In a sweeping crackdown coinciding with the Euro 2024 football tournament, authorities have shut down 224 betting websites linked to illicit gambling activities.
The announcement follows the conclusion of Euro 2024, revealing a crackdown that targeted both on-site and online gambling, disrupting over 2.4 billion baht ($66 million) in illegal gambling flows.
Starting from the tournament’s onset on June 14, a special police task force was mobilized to curb the spike in gambling expected with these large-scale sporting events. Their operations stretched across the tournament, concluding on July 11, the day after the final match.
Assistant National Police Chief Akradet Pimolsri detailed that 3,863 suspects were arrested in connection with various gambling-related offences, including operators and participants.
Efforts were not limited to digital platforms; raids on physical gambling dens led to 3,017 arrests. Akradet noted that these included 50 bookmakers and 2,944 punters. On the digital front, the crackdown led to 846 further arrests from the shutdown websites, including 145 operators running these illegal gambling hubs.
Enforcement expanded beyond mere arrests, with a regional emphasis on maintaining order during the high-stakes football event. Surat Thani, for example, took a proactive role in raiding potential gambling hotspots, led by Police Major General Soempun Sirikong.
A large-scale operation involving law enforcement, military, and community volunteers stood against illegal betting, emphasizing sustained efforts to combat such illicit activities during and within the aftermath of Euro 2024.
This intensive policing showcases a strict stance from authorities against the nexus of sports and illegal gambling, aiming to safeguard public interest and curb the financial impact associated with such unauthorized activities.