Slots engagement and slot machines were at the centre of a major bust of an illegal casino operation in Bolivia.
The news was confirmed by the Bolivia Gaming Control Authority (AJ), as it continues its crackdown of illicit activity in the country.
Described as ‘a sophisticated’ operation, it was disguised as a food venue, and players were brought to play through WhatsApp engagement. In a market where inspections are frequent, the illicit actors also utilised an expansive camera network to avoid detection.
Two slot machine gaming devices were seized, following the discovery of the operation, elevating the action of the authorities, so far this year, 61 illegal gambling sites have been raided, and 85 gambling facilities have been seized.
There is also a strengthened effort and strategy to ensure that none of the machines re-enter the illicit market, with 2024 seeing the destruction of 639 illegally confiscated gaming machines.
Whilst online gaming is prohibited in Bolivia, there are limited land-based gaming licenses, however, they operate under strict frameworks.
This has led to only one legal license being issued in Santa Cruz and has potentially enabled the grey and black market to thrive and tap into gaps in the market.
There is currently a proposal to evolve the framework for Bolivia’s gaming landscape, however, having first been put forward in 2020, it remains in prolonged deliberation.
At the heart of the potential change in legislation is the inclusion of online gambling within the country’s legal framework.
Central to this is the ability to attract new investors to the sector and boost jobs and wealth across the country.
Furthermore, the changes to the legislation have also been cited as potentially being significant when it comes to tackling the rise of illegal operations that are being engaged with across Bolivia.
An election looms in Bolivia, and the regulated industry will be hoping that whoever comes in will place something of a priority on ensuring gambling regulation is strengthened.