Police have arrested a total of three persons over the last week for illegal online soccer betting.

In the first case, which occurred on 17 Jun 2010 , officers from the Specialised Crime Division of the Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 43 year-old man at a flat in Bedok who is believed to have placed illegal online bets amounting to S$8,950 on World Cup 2010 matches.

In the second case on 22 Jun 2010 , CID officers arrested a 46 year-old man at a flat in Ang Mo Kio. The subject was suspected to be involved in illegal online soccer betting with a total bet value of S$13,370 in relation to World Cup 2010 matches.

The third case of arrest occurred on 23 June 2010 , when CID officers arrested a 47 year-old woman at a flat in Yishun for placing illegal online bets amounting to about $25,000 on World Cup 2010 matches.

Police have seized cash amounting to 4,000 Malaysian Ringgit, two sets of desktop computers including modems, a laptop, two mobile phones and other related paraphernalia in relation to the three mentioned cases.

Investigations are ongoing.

Assistant Director of the Specialised Crime Division, Criminal Investigation Department, Superintendent of Police Goh Lam Kiong said “Police will not hesitate to take enforcement action against illegal soccer betting. Not only will we strike at syndicate operatives and bookmakers, punters who bet illegally will be taken to task as well.”

Under the Betting Act, Chapter 21 and Common Gaming Houses Act, Chapter 49, all forms of soccer betting are illegal unless they are promoted, organized, administered or operated by the Singapore Pools (Private) Ltd. and its officers and authorised agents.

Any person arrested for illegally accepting bets on soccer matches is liable on conviction to a fine between $20,000 and $200,000 and mandatory imprisonment for a term not more than 5 years. The punter is liable on conviction to a fine not more than $5,000 or imprisonment not more than 6 months or both.