Over 1,700 gamblers arrested; Bt3.6 million circulating during World Cup

BANGKOK, July 12 - Over 1,700 gamblers were arrested with Bt3.6 million (US$110,000) in circulation during the recently-ended World Cup, according to metropolitan police.

The youngest gambler arrested this year was 17 years old, police said.

Statistics from Thailand's centre to suppress 2010 World Cup gambling show that 1,782 gamblers, bookmakers and bankers were apprehended for illegal betting in the country throughout the football period from June 10 through July 11. Among them were 28 bankers, 39 betting sheet collectors, and 1,715 players, of whom only three were online gamblers.

Cash of Bt166,200 (US$ 5,100) and betting lists of over Bt3.6 million (US$ 110,000) were seized.

According to police, the number of arrests of gamblers increased this year compared to the 2006 World Cup, but far fewer bankers and bookies were caught, as bankers' online betting services were on servers registered abroad, and gambling hosts moved their bases outside the jurisdiction of Bangkok’s metropolitan police.

In 2006 a total of 1,593 persons were arrested for Bt845 million in illegal bets, but Bt7.5 million (US$200,000 was recovered). Four years ago Thai News Agency reported that police arrested 492 bookmakers but only 1,101 persons who placed bets.

Now police tasks include following debts outside the legalised system created by World Cup gambling. So far, there no gambler complained regarding their illegal debts.

Metropolitan police urged all police officials in all areas to immediately report to the centre if such a case occurs. (MCOT online news)