Austria’s financial police seized nine slot machines and a betting terminal from an illegal gambling venue in Salzburg, according to the Finance Ministry. The operators were not present, investigations are continuing and the operator could face fines of up to €300,000.
The seizure and potential penalty signal enforcement risks for illegal gambling operations in Austria.
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Austria’s financial police seized two gambling machines during a 12 February inspection at a petrol station in Wels, according to the report. The machines were operating, and investigators found that gambling had been offered there for about six weeks. The 64-year-old operator was reported, faces fines of up to €20,000, and may lose his trade licence.
Austria’s financial police seized eight gambling machines in Vienna on 3 and 4 January, reportedly finding three in a café in Meidling and five in a private flat in Ottakring. Finance Minister Magnus Brunner said the inspections would continue as part of efforts against illegal gambling.
Austria’s financial police said 107 illegal gambling machines seized during eight checks in Salzburg between May 2020 and May 2021 were destroyed in August 2021. Authorities recovered €4,343 in play money; nationwide, the unit reported 581 machines seized and 142 criminal complaints filed between January and July 2021.
Austria’s financial police said officers seized two operating illegal gambling machines during a police operation at a Vienna flat in the sixth district in mid-August. Officers also took €2,300 in gambling proceeds into official custody, and police arrested two people; the operation followed a tip about the flat.
Austria’s financial police reportedly removed 1,400 illegal gambling machines from operation by the end of October, including 13 found in a Vienna raid. Finance Minister Gernot Blümel said investigators were working with the federal criminal police to identify those behind the activity; the case remained under investigation.