The Slovak gaming oversight agency, the Gaming Regulatory Office (URHH), confiscated 54 unauthorized electronic gaming devices (EGM) in a countrywide sweep.
This marks the second such action by the regulatory body in the past four months.
The majority of the machines were seized during inspections conducted by the URHH. Law enforcement officers accompanied URHH representatives during the inspections.
The URHH is the sole entity authorized to grant permits for operating gaming machines.
Most of the EGMs confiscated were cryptocurrency mining machines or trivia machines, which the URHH classifies as having “characteristics of gambling games” and therefore necessitate a license.
The regulatory body stated that it “thoroughly investigates” whether gambling is occurring on the devices, irrespective of the device’s name, visual elements, or type.
“As these gaming machines have not been granted or issued a valid permit, we deem them unlawful,” stated Dávid Lenčéš, Director General of the URHH. “Our personnel actively monitor these machines. The majority were seized due to their diligence. Some were also seized due to grievances from participants.”
Individuals who operate illicit gambling enterprises occasionally attempt to conceal their gaming devices from law enforcement by securing them to the floor or walls.
National regulations stipulate that operators of illegal gambling machines face potential fines of up to €250,000 (£218,150/$247,650).
In July, the URHH published a directory of authorized gambling websites to assist individuals in verifying the legitimacy and safety of the platforms they utilize.
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