Hong Kong Police Launch "Gobi and Wind Shield" Operations to Combat Illegal Gambling and Track Virtual Asset Bets During World Cup

OdailyOdaily News The World Cup will kick off on June 11th. The Hong Kong Police have launched the Gobi and Wind Shield operations, targeting illegal off-course gambling through publicity, education, intelligence, and enforcement. Police pointed out that in recent years, illegal gambling has shown a trend of digitalization, including online betting, soliciting gamblers via social media, and settling bets with virtual currencies. Police stated that they still have the capability to trace the participants.

According to the law, placing a bet with an illegal bookmaker carries a maximum penalty of 9 months' imprisonment and a fine of HK$50,000. Accepting bets carries a maximum penalty of 7 years' imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million. Money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million. The police also shared the case of a young man who was once addicted to illegal off-course gambling, who was up to HK$160,000 in debt at his peak. A police clinical psychologist warned that the risk of developing gambling disorder later in life for those who start gambling before the age of 18 is as high as over 80%. (Sing Tao Daily)