Malaysian online operators develop new tactics

Faced with massive enforcement drives over the past two weeks, illegal online gambling operators in Malaysia have been forced to practically demonstrate the principle that for every action there is a reaction.

Last week police officers reported a noticeable rise in the use of mobile devices such as tablets to avoid being tied to physical premises (see previous reports), and this week spokesmen reported that operators have resorted to meeting gamblers at restaurants before ferrying them to short-term “fresh” premises not known to the police or informers in neighbouring buildings.

Secret Societies, Gambling and Vice Division assistant director Senior Asst Comm Roslee Chik said operators are meeting clients at restaurants before taking them to temporarily rented venues where they are connected to the illegal online websites.

A nationwide clampdown on illegal internet gambling is currently in full swing in Malaysia, with the police constantly raiding suspected venues, and local governments cutting off power supplies to repeat offenders, whilst Communications Ministry officials research and ISP-block suspect websites.

SAC Roslee said as long as Malaysians have access to websites, new methods of gambling would continue to be exploited.

“One way to stamp out illegal online gambling in the country is to block access to these websites,” he opined.

Malaysian police have conducted 16,255 raids on gambling dens and arrested 661 people under Ops Dadu, which commenced October 26.