IGT and Sisal: A duel for the italian Lotto
•
23 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The Italian gambling market is buzzing with activity. Two industry giants, IGT and Sisal, are battling for the exclusive concession to operate the Italian Lotto for the next nine years.
The new Italian Lotto concession will soon be awarded. It is a nine-year contract estimated at €4.3 billion. Two giants are vying for this coveted license: IGT, the historical operator that has managed the Lotto for decades, and Sisal, a rapidly expanding Italian company backed by gambling powerhouse Flutter. Competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and Italian authorities are scrutinizing every detail of the bids.
Massive investments, technological innovation, commitment to responsible gaming, and a bid of nearly €1.5 billion—this is a true commercial battle. Who will manage to convince the regulators and secure this strategic market? The answer will come in the next few weeks.
IGT: A historic player seeking continuity
Active in the Italian market since 1993, IGT (International Game Technology) has increased the annual Lotto revenues from €2.5 billion to €7.6 billion in 2022. Between 2016 and 2022, the company contributed €9.6 billion in taxes, averaging €1.3 billion per year. Additionally, IGT has earned its sixth consecutive certification for responsible gaming in Italy, further strengthening its position with regulators.
Sisal: Strategic expansion backed by Flutter
Sisal, the operator of SuperEnalotto for 27 years, aims to manage the Lotto for the first time. Since its acquisition by Flutter in 2022 for €2 billion, Sisal has accelerated its digital transformation and expanded into international markets, including Morocco and Turkey. For this bid, Sisal has partnered with Scientific Games.
Selection criteria and prospects
Final bids were due by March 17. Both candidates have strong assets, and the competition is expected to be tight. The awarding of this concession is not solely based on the financial offer; Italian authorities must also consider service quality, network coverage, and investment commitments. The proposals will be evaluated 60% on economic criteria and 40% on technical and investment aspects.
The final decision will be announced within a month, and the choice between IGT and Sisal will shape the future of the Italian gambling market.