The Police are investigating 85 men and four women, aged between 38 and 84, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.
In a series of enforcement operations conducted between 10 and 20 May 2023, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the seven Police Land Divisions carried out raids at multiple locations including Bukit Batok, Beo Crescent, Bukit Merah View, Chinatown, Toa Payoh, Jurong East, Jurong West, Tampines, Whampoa, Yishun, Marsiling, Upper Boon Keng, Marine Parade, Punggol and Sengkang. During the operations, cash amounting to more than S$64,000, and an array of mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 89 persons are believed to be involved in various roles such as illegal bookmarkers, runners as well as punters. Police investigations are ongoing.
Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or imprisonment for a term up to six months, or both. Any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an operator shall be liable on conviction to a fine up to $500,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term up to seven years. Any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000 and imprisonment for a term up to five years.
The Police do not condone any form of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action against anyone who is involved in those activities. Members of public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling.