MF: 22 illegal slot machines and terminals for games of chance seized, minors were also in betting shops and slot clubs

The Ministry of Finance (MoF), through the Gaming Inspectorate, has intensified activities to combat illegal gaming, through the implementation of measures prescribed by the Gaming Law and additional staffing of inspection capacities.

The Ministry announced that activities are being implemented in coordination with the Gaming Authority, the Police Authority and the State Prosecutor's Office, with the aim of protecting legal business, combating the shadow economy and strengthening legal security.

"The focus of the work of the Gaming Inspectorate is on detecting and suppressing the illegal organization of games of chance, especially through the location and seizure of illegal slot machines and terminals that were installed without a concession in catering facilities, gas stations and other public spaces, where such activities are strictly prohibited by law," the statement said.

In parallel, increased surveillance of legal facilities for organizing games of chance is being carried out, in order to control the use of devices and equipment in accordance with the permits issued by the competent authorities.

"In cooperation with the Police Directorate and the State Prosecutor's Office, 22 illegal vending machines and terminals were permanently removed and confiscated from the field, significantly narrowing the space for the informal economy to operate. Five criminal charges were filed against the owners of catering facilities and illegal organizers due to the unauthorized organization of games of chance," the Ministry said.

Special focus was placed on, as they specified, the protection of minors, so five requests were filed to initiate misdemeanor proceedings due to the unauthorized presence of minors in betting shops and slot machine clubs. The law stipulates fines of five thousand euros for the company and one thousand euros for the person responsible for these violations.

"In order to protect the public interest and limit inappropriate promotion of games of chance, four misdemeanor proceedings have been initiated against organizers who illegally advertised their services via billboards in public areas," the statement said.

State authorities, as they announced, will not tolerate illegal organization of games of chance and will continue to decisively implement measures aimed at detecting, sanctioning and preventing all forms of illegal activity in this area.

"The activities undertaken represent a significant step forward in combating the informal economy and confirm the determination of institutions to ensure consistent and efficient implementation of the law," the statement added.

Limiting illegal advertising represents, as it is concluded, an important step towards a more responsible regulatory environment, while the protection of minors remains one of the key priorities through the continuous improvement of control and preventive mechanisms.