Detectives will be given more information to fight illegal gambling during World Cup, says watchdog
Police have arranged to get information from internet service providers (ISPs) as part of their crackdown on illegal online soccer gambling during next month's World Cup, the lotteries watchdog said.
Moses Cheng Mo-chi, chairman of the Football Betting and Lotteries Commission, said the information from ISPs would be a great help to detectives investigating illegal bookmaking activities. It is not clear what the details of the arrangement with ISPs are. Lawmakers point out that there are laws that allow police to seek information from ISPs when necessary, citing the crackdown on pornographic websites.
Mr Cheng hailed the arrangement as a 'major breakthrough' in combating illegal soccer betting.
'The determination of the police force coupled with support from the ISPs will make it technically feasible [to take offenders to court]. I can tell you that theoretically this can be achieved,' he said.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club - the only legal bookmaker in the city - would not launch any new gambling products for the World Cup, he said.
Police sources said the liaison between detectives and ISPs would be part of operations against illegal betting during the tournament co-ordinated by the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau.