The Singapore Police Force has arrested 69 individuals for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities following a series of islandwide enforcement operations conducted earlier this month.
The raids, which took place between May 6 and May 17, targeted suspected illegal gambling activities across multiple residential estates and public areas in Singapore.
Authorities said the suspects included individuals allegedly acting as bookmakers, runners, and punters in unlawful betting operations.
The crackdown reflects Singapore’s continued tough stance against illegal gambling syndicates and underground betting activities operating outside authorised platforms.
More Than 160 Officers Conducted Multi-Location Raids
According to police, more than 160 officers were deployed during the coordinated operations.
The enforcement actions covered numerous locations across Singapore, including Jurong West, Marsiling Lane, Eunos Crescent, Bedok, Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Redhill Lane, Circuit Road, Boon Lay Place, Sin Ming Road, Teban Gardens, Rivervale Crescent, and Yishun.
A total of 65 men and four women, aged between 29 and 87 years old, were arrested during the operations.
Police officers also seized more than S$50,000 in cash, alongside mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia believed to be linked to the illegal betting activities.
Photographs released by the police showed stacks of betting slips, handwritten records, mobile devices, and cash allegedly used during the operations.
Investigations are currently ongoing under Singapore’s Gambling Control Act 2022.
Illegal Gambling Operators Face Heavy Penalties
Under Singapore law, gambling with unauthorised operators remains a criminal offence carrying serious penalties.
Individuals found guilty of gambling with unlawful service providers may face fines of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
Authorities said harsher penalties apply to those suspected of organising or facilitating illegal betting activities.
Under Section 18(2) of the Gambling Control Act, operators running unlawful betting businesses can face fines of up to S$500,000 and jail terms of up to seven years if convicted.
Meanwhile, individuals acting as agents or runners for illegal betting operations may face fines of up to S$200,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.
Singapore has maintained strict gambling regulations for decades, with authorities frequently conducting raids to curb illegal betting networks operating in coffee shops, housing estates, and online channels.
Police Warn Public Against Illegal Betting Activities
The police reiterated that they take a serious view of all forms of unlawful gambling and will continue conducting firm enforcement operations against offenders.
Authorities also reminded members of the public to avoid participating in illegal betting activities, warning that even casual punters can face criminal charges if caught.
Illegal horse betting operations remain a recurring issue in Singapore, particularly during major racing events where underground syndicates attempt to attract bettors through unofficial channels.
The latest arrests come shortly after another enforcement case in Redhill, where police officers questioned several elderly men during investigations into suspected illegal horse betting activities at a coffee shop.
The police added that individuals struggling with gambling addiction may seek assistance through the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline and support services.