Italian Gambling Probe Finds 145 Suspected Tampered Slot Machines

Authorities seized 145 gaming machines and approximately €80,000 in Cosenza during an investigation into alleged gambling tax evasion and corruption.

Good to Know

• Investigators suspect hidden circuit boards diverted wagers from official monitoring.
• An ADM official allegedly accepted payments for inspection information.
• A judge ordered precautionary measures against 15 people.

Hidden Boards Allegedly Diverted Wagers

Inspections across Cosenza province led investigators to seize 145 amusement with prize (AWP) machines and approximately €80,000. They suspect concealed cloned boards operated alongside authorised boards, allowing operators to collect wagers “off the books”.

AWP devices are physical slot-style machines. Italian rules require them to connect to the monitoring network operated by Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM).

Investigators say wireless controls, altered cabling, timers and switches redirected gameplay to illegal boards. ADM initially detected “striking anomalies” in machine data; subsequent digital forensic checks helped reconstruct the alleged operation.

Official Allegedly Sold Inspection Details

Prosecutors allege a distribution company owner and a local ADM official participated in the network. The official allegedly accepted payments to disclose inspection dates and targets, helping operators hide illegal boards. Investigators also allege the scheme returned seized components to circulation after reformatting.

A Cosenza judge ordered measures against 15 people: two house arrests, six non-custodial restrictions and seven one-year bans on operating gaming activities.

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