Slovak Authorities Confiscate 54 Unlawful Gaming Devices
Slovak authorities have confiscated 54 unlawful electronic gaming devices (EGMs) in a countrywide sweep. The machines were deemed to possess “traits of gambling games” and thus needed a permit.
This marks the second such operation by the Slovak gambling oversight body, the Gambling Regulatory Office (URHH), in the past four months. The majority of the machines were seized.
The URHH is the sole entity authorized to issue licenses for operating gaming machines. Law enforcement officers accompanied URHH representatives during the inspections.
The majority of the EGMs seized were cryptocurrency mining machines or question-and-answer machines. The regulatory body stated that it is “thoroughly examining” whether gambling is occurring on the devices, regardless of the label, visual components, or type of the device.
“As these gaming machines lack a valid license, we deem them unlawful,” declared Dávid Lenčéš, Director General of the URHH. “Our personnel actively monitor these machines. Most of them were confiscated due to their diligent efforts. Some machines were also seized due to grievances from users.”
Individuals who operate illicit gaming devices occasionally attempt to deter law enforcement from confiscating them by securing them to the floor or walls.
The nation’s gambling regulations stipulate that operators of unlawful gaming machines are subject to fines of up to €250,000 (£218,150/$247,650).
In July, the URHH compiled a directory of authorized gambling websites to assist individuals in ensuring they are utilizing secure and legitimate services.
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