.

What technological innovations are planned?
IGT plans to introduce new products and digital solutions that will modernize the lottery experience and improve operational efficiency.

What does this licence mean for the Italian government?
It secures significant upfront revenue (€2.23 billion) and ensures continuity in a key national asset under an experienced and proven operator.

Will this affect Italian consumers?
Consumers can expect new digital options, improved user experiences, and enhanced responsible gaming measures under the renewed licence.