Public being urged not to engage in illegal soccer gambling

Police today (June 1) reminded members of the public not to bet with bookmakers or engage in illegal soccer gambling activities in the course of World Cup 2006.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Chief Superintendent of Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, Mr Choy Kin-cheung, said that Police have been closely monitoring soccer bookmaking and strenuous action would be taken to contain all sorts of illegal gambling activities.

"With the World Cup 2006 approaching, there is a potential risk of increase in illegal soccer bookmaking activities. Police have adopted a four-pronged approach in the areas of Prevention, Education, Intelligence and Enforcement to address the situation and remind the public of the serious consequences of indulging in illegal gambling activities," Mr Choy said.

On the prevention and education front, Mr Choy said talks would be given to students to advise them to stay away from gambling; anti-illegal soccer gambling publicity material would be distributed to patrons and operators of bars and places of entertainment; patrols and visits would be stepped up to deter bookmakers from operating at these premises.

As regards cultivation of intelligence, Mr Choy said a special team had been set up at the Police Headquarters to co-ordinate the cultivation and dissemination of intelligence within a three-tiered enforcement structure involving the Police Headquarters, Regions and Districts.

"Close liaison and exchange of intelligence with other law enforcement agencies on tackling cross border and transnational illegal bookmaking activities will also be maintained," he said.

Turning to enforcement side, Mr Choy said Police would step up actions against identified targets and syndicates. "Since their illicit business often involve off-shore operations, we have already secured the cooperation of the law enforcement agencies of a number of neighbouring jurisdictions."

"By this breakthrough, our counterparts will, when necessary, mount joint investigations and operations with the Hong Kong Police. Evidence gathered may be used to prosecute the illegal bookmakers as well as the people in Hong Kong who have laid bets with them," he stressed.

Mr Choy also reminded members of the public that soccer bookmaking is a very serious criminal offence liable to heavy penalties. Under the Gambling Ordinance, anyone found engaged in illegal bookmaking activities is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $5 million and seven years' imprisonment upon conviction.

On the other hand, betting with bookmakers will be liable for a maximum penalty of a fine $30,000 and nine months' imprisonment upon conviction.

"Should anyone wish to provide information to the police regarding illegal soccer bookmaking activities, please call the Police Hotline 2860 8366," he added.


Add Police Report No. 5

Issued by PPRB

Ends/Thursday, June 1, 2006