Operations Gobi and Wind Shield target digital bookmaking, including online bets, social-media solicitation and settlement using virtual currencies, as authorities warn of jail terms of up to 14 years.
Hong Kong police have rolled out Operations Gobi and Wind Shield ahead of the World Cup opening on June 11, stepping up efforts to curb illegal bookmaking through publicity, education, intelligence and enforcement. The force said unlawful gambling is increasingly shifting online, with activity spanning internet betting, solicitation through social media and the settlement of wagers using virtual currencies. Police said they expect illegal gambling to increase during the tournament and pointed to recent enforcement data showing 735 arrests during Euro 2024 and 1,104 during the 2022 World Cup. Authorities warned that penalties can reach up to nine months in jail for betting with bookmakers, seven years for taking bets, and 14 years for money laundering, underscoring a broader push to deter digitally enabled gambling networks before the tournament begins.