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The Police have arrested 33 men, aged between 28 and 81, during an enforcement operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and Police Land Divisions at multiple locations including Jalan Kukoh, Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Eunos Crescent, Boon Lay Place and Marsiling Road on 3 June 2020.

During the enforcement operation targeting illegal horse betting activities, 33 men were arrested for offences under the Betting Act and Remote Gambling Act 2014. Cash amounting to about S$9,003.80, and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized during the operation.

Investigations are ongoing. The Police are also investigating the 33 men for breaching safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

Under the Betting Act, Chapter 21, any person who bets with a bookmaker shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. 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 Section 8(1)(b) of the Remote Gambling Act 2014, an individual who, in Singapore, gambles using remote communication and using a remote gambling service that is not provided by a person otherwise exempt shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. Under Sec 9(1)(e) of the same Act, any person who assists in providing unlawful remote gambling service for another shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.

The Police will continue to clamp down on criminal activities, including illegal gambling. Those found engaging in such activities will be dealt sternly in accordance with the law. Members of public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling.