Gaming Authority to take stricter action against illegal operation of gaming machines
The Gaming Authority will enforce more strictly against illegally operated gaming machines.[1] The Gaming Authority states that it regularly receives reports about operators who do not comply with the regulations of their operating license for gaming machines. This announcement is not isolated and follows a series of previous announcements that the Gaming Authority will pay more attention to the way gaming machines are operated.
Term
Both the operating license and the presence license have a limited term. Presence licenses, in particular, have a short term, making it crucial to apply for a new license promptly. Under no circumstances should you continue your operation if any of your licenses are no longer valid. Operating without a license is an offense that will be severely penalized by the Gaming Authority.
Gaming Arcade License
For gaming arcades, there is also the obligation to possess a gaming arcade license, which is granted by the mayor of the municipality where the gaming arcade is located
Violations
Violations of the Gaming Act, including the infringement of license regulations, are considered antecedents that must be taken into account when applying for a new operating license. These violations may therefore result in you not receiving a new license. Furthermore, such violations may lead the Gaming Authority to revoke your operating license, thereby making it impossible for you to operate gaming machines.
Operation of gaming machines
To operate gaming machines in hospitality establishments, you first require an operating license, known as the 30h license (Gaming Act). This license grants the owner of the gaming machines the right to operate them or to lease them to a third party for operation. If your business operates gaming machines in the hospitality sector, you must either hold an operating license yourself or lease the gaming machines from a third party who possesses the operating license.
Presence License
Additionally, the hospitality operator must possess a presence license, granted by the mayor of the municipality where the hospitality establishment is located. This license is primarily intended for assessing the integrity of the applicant, business managers, and administrators of the hospitality venue.
Advice
Even seemingly minor violations can thus threaten the continued existence of your business. It is therefore crucial that you seek advice from a specialized lawyer regarding the decisions you make.
Through our advice, we have already helped many entrepreneurs avoid irreparable damage and potential loss of licenses, even for what they perceived as minor violations. Given the recent communications from the Gaming Authority, we anticipate their continued focus on this matter.
We are available 24/7 to support you in making these difficult business decisions. Please do not hesitate to Contact our office.
