Poland's National Revenue Administration (KAS) seized 2,882 illegal gambling machines during operations at 531 premises between January and August 2026, as authorities continued enforcement against unlicensed land-based gambling.
Cases brought by KAS during the eight-month period involved 588 defendants accused of tax crimes and offences connected with the organisation of gambling. Authorities also secured more than PLN22m ($6.1m) in assets belonging to members of criminal groups, while more than PLN7m in financial gains from gambling offences was identified during the first half of the year.
The figures follow extensive enforcement during 2025, when KAS closed 783 illegal gambling premises and seized 5,322 machines. Authorities also secured more than PLN64m in assets and identified PLN27.5m in financial benefits associated with gambling crime.
Enforcement has continued through several coordinated operations in 2026. A nationwide action across four provinces in March resulted in 30 arrests and the seizure of 154 machines, while separate operations in Warsaw during May and June recovered another 179 machines.
Poland restricts slot machine gambling outside licensed casinos through a state monopoly. Totalizator Sportowy operates that monopoly through authorised gaming arcades, while licensed casino operators can offer machines at casino properties.
Under Polish regulations, organisers and property owners can face a PLN100,000 penalty for each illegal machine. KAS has increasingly combined machine seizures with investigations into organisers and the financial structures supporting illegal venues.
Turkey identifies TRY2.16bn in transactions
Turkish authorities have separately apprehended 24 suspects in an illegal betting investigation spanning seven provinces.
The Kırklareli-centred operation covered Istanbul, Zonguldak, Niğde, Eskişehir, Rize and Trabzon. Authorities allege the suspects operated illegal betting through websites and facilitated transfers of proceeds generated by the activity.
Financial analysis identified TRY2.16bn ($51.8m) in transactions across bank accounts associated with the suspects. The operation involved the Gendarmerie General Command's Anti-Smuggling and Organised Crime and Cyber Crime departments, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and public prosecutors.
The action forms part of Turkey's wider 2025-2026 plan targeting illegal betting and gambling in digital environments, coordinated by MASAK. One day before the Kırklareli operation was announced, authorities apprehended another 37 suspects in a four-province investigation where MASAK identified TRY3.92bn in bank transactions.
Earlier this month, Turkey arrested 17 suspects in a separate illegal betting investigation after MASAK identified TRY6.2bn in transactions linked to 40 suspects.
KAS delivered 2,624 gambling prevention classes to 76,514 primary and secondary school students during Poland's 2025/26 school year
