Eight investigated for illegal horse betting

Seven men and one woman, aged between 42 and 73, are being investigated for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities and allegedly not complying with safe distancing measures.

The police said in a statement that officers conducted enforcement operations along Woodlands Drive 44 and Yishun Ring Road on Oct 6.

A 73-year-old man is being investigated for his suspected involvement as a bookmaker while five men and a woman, aged between 42 and 70, are being investigated for allegedly betting with bookmakers.

In addition, a 59-year-old man is also being investigated for an offence under the Remote Gambling Act.

Cash amounting to more than $1,200, two mobile phones and betting paraphernalia were seized.

Under the Betting Act, any person who bets with a bookmaker may be fined up to $5,000, jailed up to six months, or both.

Any person who is found to be involved in bookmaking may be fined between $20,000 and $200,000, and also be punished with up to five years' jail.

Under the Remote Gambling Act, any person involved in unlawful remote gambling may be fined up to $5,000, jailed up to six months, or both.

Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measure seriously.

For not complying with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $10,000, or both.

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

Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling activities and to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously.