Thailand: Up to 2,600 arrests in illegal UEFA gambling crackdown

The Royal Thai Police have made up to 2,600 arrests related to illegal gambling, both online and in person, since the start of the UEFA tournament in June.

According to Assistant National Police Chief, Pol Lt Gen Akkaradej Phimonsri, as of June 27, 2024, a total of 2,113 suspects were arrested, including 39 bookmakers, 2,052 bettors, and 22 bet collectors, with a total circulation of THB 339,754 for in-person illegal betting operations. For online illegal betting operations, 513 suspects were arrested, including 63 online gambling organizers and 450 bettors, while 142 websites were taken down, involving about THB 1.8 billion.

This data was provided by the Centre for the Prevention and Suppression of Illegal Euro 2024 Football Betting, active since June 14 in monitoring and curbing illegal gambling and betting activities up to July 17.

Akkaradej said, “The Royal Thai Police will continue their stringent efforts to suppress illegal football betting activities.”

He also cautioned that business operators or establishments allowing the public to view the Euro 2024 matches should “close their services as per legal requirements,” lest legal action be taken against those found violating the requirements.

Recently, Thailand announced the final draft of its ‘Casino Bill’ will be ready for review within four weeks. It is one of the ways to tackle Thailand’s existing illegal gambling business, as stated by the Prime Minister.

Original Story by: Gambling Insider