The Hong Kong police have issued a warning regarding a surge in illegal football betting ahead of the upcoming UEFA European Football Championship, known as the Euro 2024.
They cite the rapid expansion of online platforms, making it easier for punters to place wagers, drawing from their experience in 2022 during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where 6,781 individuals were arrested, including 607 cases of serious gambling – the highest numbers in five years at the time. This suggests that major international sporting events have become a hub for both gamblers and bookmakers.
According to reports from Hong Kong media, a police officer from the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau mentioned that they anticipate a rise in illegal gambling cases because of the upcoming Euro tournament, which begins in Munich on June 14th.
During a press conference, the official highlighted how smartphones and online platforms have made betting more accessible, as part of a media event addressing problem gambling in the city.
