On Thursday, October 24, the Frankfurt city police professionally destroyed and disposed of a total of 45 illegal amusement and gambling machines. The confiscated machines had previously been seized in several criminal and misdemeanor proceedings. Following the conclusion of the respective proceedings, they have now been handed over to a recycling company for final destruction.
Illegal gaming machines not only pose a danger to players, but are also a means of criminal activity, often linked to tax evasion. Matthias Heinrich, head of the city police, sees the campaign as a clear signal: "Such regular destruction campaigns send a strong message: these devices are no longer a danger and no more untaxed profits can be made." The measure is also an important contribution to protecting people with gambling addictions, who often fall into debt as a result of such illegal machines. "By destroying these machines, we are making a valuable contribution to security and order in Frankfurt," added Heinrich.
Fight against illegal gambling in Frankfurt
The confiscated machines are so-called illegal amusement machines. These are operated by manipulating or modifying the software and hardware outside of the legal requirements. Self-built devices are also included. These are often gambling machines that are manipulated in such a way that they result in unlimited losses for the players and at the same time are not recorded under tax law. The use of such devices is not only dangerous for users, but also causes considerable damage to the tax authorities.
The destruction of the 45 devices is the result of investigations by the Operative Investigation and Control Unit (OPE), which has been responsible for the fight against illegal gambling in Frankfurt since 2018. Since its establishment, OPE officers have carried out more than 4,700 business inspections and seized almost 830 illegal devices. The unit has initiated more than 1,360 misdemeanor proceedings and over 200 criminal proceedings and ordered the closure of 74 establishments.
Successful track record of the city police
The destruction of illegal gaming devices is part of a comprehensive package of measures by the Frankfurt city police to combat illegal gambling. Since 2018, a total of 242 illegal machines with an estimated value of almost 1.9 million euros have been destroyed. The continuous checks and tough approach to criminal structures in the gambling sector have not only made illegal gambling more difficult, but have also enabled a significant reduction in untaxed winnings.
Another important part of the OPE's work is checking the nationwide player blocking system "OASIS". Since 2022, the unit has been monitoring whether this system, which bans players across all forms of gambling, is being used properly in Frankfurt's venues. With such measures, the city police are actively helping to strengthen player protection and prevent abuse.
The city police plan to continue to take consistent action against illegal gambling in the future. "We will not let up," emphasizes Heinrich. "These devices and the criminal structures behind them have no place in Frankfurt."
