Italian police seize illegal gambling equipment, arrest participants in Rome and Catania

Carabinieri carried out a targeted raid in Rome's historic centre, dismantling a street gambling setup known as the "three bells" game. Five Romanian men, aged 26‑39, were arrested, charged with participation in fraud and illegal gambling, and issued 48‑hour exclusion orders and fines. Authorities seized the gambling equipment, €200 in cash and $100 in U.S. dollars.

In Catania, State Police inspected a private club on Piazza Lanza, discovering 14 non‑compliant gaming devices—five video‑poker machines and nine slot machines. The devices were seized, and the club president was referred to the judiciary for violations of public‑security laws. Administrative fines exceeding €155,000 were imposed on the accused.

Both operations aim to curb illicit gambling activities, prevent potential addiction, and block criminal infiltration of the gaming market.