The Gaming Control Authority seized 10 slot machines that were operating without the necessary authorizations.
Bolivia.- The Gaming Control Authority (AJ) conducted an operation in the municipality of Portachuelo, in the department of Santa Cruz, where 10 slot machines were seized that were operating clandestinely. The venue, which lacked the necessary authorizations, was located just a few blocks from an educational establishment.
Following a tracking effort, authorities were able to detect and intervene in the illegal gambling room operating in a neighborhood store set up in a residence.
The AJ explained that "the proximity of the venue to a school suggests that children and adolescents could participate in this illicit activity. These types of clandestine operations often migrate to areas far from the capital cities to avoid detection." However, the AJ stated that it maintains constant surveillance throughout the national territory to ensure compliance with current regulations and to protect the population from the risks associated with illegal gambling.
The new blow to illegal gambling adds to another operation that took place on Avenida Alemana in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. AJ personnel managed to seize 56 gambling machines that were operating illegally in a venue specially adapted for this activity.
The intervened place had a sophisticated security system, including surveillance cameras, which shows the organization behind this illicit operation.
See also: Responsible gaming in Bolivia: the AJ boosts its campaign "There's a World Outside"
“The owners of these sites attract players through WhatsApp groups, use security cameras to warn of our presence and avoid intervention, however, with the support of the Bolivian Police and the Public Ministry, we managed the intervention,” detailed the regional director of the AJ, Cristian Alvarado.
