The Slovakian gambling regulator, the Gambling Regulation Office URHH has announced that it conducted 2,511 Inspections in Q1, 201 More than the same period last year.
The URHH stated that the increase was due to a “restructuring”, as well as a greater strategic focus from the regulator’s leadership on performance.
The organization also stated that the establishment of an online gaming division, which was founded in November of 2022, contributed to the increased effectiveness of supervision.
The primary responsibility of the new department is to supervise licensed internet gaming. The department’s second responsibility is to prevent users from accessing unlicensed websites that promote or operate gambling.
David Lences, the general director of URHH, said that he is “very happy” with the progress made in regulating gambling.
He said: “Of Course, I want to thank our supervisors in the Slovak Republic who are actively searching for illegal facilities, and supervise that legal operators fulfill all their legal obligations.”
As a gambling regulator, one of our main responsibilities is to ensure that gambling games are under constant supervision.
URHH Inspections in the First Quarter of 2023
The regulator reported an increase of over 45% in the number of inspections focusing on establishments that do not have a license.
During this period, URHH supervisors conducted 437 checks on mining and quiz machines to make sure that there was no illegal activity.
The Slovak Gambling Act prohibits small businesses, such as restaurants, from operating gaming machines.
The devices can only be operated in casinos and gaming rooms that are approved. The URHH must license all machines.
“Increased systematic controls of illegal operations have their justification and bring its results. As compared to 2022 the number of illegal devices detected on the market has been significantly reduced,” said Lences.
The search for illegal establishments, and the seizure of illegal devices is a proactive measure that ultimately protects society. This includes juveniles and other risk groups who are prohibited from gambling.
Remote Gambling Supervision
The URHH supervises both online and on-site gambling.
The regulator reported that digital inspections increased by 90% in Q1 2023 compared with the same period last year.
This form of surveillance, according to the regulator, allows for a more effective check of a wide range of operations.
