The Police are investigating 103 men and 10 women, aged between 47 and 90, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.
In a series of island-wide operations conducted between 27 April 2024 and 11 May 2024, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions carried out raids at multiple locations including King George’s Avenue, Banda Street, Bukit Merah, Bukit Purmei Road, Jurong East, Toa Payoh, Tampines, Circuit Road, Upper Boon Keng, Aljunied, Eunos, Jurong West, Yishun, Marsiling and Bukit Batok. During the operations, cash amounting to more than $60,000, and an array of mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 113 persons are believed to have been involved in various roles such as illegal bookmarkers, runners as well as punters. They are investigated for offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022.
Under Section 20(3) of 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 to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both. Under Section 18(2) of the same Act, 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 not exceeding $500,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years. Under Section 18(3) of the same Act, 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 shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 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 strongly advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling. They can contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1800-6-668-668 if they wish to seek help for gambling addiction