26 People Caught Gambling Illegally & Therefore Breaching Safe Distancing Rules

The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t just allowed our air to clean up.

It also forces chronic gamblers to try and kick their betting habit ever since Singapore Pools and casinos stopped operations temporarily.

Gambler Bao: Oh, you wanna bet?

What do you mean-

Gambler Bao: 26 People Caught Gambling Illegally & Therefore Breaching Safe Distancing Rules

What Happened

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed on 13 May 2020 that they’ve arrested 26 people in a five-day operation at the following places:

• Everton Park
• Geylang Bahru
• Temple Street
• Jalan Besar

The 26 people, 16 men and 10 women, were aged between 43 and 82 years old.

During the operation, they’ve also confiscated $8,499 in cash.

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The Charges

These men were arrested under the Common Gaming Houses Act and the Betting Act.

Under the Common Gaming Houses Act, anyone who manages a place that is kept or used as a gambling house can be fined between $5,000 and $50,000, and jailed for up to three years.

And those who are found guilty of acting as a bookmaker can be fined between $20,000 and $200,000, and jailed for up to 5 years.

Other than that, these men are also being investigated for flouting safe distancing measures:

• Gathering at a residence where they’re not living at
• Breaching 1-metre safe distancing rule

Feeling The Itch? Seek Help Instead

Are you someone who’s addicted to gambling? Are you so driven by your want to experience the thrills that you’re contemplating breaking the law?

Or maybe, you know someone like that.

Whichever it is, here’s what you might want to do.

Call the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) on their hotline: 1800-6-668-668.

They also offer free counselling sessions to people who need help.

You can check their website out for more information.

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