New Zealand’s horse racing association has imposed new rules preventing jockeys from betting on days when they are riding.

A few weeks ago, New Zealand gambling news were raging over Central Districts jockey David Walker’s involvement in a betting scandal. The 38-year-old rider had placed a wager on a race he was competing in at the Awapuni course, but put his money on a rival horse.

His mount Watch Your Man finished two-and-a-half lengths behind St Ransom, and the Race Integrity Unit (RIU) said the jockey had deliberately tempered with the sports scores by restraining his own horse to ensure he would win the wager.

Following the national betting scandal, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) decided to forbid jockeys from placing wagers on days when they are competing. Under the old regulations, riders were allowed to bet, but only on their own mount.

Stuff.co.nz: Jockey betting scandal forces NZTR rule change

In addition to forbidding jockeys from betting when they’re riding, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is also trying to stop them from using anything but traceable electronic betting accounts. This way, officials will be able to easily verify that no one breaks the rules.

The changes were prompted by the David Walker betting scandal, which challenged the integrity of New Zealand horse racing. Newspapers revealed that the Central Districts rider admitted to placing wagers on two rival horses before being charged with pulling up his two mounts.

Matthew Goodson, chairman of NZTR, promised that the strengthening of rule 707 would provide greater protection for gamblers who bet on sports in New Zealand, and this is critical for the industry. He added that the organization would consult again in the future, to establish whether more drastic rules are needed and to ensure that New Zealand’s regulations are consistent with other important racing jurisdictions.

“This may result in a ban on jockeys betting on races held under our rules of racing without exception,” he added.

3News: Betting rules tighten for jockeys

Jockeys participating in New Zealand horse races are banned from betting on the days they are riding. The fresh regulations have put an end to a practice which drew a lot of criticism, as jockeys were allowed to place wagers on their own horses, as well as on any race they’re not competing in.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing representatives say the changes were initiated in 2013, but the issue of riders betting on races has been in the spotlight over the past few weeks, after jockey David Walker was charged with two counts of placing wagers on another horse in a race he was competing in. His and a hearing is scheduled to take place on September 18 at Trentham.

“The appearance, as well as the practice of integrity, is critical against a backdrop of rapidly evolving gambling options which are creating issues for many sports,” NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said in a statement. “The strengthening of this racing rule will provide greater protection for punters, which is critical for our industry, and support our integrity services.”

The new rules came into effect on Thursday, after being approved by all stakeholders, including the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association.

The Informant: New jockey betting rule comes into force

NZTR announced changes to Rule 707 of the Rules of Racing, namely the one referring to jockey betting privileges. In addition to banning riders from placing wagers on races they’re competing in, officials have asked that all bets be placed exclusively through electronic accounts, via the New Zealand TAB.

The changes are meant to help protect the sport’s integrity. They were initiated in 2013 and have received approval from all stakeholders, including the Minister for Racing and the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association, as well as the Racing Integrity Unit, Racing’s Judicial Control Authority and the New Zealand Racing Board.

NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said: “NZTR is committed to continue reviewing the potential impact of other factors on racing integrity such as growing international linkages and the role of offshore betting organizations and websites.

NZTR will recommence a consultation process on the need for further changes to the Rules to ensure New Zealand’s Racing Rules are consistent with other major racing jurisdictions. This may result in a ban on jockeys’ betting on races held under our Rules of Racing without exception.”

Dave Taylor, president of the Jockeys’ Association added: “New Zealand racing and jockeys have the very highest levels of integrity and we acknowledge and understand the need for both the practice and perception of the highest standards of integrity.”

New Zealand’s horse racing association has imposed new rules preventing jockeys from betting on days when they are riding.

A few weeks ago, New Zealand gambling news were raging over Central Districts jockey David Walker’s involvement in a betting scandal. The 38-year-old rider had placed a wager on a race he was competing in at the Awapuni course, but put his money on a rival horse.

