€90,000 fine in Italy over illegal gambling den

The discovery of an illegal gambling den in Lecce, Italy, has resulted in a fine of €90,000 being imposed.

Officials from the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), which regulates gambling in Italy, found six illegal gaming machines in a commercial establishment in the town of Squinzano.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with members of law enforcement agency Guardia di Finanza, revealed the machines contained around €1,600 within them.

The machines were seized and fines of €60,000 have been imposed on the operators of the establishment.

The ADM said the machines did not lack the necessary authorisation to offer gaming services and were not connected to Italy’s online network.

A further fine of €30,000 has been imposed after three personal computers were found in the room, which facilitated online gambling.

“The tax evasion identified, in terms of unified state gaming taxes and other duties, amounted to €1.3m, along with associated tax penalties totalling €2.8m, calculated in proportion to the evaded taxes,” the ADM said.

“The public gambling sector, given the significant profit opportunities it offers, remains a key area of interest for economic crime.

“As a result, the Guardia di Finanza and the Customs and Monopolies Agency remain committed to safeguarding the legal gambling industry, with special attention to protecting vulnerable groups, focusing on checks in places and times at higher risk of underage gambling.”