Singapore Police Force reports that a total of 89 people have been investigated by the police force for their alleged involvement with illegal horse betting. Authorities have said that 85 menand four women between the ages of 38 and 84 were involved in an illegal gambling operation.
Illegal Gambling Continues But Police Are on the Lookout
The “runners” were the ones who managed the daily operations. Some of the suspected suspects were said to be involved in gambling and had no connection with the business.
Between 10 May to 20 May a large-scale operation was launched, which resulted in the collection of evidence and the identification of suspects, and involved vast police resources. Singapore is committed to eradicating illegal gambling, but despite the harsh penalties imposed on those who are found to be in the wrong many continue to play.
The police raided several places and recovered a total of 64,000 (47,425) as well as various paraphernalia used to facilitate illegal betting. The police said that they will continue to take an aggressive stance against illegal gambling and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Current laws in the country permit judges to fine those who engage in illegal gambling and to give prison sentences up to six-months. These are the punishments for gamblers. Potential organizers face harsher penalties, including fines and prison sentences.
There are thousands of arrests and stiff penalties
Ringleaders and illegal business owners can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay SG$500,000 (about $369,568). Repeat offenders can also be penalized with hefty fines of up to 700,000 SG$ ($520,000) or lengthy prison terms.
Singapore’s illegal gambling arrests and apprehended people are steadily increasing. In the period between 2019and 2022more than 2,400 peoplewere apprehended. Illegal gambling is a major problem around major events like the World Cup.
