Underage gambling and surreptitious video recording incidents reported.
In a recent operation, the Carabinieri in the province of Asti have taken action against various gambling establishments, recharge points, and activities involving money-winning devices. The campaign, aimed at preventing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable groups, has resulted in administrative and penal sanctions totalling over 90,000 euros.
The operation, which took place between July 7 and 20, revealed numerous irregularities across the province. One of the most significant findings was a minor discovered in a betting shop in Asti, prompting immediate action.
In San Damiano, the owners of a slot machine room were fined 39,000 euros for various safety violations. Undocumented workers, lack of first aid measures, and non-compliant video surveillance were among the issues identified. As a result, activities in the slot machine room have been suspended until all workers are properly documented.
Elsewhere, the owners of a bar in Nizza Monferrato were fined a hefty 41,000 euros for lack of health surveillance, employee training, and collaboration with the competent doctor and worker representatives. The bar in question was also found to have money-winning machines, a fact not previously reported.
A recharge point in the city will also have to pay a 9,000 euro fine for failing to train an employee and installing cameras without authorization.
In addition, the Monopoly Office of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta has been notified to request the closure of an establishment for a period of 1 to 3 months. Three people have been reported in connection with the closure, but further details have not been disclosed.
The betting shop owners in Asti will have to pay a 6,500 euro administrative fine for the minor found on their premises. In total, 16 violations were contested during the campaign, of which 15 were penal and 1 administrative.
The Carabinieri's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, particularly vulnerable groups, are commendable. The crackdown on gambling establishments in Asti serves as a reminder for all business owners to adhere to the law and prioritise the welfare of their customers and employees.
In the midst of the operation, it was found that the average penalty for non-compliance with casino-and-gambling regulations in Asti was over 30,000 euros, with a maximum fine of 41,000 euros imposed on a bar for lack of health surveillance and employee training. Moreover, a significant finding was the discovery of an average of 15 violations contested during the campaign, highlighting the need for casino-games establishments to ensure safety measures and adherence to legal requirements.
