Gratta e Vinci fraud in Italy: assets worth 25 million euros seized

In Italy, investigators allege that five former employees of a gambling operator gained unauthorized access to the company's systems and identified high-prize cards in the Gratta e Vinci scratch-off game before they were sold. Prosecutors say these individuals knew in advance which tickets carried large prizes, undermining the randomness of the game.

According to the allegations, the suspects used hidden login credentials to reach the company's servers and determine which tickets would pay out large prizes. Citing La Stampa, four winning tickets were found this way. Two reportedly carried prizes worth 7 million euros each, and the other two 5 million euros each.

The tickets were allegedly bought through friends and relatives from retailers in different regions in order to conceal their origin. As part of the investigation, 25 properties, numerous vehicles and various financial investments belonging to the suspects were frozen and seized. The court will decide whether this measure will be maintained.

The company itself faces no charges. The investigation into the five former employees is ongoing. The case has drawn attention in the sector because it could shake public trust in gambling in Italy.

Separately, Italy's physical betting and gaming sector faces regulatory uncertainty because current licenses expire at the end of the year. Industry representatives say the postponement of a long-awaited reform is putting operators in a difficult position.