Snai shuts down Barcrest VLT operations
Barcrest-operated lottery terminals temporarily shut down after operator notices unusual peak in requests for payouts.
Italian operator Snai has temporarily shut down the video lottery terminal (VLT) network provided by Barcrest games, after noticing an unusual spike in requests for payments for winning tickets.
The anomaly was identified on 16 April, resulting in the network’s 1,450 terminals being shut down to allow Snai to carry out inspections on the machines and consult the database of records of transactions carried out on the operator’s VLT platform.
Reuters reports that Snai has notified AAMS of the issue, to allow the Italian regulator to investigate the problem further and identify its root cause.
The issue follows an ongoing case between the company’s ten gaming machine operators and the Italian Ministry of Finance, which is seeking to fine the operators a total of 2.5bn, with Snai liable for 210m. The fines were issued after AAMS decreed that the operators had failed to comply with regulations requiring them to connect their VLTs to a central reporting network.
The ongoing case has resulted in Snai cancelling its agreement to acquire rival operator Cogetech for a total consideration of 140m in February. Cogetech was fined 255m for its role in the case, which would have left Snai liable for a total fine of 465m if the fines are upheld.