Rome police dismantle illegal gambling ring at Fori Imperiali

Rome local police have dismantled an illegal gambling ring operating in the Via dei Fori Imperiali area. Officers from the Historic Center Group identified and monitored a group of eight individuals—six men and two women, all of Romanian nationality aged between 25 and 30—who were using a scheme known as the ‘three bells game’ to target tourists.

The group utilized specific roles to deceive passersby: one person managed the bells while others acted as fake players to simulate betting activity and attract interest. Police intervened while the activity was in progress, apprehending all eight members simultaneously.

The individuals have been charged with illegal gambling, with an aggravating circumstance due to the participation of five or more people. Authorities seized the gambling equipment and approximately 1,000 euros in cash believed to be proceeds from the bets. This operation is part of a broader effort by the Polizia Locale to combat illegality and unauthorized activities in high-traffic tourist zones.