67-year-old bookmaker arrested, 22 under investigation for illegal gambling activities

A total of 22 individuals, aged between 20 and 74, are under police investigation for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling and horse betting activities.

Case 1

The police had conducted an enforcement operation at the void deck of a residential block along Woodlands Street 82 on October 20.

The 67-year-old man was allegedly found to have acted as a bookmaker to three other men, aged between 59 and 69. The trio is believed to have placed bets with the 67-year-old man.

Cash amounting to more than $440, two mobile phones and betting paraphernalia were seized.

The 67-year-old man was arrested, and all four men are assisting with investigations into offences under the Betting Act.

Case 2

Separately, the police were alerted to suspected gambling activities at a shophouse unit along River Valley Road on October 26.

Upon the arrival of police officers, a 25-year-old woman was purportedly found operating a common gaming house within the unit.

Thirteen men, aged between 20 and 32, were allegedly found gaming within the unit. Gambling-related paraphernalia was also seized for investigations.

All 14 persons were arrested for offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and they are also being investigated for non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

Case 3

On October 27, the police conducted an enforcement operation at the void deck of a residential block along Marsiling Road.

A 74-year-old man was allegedly found to have acted as a bookmaker to three other men, aged between 54 and 73, who were believed to have placed bets with the 74-year-old man.

Cash of more than $316 and a mobile phone were seized.

All four men are assisting with investigations into offences under the Betting Act.

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.

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