His mount Watch Your Man finished two-and-a-half lengths behind St Ransom, and the Race Integrity Unit (RIU) said the jockey had deliberately tempered with the sports scores by restraining his own horse to ensure he would win the wager.

Following the national betting scandal, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) decided to forbid jockeys from placing wagers on days when they are competing. Under the old regulations, riders were allowed to bet, but only on their own mount.

Stuff.co.nz: Jockey betting scandal forces NZTR rule change

In addition to forbidding jockeys from betting when they’re riding, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is also trying to stop them from using anything but traceable electronic betting accounts. This way, officials will be able to easily verify that no one breaks the rules.

The changes were prompted by the David Walker betting scandal, which challenged the integrity of New Zealand horse racing. Newspapers revealed that the Central Districts rider admitted to placing wagers on two rival horses before being charged with pulling up his two mounts.

Matthew Goodson, chairman of NZTR, promised that the strengthening of rule 707 would provide greater protection for gamblers who bet on sports in New Zealand, and this is critical for the industry. He added that the organization would consult again in the future, to establish whether more drastic rules are needed and to ensure that New Zealand’s regulations are consistent with other important racing jurisdictions.

“This may result in a ban on jockeys betting on races held under our rules of racing without exception,” he added.

3News: Betting rules tighten for jockeys

Jockeys participating in New Zealand horse races are banned from betting on the days they are riding. The fresh regulations have put an end to a practice which drew a lot of criticism, as jockeys were allowed to place wagers on their own horses, as well as on any race they’re not competing in.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing representatives say the changes were initiated in 2013, but the issue of riders betting on races has been in the spotlight over the past few weeks, after jockey David Walker was charged with two counts of placing wagers on another horse in a race he was competing in. His and a hearing is scheduled to take place on September 18 at Trentham.

“The appearance, as well as the practice of integrity, is critical against a backdrop of rapidly evolving gambling options which are creating issues for many sports,” NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said in a statement. “The strengthening of this racing rule will provide greater protection for punters, which is critical for our industry, and support our integrity services.”

The new rules came into effect on Thursday, after being approved by all stakeholders, including the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association.

The Informant: New jockey betting rule comes into force

NZTR announced changes to Rule 707 of the Rules of Racing, namely the one referring to jockey betting privileges. In addition to banning riders from placing wagers on races they’re competing in, officials have asked that all bets be placed exclusively through electronic accounts, via the New Zealand TAB.

The changes are meant to help protect the sport’s integrity. They were initiated in 2013 and have received approval from all stakeholders, including the Minister for Racing and the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association, as well as the Racing Integrity Unit, Racing’s Judicial Control Authority and the New Zealand Racing Board.

NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson said: “NZTR is committed to continue reviewing the potential impact of other factors on racing integrity such as growing international linkages and the role of offshore betting organizations and websites.

NZTR will recommence a consultation process on the need for further changes to the Rules to ensure New Zealand’s Racing Rules are consistent with other major racing jurisdictions. This may result in a ban on jockeys’ betting on races held under our Rules of Racing without exception.”

Dave Taylor, president of the Jockeys’ Association added: “New Zealand racing and jockeys have the very highest levels of integrity and we acknowledge and understand the need for both the practice and perception of the highest standards of integrity.”

The second royal baby is on its way, and thousands of punters have already rushed to the bookies to place wagers on its name.

This week started off with great news for fans of the Royal Family, as a statement from Clarence House announced Prince George is going to be a big brother. As Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child, online gambling news sites predict a new betting bonanza.

When Kate and William got married in April 2011, 24.5 million watched their wedding on TV. Soon after the news got out that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, bookmakers started offering odds on the royal baby’s name, hair color and even his future job, with bettors placing over $2.4 million in wagers.

Betting companies are expecting even bigger profits this time around, as the second royal baby has started to draw new clients just after the announcement was made. Next to the usual sports scores listed at bookmakers, players can already place wagers on the name, weight and hair color of the new royal baby.

