Italy Intensifies Efforts Against Illegal Gambling, Targets Two Gaming Establishments
Italian Authorities Target Illegal Gambling Operations
Law enforcement officials in Italy have intensified their actions against illegal gambling by dismantling an unauthorized gaming venue linked to a Maltese gaming company. In a separate operation, several unlicensed gaming machines were confiscated from another location, demonstrating the country’s commitment to curbing illegal betting activities.
Major Raids in Reggio Calabria Uncover Illegal Gaming Activities
In the province of Reggio Calabria, financial police collaborating with the Customs and Monopolies Agency mounted a significant operation that led to uncovering a fully operational illegal gaming den in the town of Bovalino. This establishment was notably operating under the name of a defunct company and was found to be violating multiple local regulations, including those related to consumer safety and responsible gambling.
Investigations revealed that the gaming operation lacked a valid license to function within Italy and failed to comply with legal safety standards. Further scrutiny linked this illegal venue to a gaming license holder based in Malta.
Additionally, authorities conducted a raid on a private club located in the Condofuri commune, where numerous unlawful gambling machines were seized. Those responsible for this venue now face penalties that include fines up to 50,000 euros and the potential shutdown of their establishment. The individuals involved have been reported to the proper judicial authorities for further proceedings.
Italy Explores Internet Domain Blocking to Combat Illegal Online Gambling
In related efforts to fight unlicensed online gambling, Italian lawmakers are considering implementing domain blocking mechanisms aimed at restricting access to unauthorized gambling websites. This initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, plans to utilize technology to filter internet traffic and automatically block domains that are not regulated by the national gambling authority.
The Customs and Monopolies Agency is expected to use the SOGEI system, designed to identify and block illegal gambling websites seamlessly. While this approach has garnered support for its potential to reduce black-market betting, it also raises concerns about possible government overreach in regulating online content.
