Singapore Illegal Gambling Operation Leads to 29 Arrests

Posted on: July 19, 2022, 10:24h. 

Last updated on: July 19, 2022, 01:10h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Casinos in Singapore reopened their gaming floors in April following extensive COVID-19 lockdowns. However, the illegal gambling element is still alive, with police arresting 29 people for their involvement in an underground gaming operation.

Singapore illegal gambling
Police arrest a man allegedly involved in illegal gambling. The police continue to bust underground gambling rings, arresting more than 30 in recent actions. (Image: International Business Times)

This past Sunday, police simultaneously raided several locations in the country. They responded to a tip that an illegal gambling ring was providing remote gambling activity out of several properties.

The tip was solid, with police taking 24 men and women into custody during the raids. Prosecutors continue grilling the individuals to determine the extent of the operations.

During the raids, which covered six different locations, police confiscated almost SGD730,000 (US$522,600) in cash and electronic equipment. In addition, they ordered banks to freeze the accounts of the suspected ringleaders.

Although police initially arrested two dozen people, ranging in age from 32 to 74, they ultimately only held on to two of them. Two men allegedly ran the organization, and prosecutors want them to remain in jail while they conduct their investigation.

Police Continue Raids

The raids occurred as Singapore police were busy busting another illegal gambling operation. On Monday, they announced that they were investigating six men who allegedly operated illegal bookmaking activity. In that arrest, police seized as evidence electronic equipment and around SGD2,200 (US$1,580).

Following a series of operations in Bedok and Changi this past May, police arrested 21 people between 29 and 76 for illegal gaming and vice activities. In a press release, the police stated that Bedok Neighborhood Police Center conducted the arrests.

Officers discovered nine men between 52-75 who were allegedly bookmakers, placing bets for others and then collecting the money. Police confiscated three mobile phones and more than SG$7,500 (US$5,389) in cash.

In a separate raid at the same time, police arrested eight men between 55-76 and a 68-year-old woman. Again, they allegedly ran illegal gambling activities on a much smaller scale.

Penalties and Punishment

Facilitating remote gambling activity in Singapore carries stiff penalties. Monetary fines range from SGD20,000 to 200,000 (US$14,368 to $143,660). In addition, there is the possibility that they spend up to five years in jail. The court can issue a fine and jail time if the crime warrants it.

Bettors face punishments as well. For example, anyone who places a bet with a bookmaker can receive a fine of up to SGD5,000 (US$3,592) and as much as six months in jail.

Out in the Open

Occasionally, illegal sports betting doesn’t occur only behind closed doors in Singapore. This past April, The Straits Times reported on overt sports betting that flagrantly skirts the laws without concern.

Particularly in coffee shops, parking lots and more, bettors will sit around to wager on the ponies at races taking place in Hong Kong or the Singapore Turf Club. The media outlet investigated first-hand, determining that, in some instances, so many people participated that trying to walk through a crowd was like walking through an obstacle course.

As a result, between 2019 and 2021, police swept through the areas more than 1,000 times. However, as soon as they left, the groups descended once more on their favorite spots as soon as the next race was on the board.

Participation rose significantly during COVID-19, with people looking for ways to pass the time. Legal Singapore Pools locations also shut down during the pandemic but began reopening in July last year.