The Wire: People Are Already Betting on the Royal Baby

British newspapers have announced the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child. Kate will not be accompanying Prince William on a previous engagement in Oxford, as she is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a severe form of morning sickness – and is under medical observation.

Meanwhile, punters are already placing bets on the baby’s name, hair color, weight, and even whether Kate is having twins or triplets. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has released a statement saying players have already spent more than GBP10,000 by Monday midnight.

“If there’s one thing that baby George taught us it’s that the British public love a punt on a Royal offspring and we’re bracing ourselves for another baby betting bonanza. Money is already pouring in by the pramload and we expect this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year,” Paddy Power said in a statement.

According to the company’s latest odds, the safest bet is on Kate and William having a brown-haired baby at birth. Odds on hair color are: brown (6/4), blonde (5/2), red (3/1) and black (5/1). Odds for multiple birth are 33/1 for twins and 250/1 for triplets. As for the weight of the baby, Paddy Power is going with 5/1 for less than 6lbs, 6lbs to 6lbs 15oz, or 9lbs to 9lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 7lbs to 7lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz; and 8/1 for the baby weighing 10lbs or more.

As far as names go, Elizabeth, Henry and Victoria are top favorites with odds of 10/1, followed by Charlotte, Arthur, William, Alice, Philip, Alexandra, Catherine or Kate, and Charles, all given 12/1 odds; James, Mary and Frances are at 16/1, while Albert, Alex/Alexander, Diana and Spencer are at 20/1. The last option – Macbeth – is a long-shot with odds of 500/1.

E! News: Royal Baby No. 2 Names and Gender Already Sparking Major Betting Frenzy — Check Out the Odds!

Merely hours after Clarence House revealed the good news that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child, bookmakers have started taking wagers on the baby’s gender and name.

“The royal baby betting frenzy is back in full swing. With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told E! News.

James, the duchess’ brother’s name, is at the top of the list with 6:1 odds, followed by Elizabeth, Arthur and Victoria at 8:1. Ladbrokes has posted 4:5 odds that the duke and duchess will have another boy, and it seems highly unlikely that Kate is carrying more than one child, with odds being at 20:1 for twins and 100:1 for triplets.

Either way, punters will have to wait until next spring to meet the second royal baby and find out if they won.

People: Royal Baby’s Name and Sex: Bookmakers Taking Bets

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting their second child and all bets are on, as bookmakers are already taking wagers on the baby’s name and sex.

“The Royal Baby betting frenzy is back in full swing,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told reporters. “With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” she added.

Ladbrokes is offering 4:5 odds on the new child being a boy, and James (Kate’s brother’s name) is the top favorite for a first name, with odds at 6:1.

NBC News: Royal Baby Boom a Bonanza for British Economy

The British economy is getting a boost from the second royal baby. Money has already started pouring into the betting industry, and economy experts are expecting tourism and souvenir sales to increase.

When Prince George was born last July, it was predicted that the food, drink, tourism and media industry would make an extra $400 million in sales. The birth of the second baby is expected to reach the same level, but economist Howard Archer warns: “There may be a small feel-good factor when it is born and some buying of souvenirs but that is as far as it will go.”

Gamblers have already started to place wagers on the baby’s name, gender and weight, which can only mean good news for the betting industry.

CNN: Betting gets a bump from Royal Baby #2

Gambling companies are preparing for another betting bonanza. Paddy Power said it was expecting this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year, and Ladbrokes has also announced it was taking bets on the new baby’s name, with James being favorite at odds of 6:1. Betfair is going with Victoria as top choice for the second child’s name.

Players from all over the world have placed more than GBP1.5 million ($2.4 million) in wagers on the birth of the first royal baby, trying to guess its name, hair color and future career. Bets started pouring after the palace announced that Kate had gone into labor.

Wagers on a sibling for Prince George have been open for some time, and betting companies said hundreds of people have already won thousands of pounds.

