Police conducted a large-scale anti-illegal gambling operation during the World Cup 2022 in November and December, resulting in the arrest of 1,104 people and seizure of betting records valued over $560 million and more than $10 million in cash.

In the operation, Police conducted a total of 188 raids, leading to the arrest of 645 men and 459 women aged between 15 and 89 for the offences of engaging in bookmaking, betting with a bookmaker, operating illegal gambling establishments" and money laundering.

Police warned that anyone who bets with a bookmaker commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and nine months' imprisonment. Offenders who engage in bookmaking, or promote or facilitate bookmaking are liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and seven years' imprisonment.

Citizens are also reminded that a person will still be liable to the offences even if the gambling website is hosted overseas, despite engaging in its operation in Hong Kong.