Illegal gambling in Israel is actually a very big problem these days.  It is not that the Israeli government is adamantly opposed to gambling, but rather, is opposed to gambling behind closed doors (which doesn't pay up government taxes).  A testament to this view was a recent approval to add five-hundred lottery machines to over 150 locations throughout the mainland of Israel.

The National Lottery Corporation (NLC) is responsible for suggesting the supplement of machines to curb the rising number or illegal machines being used by thousands of Israeli's.  There has been a rise in illegal video poker, slot and blackjack machines over the last few years, which the NLC is now openly talking about putting an end to.

Shaul Sutnick, who is the Director of the NLC stated his crew is doing everything they can to step up against illegal gambling, citing the U.K. Canada and Switzerland as models for successful campaigns against gambling - which Israel is looking at adopting.  He went on to say that he is well aware the best solution to end black market gambling would be to legalize and regulate gambling.  However, the NLC is taking one step at a time, and says they have no intentions of granting casino licenses any time soon.

Much is still needed to be done to put a dent in the widespread gambling problem Israel now faces  However, with more movements such as the recent increase in lottery machines, the country will be well on its way at achieving a balanced gambling industry, and a healthier economy.

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