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The Police have arrested 14 men and three women, aged between 45 and 76, for their suspected involvement in conducting unlawful remote gambling operations.

On 6 July 2026, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Intelligence Department and Special Operations Command conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations island-wide, including Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Potong Pasir, Changi, Pasir Ris, Bedok, Joo Chiat, Tampines, Kaki Bukit, West Coast, Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang, resulting in the arrests of the 17 persons.

More than $720,000 in cash, electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers, together with gambling-related paraphernalia, were seized as case exhibits.

Four of the men, aged between 47 and 76, and one woman, aged 47, will be charged in court on 8 July 2026 for offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022. Investigations against the remaining persons are ongoing.

Under the Gambling Control Act 2022:

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

Major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup often lead to an increase in gambling activity, including illegal betting. The Police will continue to take firm enforcement action against those involved in illegal gambling activities, to prevent and deter persons from participating in, or profiting from, unlawful gambling activities.

Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling activities. Those seeking help for gambling addiction may contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1800-6-668-668.

Photos of seized exhibits