“587 people have correctly predicted that the couple would announce they are expecting a second child in 2014, all of those punters have now collected [their] winnings,” Ladbrokes announced.

The second royal baby is on its way, and thousands of punters have already rushed to the bookies to place wagers on its name.

This week started off with great news for fans of the Royal Family, as a statement from Clarence House announced Prince George is going to be a big brother. As Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child, online gambling news sites predict a new betting bonanza.

When Kate and William got married in April 2011, 24.5 million watched their wedding on TV. Soon after the news got out that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, bookmakers started offering odds on the royal baby’s name, hair color and even his future job, with bettors placing over $2.4 million in wagers.

Betting companies are expecting even bigger profits this time around, as the second royal baby has started to draw new clients just after the announcement was made. Next to the usual sports scores listed at bookmakers, players can already place wagers on the name, weight and hair color of the new royal baby.

The Wire: People Are Already Betting on the Royal Baby

British newspapers have announced the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a second child. Kate will not be accompanying Prince William on a previous engagement in Oxford, as she is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a severe form of morning sickness – and is under medical observation.

Meanwhile, punters are already placing bets on the baby’s name, hair color, weight, and even whether Kate is having twins or triplets. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has released a statement saying players have already spent more than GBP10,000 by Monday midnight.

“If there’s one thing that baby George taught us it’s that the British public love a punt on a Royal offspring and we’re bracing ourselves for another baby betting bonanza. Money is already pouring in by the pramload and we expect this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year,” Paddy Power said in a statement.

According to the company’s latest odds, the safest bet is on Kate and William having a brown-haired baby at birth. Odds on hair color are: brown (6/4), blonde (5/2), red (3/1) and black (5/1). Odds for multiple birth are 33/1 for twins and 250/1 for triplets. As for the weight of the baby, Paddy Power is going with 5/1 for less than 6lbs, 6lbs to 6lbs 15oz, or 9lbs to 9lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 7lbs to 7lbs 15oz; 11/8 for 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz; and 8/1 for the baby weighing 10lbs or more.

As far as names go, Elizabeth, Henry and Victoria are top favorites with odds of 10/1, followed by Charlotte, Arthur, William, Alice, Philip, Alexandra, Catherine or Kate, and Charles, all given 12/1 odds; James, Mary and Frances are at 16/1, while Albert, Alex/Alexander, Diana and Spencer are at 20/1. The last option – Macbeth – is a long-shot with odds of 500/1.

E! News: Royal Baby No. 2 Names and Gender Already Sparking Major Betting Frenzy — Check Out the Odds!

Merely hours after Clarence House revealed the good news that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child, bookmakers have started taking wagers on the baby’s gender and name.

“The royal baby betting frenzy is back in full swing. With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told E! News.

James, the duchess’ brother’s name, is at the top of the list with 6:1 odds, followed by Elizabeth, Arthur and Victoria at 8:1. Ladbrokes has posted 4:5 odds that the duke and duchess will have another boy, and it seems highly unlikely that Kate is carrying more than one child, with odds being at 20:1 for twins and 100:1 for triplets.

Either way, punters will have to wait until next spring to meet the second royal baby and find out if they won.

People: Royal Baby’s Name and Sex: Bookmakers Taking Bets

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting their second child and all bets are on, as bookmakers are already taking wagers on the baby’s name and sex.

“The Royal Baby betting frenzy is back in full swing,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes told reporters. “With one correct gamble already in the bag, punters are quickly reinvesting their winnings on the couple having a second son called James,” she added.

Ladbrokes is offering 4:5 odds on the new child being a boy, and James (Kate’s brother’s name) is the top favorite for a first name, with odds at 6:1.

NBC News: Royal Baby Boom a Bonanza for British Economy

The British economy is getting a boost from the second royal baby. Money has already started pouring into the betting industry, and economy experts are expecting tourism and souvenir sales to increase.

