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The Police have arrested 65 men and four women, aged between 29 and 87, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.

In a series of island-wide operations conducted between 6 May 2026 and 17 May 2026, over 160 officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions carried out raids at multiple locations including Jurong West, Marsiling Lane, New Upper Changi Road, Eunos Crescent, Yishun, Circuit Road, Boon Lay Place, Sin Ming Road, Redhill Lane, Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Teban Gardens, Yung Sheng Road, Bedok and Rivervale Crescent. Cash amounting to more than $50,000, mobile phones, and horse betting paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 69 persons are believed to have performed various roles such as illegal bookmakers, runners, and punters. They are being investigated for offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022. 

Under Section 20(3) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both. Under Section 18(2) of the same Act, any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an operator shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years. Under Section 18(3) of the same Act, any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

The Police do not condone any form of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take firm enforcement action against anyone involved in such activities.

Members of the public are strongly advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling. They can contact the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1800-6-668-668 if they wish to seek help for gambling addiction.

Fig 1: Cash seized at Boon Lay Place



Fig 2: Cash & betting paraphernalia seized at Marsiling Lane



Fig 3: Cash & betting paraphernalia seized at Jurong West



Fig 4: Cash seized at New Upper Changi Road



Fig 5: Cash & betting paraphernalia seized at Teban Gardens