Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling in Asia

A busy time for police in both Malaysia and the Philippines as they investigate illegal online gambling.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Philippines conducted raids last weekend in a bid to crack down on illegal online gambling. 20 arrests were made, comprising six soldiers of the Dragon Assassins clan of the Korean Jopok organized crime cell and 14 Philippine associates. The cell allegedly operates illegal online baccarat and blackjack live dealer casinos in Pasig City. From remote locations, players see the games conducted by dealers, live on their computer screens.

In the raid, police confiscated six blackjack and baccarat tables, six cartons of playing cards, eighteen computers and CCTV video streaming and audio equipment. All those arrested are remaining tight-lipped but will be charged with breaking illegal gambling laws.

Meanwhile, the release of shocking new crime figures from the CID has brought illegal online gambling under fresh scrutiny in Malaysia. In 2011, 820 arrests have been made and 4036 computers seized, a sharp increase on 2010's 724 arrests and 2388 computer seizures. The police plan to temporarily cut the power supply to 50 premises suspected of housing illegal gambling operations. Cyber cafes are also being closely watched for signs of online gambling.

At least half of those arrested under the Common Gaming House Act 1953 and the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Act 1997 were repeat offenders. Although only organisers of illegal gambling and owners of premises used for illegal gambling have been charged so far, Malaysian police chief, Ayub Yaakob said this could change. “There are provisions in the law to charge those who are caught gambling on machines,” he said. “We will make these people face the law as well.”