7 arrested, 49 investigated after 3 enforcement operations against illegal gambling

The police have arrested seven men, aged between 37 and 53, for illegal gambling, horse betting and remote gambling activities following three enforcement operations.

Four women and 45 men, aged between 37 and 83, are also being investigated.

In the first operation on October 29, officers from Central Police Division conducted an enforcement check on a shophouse unit along Norris Road, which was suspected to house illegal gambling activities.

Upon entry into the unit, two men, aged between 37 and 53, were found to have allegedly organized illegal gambling activities for nine other men, aged between 37 and 67, who were found within the unit.

Gambling-related paraphernalia such as poker cards were found and seized for investigations.

Seven men were arrested under the Common Gaming Houses Act, while the remaining four men are investigated for offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act.

All eleven men are assisting with investigations into breaches of safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

In the second operation on November 20, officers from Woodlands Police Division conducted an enforcement check along Marsiling Road.

During the operation, a man and a woman, aged between 60 and 62, were allegedly acting as bookmakers by collecting and placing bets for two men and one woman, aged between 52 and 61, who had allegedly placed bets on horses with the bookmakers.

Cash of $1,100, two mobile phones and betting paraphernalia were seized.

The three men and two women are assisting with investigations into offences under the Betting Act.

For the third operation on November 20 and 21, officers from Central Police Division conducted a series of enforcement checks along Bendemeer Road, Beach Road, Sago Lane, New Market Street and King George’s Avenue.

During the operations, 13 men, aged between 50 and 82, were found allegedly acting as bookmakers by collecting and placing bets through physical and remote means for 25 men and two women, aged between 46 and 83, who had allegedly placed bets on horses with the bookmakers.

Cash of $13,000, a mobile phone and betting paraphernalia were seized.

The 38 men and two women are assisting with investigations into offences under the Betting Act and the Remote Gambling Act, as well as breaches of safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

The police said they will continue to take tough enforcement actions against illegal gambling and horse betting activities.

"Members of the public also are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously," they added.

"Those found engaging in illicit activities, or in breach of safe distancing measures, will be dealt with in accordance with the law."