Italian police dismantle illegal gambling rings in Ionian coast raids
Italian authorities have cracked down on illegal gambling operations along the Ionian coast. Two separate raids in Condofuri and Bovalino uncovered unauthorised betting machines and unlicensed gambling setups. Both cases involved serious breaches of national regulations.
In Condofuri, officials seized electronic gambling machines installed without proper Italian approval. These devices could dispense cash payouts, violating strict gaming laws. Those responsible now face fines of up to €50,000, with possible suspension or closure of the premises.
Meanwhile, in Bovalino, an illegal betting operation was found running without required concessions or public safety permits. The venue lacked mandatory documentation, including details of authorised games. Investigators also noted that the business name matched a dissolved company, raising further suspicions. Reports suggest the operation may have been linked to a Maltese licence holder.
The raids followed a coordinated intervention by authorities in Reggio Calabria. The action targeted alleged unauthorised gambling activities across the region. Italy is currently reforming its land-based gambling framework to address inconsistencies and strengthen consumer protection.
The discoveries highlight ongoing challenges in regulating gambling across Italy. Authorities continue to enforce stricter controls to prevent unlicensed operations. Further investigations into the seized machines and betting setups are expected to follow.
