The Police are investigating 22 persons, aged between 20 and 74, for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling and horse betting activities.
On 20 October 2021, officers from Woodlands Police Division conducted an enforcement operation at the void deck of a residential block along Woodlands Street 82. A 67-year-old man was allegedly found to have acted as a bookmaker to three other men, aged between 59 and 69, who were 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.
On 26 October 2021, officers from Tanglin Police Division were alerted to suspected gambling activities at a shophouse unit along River Valley Road. 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.
On 27 October 2021, officers from Woodlands Police Division 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 amounting to more than $316 and a mobile phone were seized. All four men are assisting with investigations into offences under the Betting Act.
Under the Betting Act, any person who is found to be involved in bookmaking shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. Under the same Act, any person who bets with a bookmaker shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
The offence of managing a place to be used as a common gaming house under Section 4(1)(a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act carries a fine of not less than $5,000, and not more than $50,000, and an imprisonment term not exceeding three years. The offence of gaming in a common gaming house under Section 7 of the Common Gaming Houses Act carries a fine not exceeding $5,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.
For non-compliance 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 S$10,000, or both.
The Police 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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
29 October 2021 @ 12:45 PM