The Greek Police are carrying out a barrage of checks aimed at illegal gambling, which, like every year, is at an all-time high during the festive season.

It is indicative that within a few hours, EL.AS scored two more successes against illegal gambling by arresting a total of nine people for illegal gambling in Attica and Thessaloniki.

In the case of EL.AS. illegal mini casino in Thessaloniki

The latest anti-illegal gambling operation took place on Saturday, January 4, at yet another illegal mini-casino in Thessaloniki during which 4 people were arrested.

According to the announcement of EL.AS, among those arrested was 1 customer of the store, who was released by oral order of the Prosecutor, as well as 3 employees, who were taken to the competent Prosecutor’s Office. A case was filed against them for violation of the legislation regulating the game market. The owner of the shop, who is wanted, is also included in the case file.

From the investigation, 18 complete electronic computers were found and confiscated, as well as 590 euros.

Attica is in the sights of the Police

A raid on yet another health care store, which had been turned into an illegal mini-casino, was carried out by the Greek Police on Thursday, January 2, in Attica.

Specifically, a total of 5 people were arrested, including the store’s temporary manager, who was acting on behalf of the owner, and 4 customers, against whom a case file was filed for – as the case may be – violations of the laws regulating the gaming market and protecting personal data .

As part of the investigation, 20 central computer units, 20 screens depicting “slots” and “roulette”, 5 computers, 9 surveillance cameras as well as 265 euros were found and confiscated.

Heavy fines and jail time for illegal players as well

Heavy are the “bells” provided for both conducting and participating in illegal games.

In particular, a prison sentence of up to three months and a fine of between 5,000 and 20,000 euros are provided for illegal gambling players.

With regard to persons who conduct games without the required license, a prison sentence of at least three years and a fine of 100,000 to 200,000 euros per gaming machine is provided, if the games are conducted with gaming machines.

If the games are conducted over the Internet, a prison sentence of at least three years and a fine of between 200,000 and 500,000 euros is provided, while if the games are played by chance, a prison sentence of at least ten years and a fine of 700,000 euros are provided, regardless of the manner or means of conducting the games.