Police in Singapore have detained 25 people they suspect were engaged in illicit gambling. 13 men and 12 women between the ages of 31 and 76 make up the suspects. A 52-year-old lady and a 39-year-old woman are accused of running an illegal gambling ring that operated gaming machines out of an unregulated location. According to a police statement:
The Police take a serious view of all forms of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action against those who are involved in such activities.
Singapore Police Force
Police officers conducted a raid at the site, seizing SG$19,752 in cash on hand, 11 phones, and other materials they believed to be related to operating the illicit gaming operation. This represents the Singapore Police Force’s most recent such action in recent years.
Singapore Police Works Hard to Stop Illegal Gambling
There have been thousands of similar arrests in recent years. More than 2,400 people were detained by the police between 2020 and 2022 in connection with different gambling-related offences, including sports betting. With the passage of the Gambling Control Act 2022, Singapore has updated its legal system.
Anyone who conducts illicit gaming or betting is subject to a penalty of up to SG$200,000 and up to five years in prison under the amended legislation. Even those who take part might receive an SG$10,000 fine and a prison sentence of up to six months.
This case comes after a related development in which police investigated 89 persons for allegedly partaking in illegal sports betting. The government has been quite aggressive in locating and putting a stop to illegal gambling businesses.
Nevertheless, despite the possibility of incarceration and financial penalties for violators, these operations have multiplied in the area. One explanation is because gamblers are unaware of the consequences they could face if they are detected.
Other offences that don’t specifically involve illicit gambling operations have occurred on the Marina Bay Sands’ property.