Central Europe
Slovak Gambling Authority raided again! Secured were especially the so-called crypto-mining machines
The Gambling Regulatory Authority seized 54 illegal gaming machines in a recent nationwide raid. This is the second successful move carried out by the Authority in the last four months to combat this type of illegal gambling.
Seized were especially the so-called mining machines and quiz machines. The majority were taken based on searches carried out by inspectors of the Office for the Regulation of Gambling (URHH). “As these gaming machines have not been issued or granted a valid licence, we consider them illegal. Our staff actively monitor these machines’ occurrence; most of them have been seized due to their diligent work. Some have also been seized because of complaints from the players,” said general director URHH, Dávid Lenčéš.
The recent seizures were carried out in all regions in accordance with § 81 article 11 of the Gambling Act in cooperation with the police force. According to the director general of the URHH, the role of the police officers was to maintain public order and security of the employees as public officials, as not every seizure went smoothly. “It has happened in the past that the office staff has faced physical attacks or had to remove some equipment by professional locksmiths. Illegal operators sometimes try to make the seizure impossible by fixing machines firmly against the floor or the wall.”
According to the Gambling Act, small operators, such as pubs, cannot operate gaming machines. The URHH must license each gaming machine since it is the only official body authorised to issue a licence.
However, some speculators try to bypass the law by operating machines that have been “authorised” by other entities or posing as knowledge competitions or cryptocurrency mining machines. In each case, URHH carefully investigates whether a gambling game is taking place on the device, regardless of its name, visual elements, or type of device.
The most significant number of machines was seized in the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, representing half of all. Nine machines were held in the Košice Region, 8 in the Banská Bystrica Region, 7 in the Nitra Region, 2 in the Žilina Region and 1 in the Prešov Region. Among the 54 machines seized nationwide, the majority were cryptocurrency mining.
A “mining machine” is a device that pretends to be used to mine cryptocurrencies, and a “quiz machine” seems to be a knowledge game. In both cases, the game played on these machines fulfils the characteristics of a gambling game. However, on these gambling games, the Authority is not granted an individual licence; if someone is operating them without a licence, it is undoubtedly an illegal activity.
Operating gambling without an issued licence is prohibited in Slovakia.
In many cases, these were premises where illegal technical equipment had been seized. “Their operators are unteachable, as they operate illegal machines again despite previous experience. On the other hand, there are more and more machines whose owners are persuaded by the vision of profit and place unlicensed machines on their premises. According to § 95 article 2 point h) of the Gambling Act, such operators are liable to a fine between 20 000 EUR and 250 000 EUR,” said Dávid Lenčéš. The penalty of up to 500 000 EUR faces the owners of the gambling machines if it is proven that they are operating gambling without an individual licence or a general licence. The sealed gambling machines have been taken to the URHH warehouse, from where they will go to further proceedings.
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Betsson Group is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place in Rome, Italy, from 3–6 November. As one of the region’s most awaited iGaming conferences, SiGMA Central Europe brings together top industry leaders to explore new technologies, business opportunities and market trends shaping the future of the industry.
Betsson Group Joins the Stage at SiGMA Central Europe
Two of Betsson Group’s leaders will take the stage to discuss regulated markets, compliance and brand strategy.
4 November | 10:15–10:45 CET
Speaker: Dario Evangelista, Deputy General Counsel, Betsson Group
Panel: Licence to Launch: Winning Strategies for Entering Regulated Markets
This panel will explore key strategies for operators expanding from emerging to regulated markets, focusing on compliance, customer protection and cultural adaptation.
4 November | 13:20–13:35 CET
Speaker:Ronni Hartvig, Chief Commercial Officer, Betsson Group
Keynote: Global Power, Local Passion: Evolving Betsson’s Brand for a Regulated World
Ronni will discuss how Betsson Group has evolved its global strategy – rebranding, navigating regulation and uniting multiple brands under one identity while maintaining local relevance.
The post Betsson to Attend SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Palasino Group has revealed it will soon open its fourth casino operation in the Czech Republic.
The Hong Kong-listed casino operator was previously part of global real estate giant Far East Consortium – itself a partner and substantial shareholder of Australia’s Star Entertainment Group – before being spun off as a separate entity in March 2024.
In a social media update, Palasino said that the new branch, Palasino Mikulov, is scheduled to open in the coming months with construction already well underway.
The casino will, it added, feature a “modern, design-forward interior – bright, airy and welcoming” as well as a “premium gaming selection” including a wide range of slot machines and live table games such as roulette, blackjack and poker. The casino will also host a bar, buffet restaurant and social spaces
Mikulov, located close to the Austrian border, is described as a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
The group’s existing casinos include Palasino Excalibur City in South Moravia, Palasino Wullowitz in South Bohemia and Palasino Furth im Wald on the Bavarian and Czech border. It also operates five hotels.
The post Palasino Group Preparing to Open Fourth Czech Republic Casino appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Amusnet is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place from 4 to 6 November in Rome.
Strengthening its position as an all-casino provider, the company will present a comprehensive portfolio of Online Casino, Live Casino and Land-based products, complemented by exciting live experiences tied to its latest slot release, Roman Coins, which draws inspiration from the rich history and spirit of the Eternal City and offers a chance for great instant win gifts to visitors. This participation is further distinguished by the company’s triple nomination at the SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards for Best Casino Provider, B2B Industry Leader Italy and Best Game Provider Italy, underscoring its pivotal role in defining the future of gaming.
“Italy is a key strategic market for Amusnet, and our participation at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 underscores our commitment to product excellence and local partnerships. Together with the debut of our Type S slot cabinets in Italy, we will showcase our New Bonus Platform and latest slot releases, including Roman Coins, already proving to be a standout hit. Visitors can anticipate a dynamic, high-value experience, and we look forward to connecting and exploring strategic growth opportunities for our existing and new clients,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Director at Amusnet Italy
Amusnet’s showcase will feature a powerful mix of beloved classics and new titles: 20 Pirate Bombs, 27 Eternal Hot, Coin Gobbler, Latin Heart, Stoichkov#8, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo, 20 Golden Coins. Leading the charge is Roman Coins, the first 3-pot video slot that transports players to the majestic era of the Roman Empire, where vibrant imperial symbols and a powerful soundtrack set the stage for conquest.
In the spotlight will be Amusnet’s powerful suite of engagement tools, featuring its latest New Bonus Platform, the Golden Coins Link jackpot system, and Cash Bomb – a high-impact addition to the signature Jackpot Cards. This trio of innovations is engineered to captivate players, boosting retention and personalising their journey. Simultaneously, it equips operators with versatile instruments to deploy customised promotions and optimise commercial performance.
At the expo, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Amusnet’s Type S premium slot cabinets, powered by the AmuseBox platform, which offers a carefully selected lineup of top-performing and exciting new titles.
The post Amusnet Presents Full Suite of Casino Solutions at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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