The Ministry of Economy and Finance has published data on tax and social security income for the first half of 2026. While overall tax revenues increased by 2.1% to €282.4 billion, the lottery and other gaming sectors experienced an 8.4% decrease, with revenues falling to €3.071 billion, €281 million less than in the same time in 2025. The slot machine component, which has traditionally been the primary source of tax revenue from public gaming, has contributed the most to this drop. Revenue from slot machines was €2.472 billion in the first six months of 2026, down from €2.666 billion in 2025, representing a €194 million loss or 7.3% drop. The most intriguing conclusion is from the Ministry's interpretation of the phenomenon: it directly suggests a potential shift in demand toward other forms of gambling, especially online gambling. In other words, it does not necessarily imply a decrease in Italians' proclivity to gamble, but rather a shift in consumption from brick-and-mortar sites (bars, slot machine arcades, tobacconists) to online platforms. The fact remains that, while overall tax income is increasing, gaming revenue is consistently dropping quarter after quarter.