Police arrest 235 people in World Cup illegal gambling blitz

HONG KONG - Some 235 people were arrested and betting slips worth $46.3 million were seized in a month-long operation against illegal gambling on World Cup football matches, police said Friday.

Officers said 166 men and 69 women aged between 16 and 79 were detained during 96 raids on bars and other entertainment venues between June 11 and July 12.

Police also seized 77 computers and one computer server.

By comparison, 196 people and betting slips worth 74.5 million Hong Kong dollars were seized during the previous World Cup in 2006.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a legal monopoly on gambling in the city, but illegal gambling is prevalent because bookmakers offer punters credit and loans to enable them to bet.