The only way to stop slot machines from their more and more frequent appearance in groceries and other shops is to present formal complaints to the Government Secretary (Segob), according to Genaro Almeida Pérez, representative of that State Office.

He added that, in Chihuahua city, at least 400 machines have been detected thanks to citizens who have indicated sites where they were located. Those who own them receive up to 400 pesos a day in earnings. In the state capital city, parents complained that they sent their children to do the shopping at the stores and, instead of buying what they were asked, they wasted the money on these games.

Due to this discontentment, Segob supervisors have conducted surprise operations and managed to remove at least 400 of these machines. As their main clients are children and teenagers, this kind of machines are placed in small shops located around primary and secondary schools. An investment of just one, two or five pesos may leave them a gaining of about 40 pesos.

The information received through complaints is sent to Segob in Mexico City for processing and, some days later, the operation is ordered in coordination with the Office of Commerce.