89 hauled up for illegal horse betting activities, more than $64,000 seized

The police are investigating 85 men and four women, aged between 38 and 84, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and seven police land divisions carried out raids at multiple locations between May 10 and May 20.

Cash seized at Banda Street. PHOTO: SPF

During the operations, cash amounting to more than $64,000 and an array of mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.

Cash and gambling paraphernalia seized at Yishun. PHOTO: SPF

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 89 people are believed to be involved in various roles including illegal bookmarkers, runners, and punters.

Cash and gambling paraphernalia seized at Jurong East. PHOTO: SPF

Police investigations are ongoing.

Under the Gambling Control Act, any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider can be fined up to $10,000 or jailed up to six months, or both.

Those found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an operator can be fined up to $500,000 and face up to seven years' jail.

Offenders who are found to involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent can be fined up to $200,000 and face up to five years' jail.

"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," the police said.

"Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling."