HONG KONG, June 14: Police in Hong Kong have netted at least six more people believed to be part of an illegal World Cup bookmaking syndicate, a spokesman said Friday.

Police also seized betting slips worth more than seven million Hong Kong dollars (898,000 US) along with computers and other equipment following a series of operations conducted over the past two days.

The raids follow Sunday’s arrests of seven people allegedly involved in an illegal bookmaking syndicate.

The authorities have launched a vigorous campaign against rampant illegal bookmaking to coincide with the month-long World Cup, which kicked off on May 31.

A new gambling law was implemented last month stating that anyone in Hong Kong caught placing a bet with an overseas bookmaker risked a fine of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (1,284 US) and three months in jail.

Overseas gambling operators would also be committing a criminal offence by receiving bets from Hong Kong, even if they are licensed in other countries.

Hong Kongers are passionate gamblers, but horse racing and a twice-weekly lottery provide the only outlets for a legal punt.—AFP