Salzburg Authorities Seize 76 Illegal Gaming Devices in Raids

Salzburg law enforcement authorities confiscated 76 unauthorized gaming devices during a series of coordinated strikes aimed at illicit gambling ventures.

The Financial Police, collaborating with Salzburg police and the Cobra special forces, executed the operation between April 6th and 14th. The department characterized the operation as “a significant victory.”

Those responsible for operating the illegal machines could face penalties of up to €30,000, although the typical fines hover around €5,000.

“This represents a setback for organized criminal activity,” stated Austrian Finance Minister Magnus Brunner. “Illicit gambling operators amass substantial profits at the expense of individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The decisive action taken by the Financial Police is crucial in this matter, and we will not tolerate criminal elements in the future.”

Over the course of the four-day operation, 15 financial police officers worked alongside 20 local police officers to uphold the law.

Police conducted raids on seven establishments that were camouflaged from the exterior as various types of businesses, including nail salons, tanning salons, and internet cafes.

The proprietors of these enterprises secured all locations with magnetic locks and deployed surveillance cameras both internally and externally. Law enforcement officials stated that “force” was necessary to gain entry to five of the bars, while two others required the assistance of a locksmith.

The Ministry of Finance emphasized the “remarkable audacity” of one illicit gambling venue manager. After confiscating nine machines from the establishment on its inaugural day of operation, law enforcement officials discovered another nine devices when they returned to the bar five days later.

“Another bar was situated in a basement, where 15 unlawful slot machines were discovered,” the ministry reported. “In this instance, the operators were also not discreet: the establishment was situated adjacent to a government building, accessed via the government parking lot.”

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