When Prince George was born last July, it was predicted that the food, drink, tourism and media industry would make an extra $400 million in sales. The birth of the second baby is expected to reach the same level, but economist Howard Archer warns: “There may be a small feel-good factor when it is born and some buying of souvenirs but that is as far as it will go.”

Gamblers have already started to place wagers on the baby’s name, gender and weight, which can only mean good news for the betting industry.

CNN: Betting gets a bump from Royal Baby #2

Gambling companies are preparing for another betting bonanza. Paddy Power said it was expecting this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year, and Ladbrokes has also announced it was taking bets on the new baby’s name, with James being favorite at odds of 6:1. Betfair is going with Victoria as top choice for the second child’s name.

Players from all over the world have placed more than GBP1.5 million ($2.4 million) in wagers on the birth of the first royal baby, trying to guess its name, hair color and future career. Bets started pouring after the palace announced that Kate had gone into labor.

Wagers on a sibling for Prince George have been open for some time, and betting companies said hundreds of people have already won thousands of pounds.

“587 people have correctly predicted that the couple would announce they are expecting a second child in 2014, all of those punters have now collected [their] winnings,” Ladbrokes announced.

Without fancy marketing campaigns or gambling bonuses, the national lottery manages to be a huge success in China. Over the past few years, the lottery market – especially the sports lottery – has been experiencing a steady growth.Today, the industry is worth more than $480 billion and now experts say its value could increase even more as players will rush to place bets on the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The sports betting market is already a very lucrative one, but the major football event could boost profits by $13.5 billion to $16.2 billion, analysts say.

Want China Times: World Cup boosts China’s already blooming sports lottery

Most popular forms of gambling are forbidden in China, but the national lottery made its debut in 2009 to allow local players to bet on football and basketball sports scores. Since then, football has proved to be especially popular and profitable. The fact that the Chinese lottery offers both better chances of winning and bigger prizes helped business flourish.

In 2010, during the World Cup in South Africa, the football prediction lottery alone sold $10 billion, marking a growth of 120% compared to the same period in 2009. In fact, this amount came very close to the total lottery sales made in 2009.

The lottery industry makes more than $480 billion. Most of it comes from brick-and-mortar businesses, but the internet sports lottery also contributes with an impressive $67 billion, with 14 billion coming from mobile platforms. According to Su Guojing, who founded Chin Sports Lottery, such periodic sports events boost sales by about 25%-30%.

Inside World Football: World Cup gives China Sports Lottery a big boost

China’s blooming sports lottery is expecting further growth over the coming month, due to the World Cup which could increase revenues by $13.5 billion to $16.2 billion. The country offers few options for gamblers, but sports betting is very popular among locals. Betting on Chinese lottery results is also profitable for players, as both their chances of winning and the prizes offered are higher than usual.

In 2013, sales reached an impressive $494 billion, with $67 billion of all wagers being placed over the internet and via mobile devices. Su Guojing, founder of China Sports Lottery, believes this year’s World Cup could boost lottery ticket sales by 25% to 30%.

The Ministry of Finance, which oversees the legal lottery business, has recently reported a 12.6% increase in lottery sales in May. The welfare lottery made 16.2% more sales over the last month, while sports lottery sales went up 8.2%. The first five months of 2014 brought a 13.9% increase in sales. The online lottery industry is also on the rise, with sales going up nearly 63%.

People Daily: Chinese lotteries to score during World Cup

The sports lottery sector is in for a big sales surge around the 2014 FIFA World Cup. During the 2010 soccer event, lottery sales in China hit four billion yuan ($648 million), increasing by 500% year-on-year and 400% compared to the previous month.

Records show more than 600 million Chinese residents now have access to the Internet. The online lottery business has flourished over the past few years and revenues keep going up, especially during major sports events.

An executive of 500, the New York-listed Chinese lottery service provider, told reporters: “We estimate that the World Cup will boost our sales of Internet-based sports lotteries by at least 70 percent.”

Huatai Securities is even more optimistic, predicting an increase of 150% in online sports lottery sales of sports lotteries.

Investors are becoming interested in the growing Chinese lottery market and companies are now seeking niches – including physical stores, online service and mobile Internet service – to help increase their profits.

Big companies are looking to improve their marketing strategies to attract more players and 500 is even offering a jackpot of 100 million yuan for players who successfully predict the results of all 63 World Cup matches.

China Daily: World Cup boosts Chinese sports lottery sales

According to the China Sports Lottery Administration Center, this year’s edition of the World Cup has helped boost the national sports lottery sales. Daily sales have gone up from less than 100 million yuan to more than 400 million yuan since the event started on June 12.

Local gambling news report China’s leading online lottery agent 500 is making roughly three to five times more sales than the daily average. However, it is common for profits to increase during important international sports events.

Official data shows total lottery sales, including welfare and sports, are up by 18.3% on a year-to-year basis, coming close to 310 billion yuan in 2013. Sales made online reached 42 billion yuan last year, accounting for 13.58% of the total amount.

Without fancy marketing campaigns or gambling bonuses, the national lottery manages to be a huge success in China. Over the past few years, the lottery market – especially the sports lottery – has been experiencing a steady growth.Today, the industry is worth more than $480 billion and now experts say its value could increase even more as players will rush to place bets on the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The sports betting market is already a very lucrative one, but the major football event could boost profits by $13.5 billion to $16.2 billion, analysts say.

Want China Times: World Cup boosts China’s already blooming sports lottery

Most popular forms of gambling are forbidden in China, but the national lottery made its debut in 2009 to allow local players to bet on football and basketball sports scores. Since then, football has proved to be especially popular and profitable. The fact that the Chinese lottery offers both better chances of winning and bigger prizes helped business flourish.

In 2010, during the World Cup in South Africa, the football prediction lottery alone sold $10 billion, marking a growth of 120% compared to the same period in 2009. In fact, this amount came very close to the total lottery sales made in 2009.

The lottery industry makes more than $480 billion. Most of it comes from brick-and-mortar businesses, but the internet sports lottery also contributes with an impressive $67 billion, with 14 billion coming from mobile platforms. According to Su Guojing, who founded Chin Sports Lottery, such periodic sports events boost sales by about 25%-30%.

Inside World Football: World Cup gives China Sports Lottery a big boost

China’s blooming sports lottery is expecting further growth over the coming month, due to the World Cup which could increase revenues by $13.5 billion to $16.2 billion. The country offers few options for gamblers, but sports betting is very popular among locals. Betting on Chinese lottery results is also profitable for players, as both their chances of winning and the prizes offered are higher than usual.

In 2013, sales reached an impressive $494 billion, with $67 billion of all wagers being placed over the internet and via mobile devices. Su Guojing, founder of China Sports Lottery, believes this year’s World Cup could boost lottery ticket sales by 25% to 30%.

The Ministry of Finance, which oversees the legal lottery business, has recently reported a 12.6% increase in lottery sales in May. The welfare lottery made 16.2% more sales over the last month, while sports lottery sales went up 8.2%. The first five months of 2014 brought a 13.9% increase in sales. The online lottery industry is also on the rise, with sales going up nearly 63%.

People Daily: Chinese lotteries to score during World Cup

The sports lottery sector is in for a big sales surge around the 2014 FIFA World Cup. During the 2010 soccer event, lottery sales in China hit four billion yuan ($648 million), increasing by 500% year-on-year and 400% compared to the previous month.

Records show more than 600 million Chinese residents now have access to the Internet. The online lottery business has flourished over the past few years and revenues keep going up, especially during major sports events.

An executive of 500, the New York-listed Chinese lottery service provider, told reporters: “We estimate that the World Cup will boost our sales of Internet-based sports lotteries by at least 70 percent.”

Huatai Securities is even more optimistic, predicting an increase of 150% in online sports lottery sales of sports lotteries.

Investors are becoming interested in the growing Chinese lottery market and companies are now seeking niches – including physical stores, online service and mobile Internet service – to help increase their profits.

Big companies are looking to improve their marketing strategies to attract more players and 500 is even offering a jackpot of 100 million yuan for players who successfully predict the results of all 63 World Cup matches.

China Daily: World Cup boosts Chinese sports lottery sales

According to the China Sports Lottery Administration Center, this year’s edition of the World Cup has helped boost the national sports lottery sales. Daily sales have gone up from less than 100 million yuan to more than 400 million yuan since the event started on June 12.

Local gambling news report China’s leading online lottery agent 500 is making roughly three to five times more sales than the daily average. However, it is common for profits to increase during important international sports events.

Official data shows total lottery sales, including welfare and sports, are up by 18.3% on a year-to-year basis, coming close to 310 billion yuan in 2013. Sales made online reached 42 billion yuan last year, accounting for 13.58% of the total amount.

Despite the fact that both FIFA and gambling authorities across the world warned that they would intensify efforts to combat betting corruption, illegal wagers on World Cup sports scores proved to be too tempting for leaders of underground gambling rings.

The football event of the year has barely started, but the police in Macau already arrested a few punters from Hong Kong after evidence suggested they had placed HK $5 billion in illegal bets, including one staggering wager worth HK $40 million on a single match.

The illegal gambling operation was run from a hotel in Macau, which was raided by the local police. Officers found and removed betting slips and accounts, as well as more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers and 10 mobile phones.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Hong Kong police officers have also arrested 39 people suspected of unlawful gambling. HK $85 million worth of betting slips were confiscated from the illegal bookmakers.

South China Morning Post: Macau police smash illegal betting ring that took HK$5b in World Cup wagers

The Macau police busted a huge bookmaking operation. It is said that the illegal betting ring took a total of HK $5 billion in World Cup wagers, from rich clients around the world. Punters placed their bets on live sports results via telephone or online.

A raid on a local hotel found that three rooms had been turned into an operation base for the illegal betting syndicate. According to the latest gambling news, 22 people (including two women) aged 23 to 50 were arrested. Among them were four men from Hong Kong, nine Malaysians and nine mainlanders. The ring was lead by two men, one from Malaysia and one from the mainland.

One day later, the police conducted a second raid and arrested four new suspects at the same hotel. Officers are now conducting further investigations to find out who was placing the bets.

Suen Kam-fai, a spokesman for the local police, told reporters: “Information indicates that this syndicate accepted bets before and after the matches kicked off. That’s why they needed a lot of manpower to take bets via the internet and telephone.”

CNN: Macau busts $645 million World Cup betting ring

Police have smashed a gambling ring operating from a hotel located in Macau. The illegal betting syndicate allegedly took the equivalent of US $645 million in World Cup wagers. According to local authorities, this was the biggest ever raid on an unlawful bookmaking racket in the Asian casino capital.

Working from three hotel rooms, the suspects took internet and phone bets from around the world. Authorities discovered that one gambler placed a wager valued at around US $5 million.

The police arrested 22 people from mainland China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, including two suspects believed to be the ringleaders. They also confiscated US $248,000 in cash, 17 computers, at least 10 cell phones and several betting slips.

A few hours later, the police busted a second gambling operating from the same hotel. Four Chinese men allegedly took US$645,000 in illegal bets on World Cup matches in one day.

The raids were part of a cross-border campaign to combat illegal sports betting in Macau, Hong Kong and the southern province of Guangdong, China.

The Guardian: Police bust gambling racket in Macau after huge World Cup bets

A bookmaking racket that allegedly took HK $5 billion ($645 million, or GBP 379 million) in illegal bets was recently uncovered by the police in Macau. The illicit football syndicate operated from a local hotel and allowed punters from all over the world to place World Cup wagers online and via telephone, the South China Morning Post said.

