News: Illegal Gambling Den Shut Down in Catania
A 25-year-old woman from Catania was penalized for illegal gambling and betting after operating a clandestine casino in a kiosk-bar. The Carabinieri discovered the mini-casino during routine checks, uncovering a hidden room with unauthorized slot machines and VLTs.
Hidden Gambling Den in a Bar
The unsuspecting bar appeared legitimate, but investigators stumbled upon a secret room described as a “clandestine casino.” This hidden space housed a cash register for illegal bets, access to online gambling sites, and several VLTs that violated gambling regulations.
Evasion and Financial Gain
The clandestine operation collected money from unauthorized slot machines and VLTs, utilizing online access to bypass regulatory control. The estimated annual revenue from these illegal activities exceeded one million euros, which remained unreported in the business’s accounts.
Legal Consequences and Online Gambling Options
The operator faced criminal charges and an administrative fine of 94,000 euros for lacking necessary licenses.
In Italy, legitimate online gambling options are available at licensed online casinos. These platforms offer welcome bonuses and no deposit bonuses for new players.
Other Illicit Gambling Dens in Italy
This Catania case is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Similar clandestine gambling dens have been discovered in other Italian cities like Vinci and Florence. These illegal operations prey on players, offering rigged games with no guarantee of fairness or protection.
Video Poker Crackdown in Taranto
In another recent operation, the Guardia di Finanza in Taranto confiscated 42 illegal gaming machines, including video poker and slot machines, from various establishments in the region. The investigation led to the reporting of 7 individuals.