With the approach of the World Cup Tournament, the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) will step up its efforts to clamp down on illegal soccer bookmaking, OCTB Chief Superintendent Choy Kin-cheung told OffBeat.

However, Mr Choy emphasised that enforcement against illegal soccer bookmaking was an on-going strategy of the Force.

He explained: "We're stepping up enforcement against illegal bookmaking not just because the World Cup is coming. We're taking a number of measures to prevent illegal bookmakers from resorting to various means to lure the public to illegal bookmaking during the World Cup period."

The OCTB will adopt a four-pronged approach, namely, education, prevention, gathering of intelligence and law enforcement.

With regard to education and prevention, Mr Choy said: "Police School Liaison Officers will call at schools to instill a correct concept of soccer bookmaking among students. We'll also pay more attention to some bars or entertainment premises to see whether illegal bookmakers would accept bets there. Furthermore, we'll disseminate the message of staying away from illegal bookmaking through publicity leaflet, news conference, government publicity film and seminar, and to discuss with the persons in charge of licensed liquor premises and entertainment premises on how to prevent illegal soccer bookmaking activities on their premises."

Referring to gathering of intelligence, Mr Choy said: "A Force Working Group has been formed to co-ordinate actions at Headquarters, Regions and Districts to combat illegal soccer bookmaking activities. We'll strengthen liaison with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to gather intelligence on illegal soccer bookmaking. We'll also liaise closely with the law enforcement agencies on the Mainland, in Macao and overseas for exchanging intelligence, with the aim of dealing a severe blow to illegal soccer bookmaking based in or outside Hong Kong.

"Recently we've sent officers to attend working meetings with the law enforcement agencies in the neighbouring jurisdictions. Both parties have reached a consensus to work closely, and both are also confident of cracking illegal bookmaking syndicates successfully," he added.

In conclusion, Mr Choy reminded the public that both illegal bookmaking and placing bets with illegal bookmakers are serious offences carrying heavy penalties.

"I want to take this opportunity to remind the public that illegal bookmaking is a very serious offence. On conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment and $5 million in fine. Placing bets with illegal bookmakers, no matter in Hong Kong or overseas, carries a maximum penalty of nine months' imprisonment and $30,000 in fine. Therefore, I want to remind the public again that they should not brush with the law while enjoying exciting soccer matches!" Mr Choy added.

Mr Choy emphasises that tackling illegal soccer bookmaking is an on-going strategy