Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has seized seven amusement machines and imposed fines totalling €22,000 ($25,421) after inspections across commercial premises in the province of Padua.
The operation was carried out by ADM’s Veneto 5-Padua Office following targeted planning and risk analysis in the territory.
ADM said the checks focused on machines known in the Italian market as “comma 7” devices, a category of amusement equipment that does not pay cash prizes but remains subject to technical and authorisation requirements.
Inspectors found irregularities on 11 machines. Seven were seized because they lacked the required authorisations, while four were sanctioned because the relevant authorisation documents were not attached to the machines.
ADM divided the penalties equally, with €11,000 imposed on the owner of the commercial establishment and €11,000 on the owner of the gaming machines.
The case reflects the compliance requirements surrounding Italy’s non-cash amusement segment. Although these machines sit outside the cash-prize category, ADM rules still require operators and owners to comply with certification, documentation and installation controls.
The regulator has spent recent years refining oversight of amusement equipment under Article 110, paragraph 7 of Italy’s public security framework, which governs devices that do not award monetary winnings.
Retail gambling remains a key area of Italy’s broader gambling reform programme. The Italian Government is progressing reforms affecting land-based concessions, betting outlets, bingo venues and gaming machines, while regulators continue to increase scrutiny of equipment operating outside the authorised framework.
ADM has maintained a steady programme of regional inspections as part of those efforts, targeting venues where documentation, ownership records and machine approvals can be verified against national databases.
Enforcement actions frequently place responsibility on both venue operators and machine owners, reflecting the shared compliance obligations that apply across Italy’s retail gambling sector.
The regulator said the Padua operation forms part of its ongoing work to combat illegal activity, protect consumers, ensure market transparency and support businesses operating in accordance with the rules.
The enforcement action follows wider regulatory activity by ADM. In May, Global Gaming Insider reported that the regulator suspended Win for Life Grattacieli for one year and approved the launch of Super Win for Life, a Sisal-managed replacement, as part of broader reforms to Italy’s number games sector.
Machines regulated under Article 110, paragraph 7 do not offer cash prizes but must still carry ADM authorisation documentation
