Arrests in Singapore after illegal gambling bust

Thirteen men and 12 women, aged between 31 and 76, were detained. The enforcement operation was led by Singapore’s Woodlands Police Division on 20 July.

The police raided a building on Gambas Crescent in Sembawang, northern Singapore, and recovered a range of gambling paraphernalia.

Cash amounting to S$19,752 (£11,587/€13,465/$14,865) was also seized, along with 11 mobile phones.

A 39-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman are accused of acting as an illegal gaming service provider. However, police investigations are ongoing.

Singapore’s Gambling Control Act

The Gambling Control Act 2022 ushered in strict new laws for operators and participants in illegal gambling in Singapore.

A person found guilty of operating illegal gambling faces a fine of up to S$200,000 and up to five years in prison. Meanwhile, a person who gambles with an unlicensed operator can face a fine of up to S$10,000 or a maximum of six months in prison, or both.

“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,” the Singapore Police Force said in a statement.

The Gambling Control Act 2022 was approved last year alongside the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act 2022. The led to Singapore’s Casino Regulatory Authority being renamed the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore in August.