Across Upper Austria and the Salzburg area, Austrian financial authorities confiscated and dismantled 123 unlawful gaming devices during a continuous anti-fraud campaign.
Numerous machines seized in both regions were concealed in camouflaged locations at illicit gambling establishments. In Salzburg, these establishments included an online store, a hair removal salon, a pub, and a pancake delivery service.
In Upper Austria, law enforcement officials stated that operators employed various tactics to hinder police access to their premises, such as reinforcing doors with iron sheets to prevent entry.
Authorities also discovered that some slot machines featured games disguised as legal “skill games” rather than unlawful slot machines.
Upon emptying the slot machines prior to their destruction, officials were able to recover over €17,000 ($14,654/€17,699) in cash, which was placed into police custody.
For each unlawful gambling machine seized, authorities can impose a penalty of €4,000 per machine.
“The regular focus checks conducted by the financial police are striking a blow against illicit gambling and rendering this business increasingly unappealing for criminal operators,” stated Finance Minister Magnus Brunner.
Well continue to battle fiercely to safeguard players.”
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