In what appears to be a long-running issue, a group of elderly men and women were recently caught openly gambling at a round table just outside a Tampines coffee shop. According to reports, bets of up to several tens of dollars were placed in each round, prompting concerns from residents about the example being set for the community — especially for children passing by.
The illegal activity reportedly takes place near Block 820, Tampines Street 81. According to a tip-off received by Shin Min Daily News, the gambling sessions have been going on for some time, with regular gatherings in broad daylight. Despite the blatant violation of the law, enforcement has been limited, and community intervention has been minimal.
Gambling in Broad Daylight With Wads of Cash
Reporters who visited the site observed eight individuals — seven uncles and one auntie — engrossed in a game of poker around a round table situated along the sheltered walkway. The gamblers were openly shouting and exchanging cash after every round, with some seen holding stacks of ten and fifty-dollar notes.
The activity reportedly started in the afternoon and continued for about four hours until 7pm. During the session, additional chairs were brought out so players could rest, smoke, or drink before returning to the game. Interestingly, coffee shop staff were seen chatting with the gamblers and even serving them drinks, while curious passersby mostly kept their distance.
A resident, Madam Lim, 68, who works as a cleaner, said, “This is a public space. Someone should stop them, but people don’t want trouble, so no one dares to say anything.”
Regulars From the Neighbourhood, Longtime Issue
The gambling group is believed to consist mostly of nearby residents who are familiar faces in the area. A longtime resident claimed that the group has been gathering regularly since at least February, often staying until they run out of cash. In the past, many were known to bet on horse racing, but after horse betting was discontinued, they transitioned to card games.
At least four of the gamblers reportedly took turns acting as dealers, with bets exchanged in cash every round. The same informant shared that these gatherings have been happening on a near-daily basis and are especially common on weekends.
Coffee Shop Staff Say They’ve Tried, But Failed
While it may seem that the coffeeshop is tolerating the gambling, staff say they’ve made several efforts to stop it — to no avail. One employee said the round table doesn’t belong to the coffee shop, and staff have repeatedly asked the group to stop gambling. However, the gamblers either ignore the warnings or simply bring the table back the next day after it’s removed.
Another stallholder commented that such issues are common in coffee shops across Singapore. He also noted that the walkway where the gambling takes place is technically a public area, not managed by the coffee shop itself. According to him, enforcement officers were seen at the location about six months ago, but the situation only improved temporarily.
Public Space, But Not Public Tolerance
The apparent normalisation of such public gambling, especially in a family-oriented estate like Tampines, has sparked worry among residents. Aside from breaking the law, these acts set a poor example for younger members of the community. Moreover, the mixing of gambling, smoking, and loitering in such a prominent area undermines the quality of the shared space.
Authorities are urged to step up monitoring and enforcement in public spaces where illegal activities may be occurring under the radar. With National Day weekend approaching and foot traffic increasing, it remains to be seen if stronger action will be taken to ensure that public areas remain safe and respectful for all.
Residents with concerns are encouraged to report such incidents to the relevant authorities or the Singapore Police Force via i-Witness or the police hotline.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News