Police have arrested 22 suspects in what is thought to be the biggest unlawful football betting operation in Macau, as initial investigations found evidence of HK $5 billion worth of World Cup wagers, including a single HK$40 million bet on one match.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup, authorities in Macau, Hong Kong and the Guangdong province have been working together in a campaign to put an end to illegal gambling operations. Investigators seized more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers, more than 10 mobile phones and betting slips.

During the first week of the World Cup, authorities in the area have arrested 39 people suspected of being involved in illegal betting operations and confiscated HK $85 million worth of betting slips.

Despite the fact that both FIFA and gambling authorities across the world warned that they would intensify efforts to combat betting corruption, illegal wagers on World Cup sports scores proved to be too tempting for leaders of underground gambling rings.

The football event of the year has barely started, but the police in Macau already arrested a few punters from Hong Kong after evidence suggested they had placed HK $5 billion in illegal bets, including one staggering wager worth HK $40 million on a single match.

The illegal gambling operation was run from a hotel in Macau, which was raided by the local police. Officers found and removed betting slips and accounts, as well as more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers and 10 mobile phones.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Hong Kong police officers have also arrested 39 people suspected of unlawful gambling. HK $85 million worth of betting slips were confiscated from the illegal bookmakers.

South China Morning Post: Macau police smash illegal betting ring that took HK$5b in World Cup wagers

The Macau police busted a huge bookmaking operation. It is said that the illegal betting ring took a total of HK $5 billion in World Cup wagers, from rich clients around the world. Punters placed their bets on live sports results via telephone or online.

A raid on a local hotel found that three rooms had been turned into an operation base for the illegal betting syndicate. According to the latest gambling news, 22 people (including two women) aged 23 to 50 were arrested. Among them were four men from Hong Kong, nine Malaysians and nine mainlanders. The ring was lead by two men, one from Malaysia and one from the mainland.

One day later, the police conducted a second raid and arrested four new suspects at the same hotel. Officers are now conducting further investigations to find out who was placing the bets.

Suen Kam-fai, a spokesman for the local police, told reporters: “Information indicates that this syndicate accepted bets before and after the matches kicked off. That’s why they needed a lot of manpower to take bets via the internet and telephone.”

CNN: Macau busts $645 million World Cup betting ring

Police have smashed a gambling ring operating from a hotel located in Macau. The illegal betting syndicate allegedly took the equivalent of US $645 million in World Cup wagers. According to local authorities, this was the biggest ever raid on an unlawful bookmaking racket in the Asian casino capital.

Working from three hotel rooms, the suspects took internet and phone bets from around the world. Authorities discovered that one gambler placed a wager valued at around US $5 million.

The police arrested 22 people from mainland China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, including two suspects believed to be the ringleaders. They also confiscated US $248,000 in cash, 17 computers, at least 10 cell phones and several betting slips.

A few hours later, the police busted a second gambling operating from the same hotel. Four Chinese men allegedly took US$645,000 in illegal bets on World Cup matches in one day.

The raids were part of a cross-border campaign to combat illegal sports betting in Macau, Hong Kong and the southern province of Guangdong, China.

The Guardian: Police bust gambling racket in Macau after huge World Cup bets

A bookmaking racket that allegedly took HK $5 billion ($645 million, or GBP 379 million) in illegal bets was recently uncovered by the police in Macau. The illicit football syndicate operated from a local hotel and allowed punters from all over the world to place World Cup wagers online and via telephone, the South China Morning Post said.

Police have arrested 22 suspects in what is thought to be the biggest unlawful football betting operation in Macau, as initial investigations found evidence of HK $5 billion worth of World Cup wagers, including a single HK$40 million bet on one match.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup, authorities in Macau, Hong Kong and the Guangdong province have been working together in a campaign to put an end to illegal gambling operations. Investigators seized more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers, more than 10 mobile phones and betting slips.

During the first week of the World Cup, authorities in the area have arrested 39 people suspected of being involved in illegal betting operations and confiscated HK $85 million worth of betting slips.