A joint operation by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) and the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) led to the seizure of numerous illegal slot machines in several provinces of Central and Southern Italy.
The investigation, coordinated by the ADM Gaming Directorate with the technical support of Sogei, involved 19 commercial establishments in the provinces of Naples, Caserta, Benevento, and Chieti, and revealed a sophisticated system of gaming machine manipulation.
During the inspections, carried out jointly by the Anti-Fraud Directorate and the Agency's local offices, 14 gaming machines offering cash prizes were seized at three public establishments in Atessa (Chieti), Bacoli, and Naples, along with the sums contained within—approximately €5.100.
In another establishment in Giugliano (Naples), however, nine devices were administratively seized as they were found not to comply with current legislation.
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Rigged slots and the damage to the treasury
The inspections focused on the technical compliance of the machines, leading to the discovery of a second gaming card hidden inside the machines. This modification allowed the game flow to be altered and concealed from the Agency's electronic control, with the aim of reducing the Single Revenue Tax (PREU) owed to the State.
In essence, it was a carefully crafted scam to the detriment of the treasury and the players, which risked defrauding the treasury of up to €6 million a year, according to preliminary estimates based on Law No. 190 of 2014.
In addition to tax manipulations, ADM officials and the Guardia di Finanza soldiers also found administrative violations relating to the lack of surveillance of the premises, in some cases accessible to minors.
Following the investigation, three individuals were reported to the competent Public Prosecutor's Office for alleged crimes related to the illegal management of gaming machines.
In an official statement, the Customs and Monopolies Agency emphasized that the intervention is part of a broader strategy to combat illegal gambling and protect consumers, especially the most vulnerable.
"This action," the ADM explains, "is the result of intense analysis of gaming flows and represents an important step in ensuring legality and transparency in the sector."
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