13 found gathering and engaging in gambling activities in Ang Mo Kio unit, 9 arrested

Three women and 10 men, aged 28 to 51, are under investigation for illegal gambling activities and non-compliance with safe distancing measures.

The police conducted an operation at a residential unit along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 on September 16, at around 9.30pm.

Officers found a group of 13 people purportedly gathering and engaging in gambling-related activities, said the police in a statement on Friday (Sep 17).

A 39-year-old man and and a 28-year-old woman from the group were arrested for allegedly using the unit as a common gaming house.

Five other men and two women, aged between 31 and 51, were arrested for allegedly gaming in a common gaming house.

Gambling-related paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.

The 13 persons will also be investigated for non-compliance of safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Under the Common Gaming Houses Act, the offence of using a place as a common gaming house is punishable with a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, and a jail term of up to three years.

The offence of gaming in a common gaming house is punishable with a fine not exceeding $5,000 and/or a jail term of up to six months.

For non-compliance with SDM under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, those found guilty may be punished with a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a jail term not exceeding six months.

The police said they take a serious view against all forms of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action against offenders in accordance with the law.

"Members of the public are advised not to engage in any form of illegal gambling and to comply with the prevailing safe distancing measures," they added.