The KSA has announced that the fine policy rules for illegally offering gambling terminals have been tightened, reflecting a change from the previous guidelines established in 2014.
Under the new rules, the basic fines for each illegal gambling device have been substantially increased, now ranging from €25,000 to €100,000 ($26,753 – $107,015) per device, compared to the former range of €7,500 to €20,000.
Gambling terminals are devices used for on-site gambling that often involve illegal games of chance. These do not include slot machines that require specific operating or presence permits.
Notably, the KSA also remarked that the variety of gambling terminals is expanding, with mobile devices such as laptops and phones now comprising a growing segment of the devices used for illegal gambling activities.
The administrative fines imposed by the KSA are based on a fixed amount per device identified for gambling purposes. The fine is applicable regardless of whether the device is used partially or entirely as a gambling terminal.
Adjustments to the fine amounts are possible depending on the specific circumstances at the location. Factors such as previous warnings, previously imposed fines or the involvement of minors in gambling activities can lead to an increase in the fine amount, for example.
This flexibility allows the KSA to address varying degrees of violations.
This news comes after the KSA announced a series of enhanced safer gambling measures ahead of Euro 2024. Off the back of this announcement, a renewed focus has been placed on prevention, supervision and enforcement measures around sports betting across the summer period.
