SINGAPORE, July 22 — A 69‑year‑old man who operated an illegal bookmaking setup at a Jurong West housing block was sentenced to four weeks’ jail yesterday after admitting to conducting a betting operation on Hong Kong horse races.

CNA reported that Ng Sea Beng was arrested on May 6 at Block 967B, Jurong West Street 93, where police found him with more than S$4,000 (RM12,684) in cash, a pen and a betting slip. According to court proceedings, Ng had planned the operation knowing that residents familiar with him frequented the area and that tables and chairs there made it convenient for gatherings.

He arrived at the block with S$2,500 in operating capital and began soliciting bets on Hong Kong races. Over two hours, he collected wagers from at least three punters for five races, earning S$1,550.

Police officers conducting patrols apprehended Ng and three others who were watching the races with him. All cash and paraphernalia were seized.

The prosecution sought between four and eight weeks’ jail, noting that although the operation was unsophisticated and not syndicated, it took place openly in a public space. Ng, who was unrepresented, told the court through a Hokkien interpreter that he suffered from “leg issues” and had difficulty walking steadily.

The judge imposed a four‑week sentence, highlighting that the offence carries a mandatory jail term but acknowledging the small scale of the operation.

Under the Gambling Control Act, conducting a betting operation carries a maximum penalty of five years’ jail, a fine of up to S$200,000, or both.