73 investigated for suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities

Source: Straits Times
Article Date: 20 Nov 2024
Author: Ian Cheng

In the first major operation against illegal horse betting activities following the closure of the Singapore Turf Club on Oct 5, 73 people are being investigated for their suspected involvement in such activities.

In a statement on Nov 19, the police said that based on preliminary investigations, 70 men and three women, aged between 52 and 93, are believed to have been involved in various roles, such as illegal bookmakers, runners and punters.

During the operation from Oct 30 to Nov 10, multiple locations were raided, including Banda Street, Telok Blangah Crescent, King George's Avenue, Smith Street, Teban Gardens Road, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, Aljunied Crescent, Eunos Crescent, Tampines, Marsiling Road and Boon Lay Place.

Cash amounting to more than $43,000, mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia were seized, said the police.

"This targeted enforcement operation is part of ongoing efforts to address illegal gambling in Singapore. This crackdown serves as a stern warning to those involved in any form of illegal gambling," said the police.

They added that Singapore Pools is the only legal sports, lottery and horse betting operator in Singapore and that people are strongly advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling.

Under the Gambling Control Act, anyone found guilty of gambling with an unlawful gambling service provider can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both.

Individuals convicted of being involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an operator can be fined up to $500,000 and jailed for up to seven years.

Those found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent can be fined up to $200,000 and jailed for up to five years.

Source: Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Permission required for reproduction.