The authorities in Dominican Republic have stepped up efforts to combat illegal slots in street locations, destroying hundreds of the offending machines as part of its 'zero tolerance' campaign.
So far, the initiative has seen 1,500 slots removed and destroyed by inspectors from the Ministry of Finance, prosecutors and members of the police. A workshop supplying parts for illegal machines was also closed down in Herrera.
Those who engage in illegal gambling operations face up to two years in prison and maximum fines of $13m.
President Leonel Fernandez has welcomed the ministry’s crackdown on illegal machines located in bars, pool halls and grocery stores and has called on the public to inform the authorities of such activities in their neighbourhoods.
Various government bodies and social groups have expressed their support for the operation, which is intended to reduce "juvenile delinquency."
Full-scale casinos are legal in hotels throughout the country.
