In a major effort to curb illegal gambling, the government of Michoacán has launched an extensive operation to seize and destroy 10,000 unauthorized slot machines, commonly referred to as "mini casinos." So far, authorities have confiscated approximately 2,500 machines in multiple municipalities, including Morelia, Uruapan, Zamora, Zitácuaro, Lázaro Cárdenas, Apatzingán, and Maravatío.
Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla emphasized that these machines are not just harmless entertainment but contribute to severe social problems. He pointed out that they expose young people to gambling addiction, encourage school dropouts, and create environments prone to crime and violence.
According to state officials, the profits generated by these illegal devices amount to nearly 600 million pesos (around USD 29 million) per week, fueling organized crime and money laundering activities.
One of the most significant recent seizures took place in Morelia, where authorities dismantled 180 slot machines in various neighborhoods. Governor Ramírez Bedolla announced that similar operations are being carried out across all 113 municipalities of Michoacán to eradicate these devices from local businesses and clandestine gaming establishments.
The government is also calling on citizens to report the presence of illegal slot machines in their communities, highlighting public collaboration as a crucial element in dismantling these operations. Officials stress that shutting down these illegal gambling networks will help protect vulnerable populations and disrupt the financial streams that support criminal organizations.
