According to reports from the Austrian Ministry of Finance and its Financial Police, Austrian authorities are winning the battle against illegal entity gambling. Data from the first half of this year shows a significant improvement compared to previous years.
Reduction in Fines and Confiscated Items
In the first six months of 2024, Austria's Financial Police imposed a total of 962,000 euros in fines for illegal gambling activities. This figure is significantly lower than the 2.75 million euros imposed in the same period in 2023. The Financial Police stated that this reduction in fines reflects the ongoing decrease in illegal gambling activities nationwide.
The number of confiscated illegal gambling machines also dropped significantly. In 2024, law enforcement agencies seized 51 gambling machines from 70 locations, while in 2023, a similar action resulted in 274 confiscated machines.
Ongoing Hotspots
However, the Ministry of Finance explained, "The hotspots for illegal gambling are still Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Vienna." Despite overall improvements, certain areas in Austria continue to struggle in the fight against illegal gambling. These regions stubbornly resist the complete eradication of illegal activities, and law enforcement must remain vigilant.
Operation IKARUS
In March last year, law enforcement agencies launched "Operation IKARUS," conducting 19 house searches in Austria and Greece targeting an organized crime group involved in illegal gambling, tax fraud, and other criminal activities.
165 emergency personnel from various Austrian law enforcement agencies participated in this operation, collaborating internationally with the Greek Financial Police. The raid resulted in the seizure of hundreds of gambling machines, computers, documents, and a significant amount of cash. Accounts related to illegal activities were frozen, and several suspects were interrogated.
This operation was a major blow to a criminal network that conducted illegal gambling activities through former companies and fictitious residences. These entities managed multiple illegal gambling venues in Upper Austria, with all operations monitored and controlled from Greece.
"Persistence is Paying Off"
Finance Minister Magnus Brunner explained that cooperation between departments has played a crucial role in reducing illegal gambling activities.
