During the Euro 2024 football championships, Thai authorities launched an extensive crackdown on illegal gambling activities. This operation, spanning the duration of the tournament and concluding prior to the Spain vs. England final, aimed to dismantle illicit gambling networks that had infiltrated the event.
Overview of Operations
Thai police disclosed that the month-long taskforce resulted in a substantial number of arrests and the closure of multiple gambling websites. A total of 3,863 individuals were apprehended during the crackdown, highlighting the scale of illegal gambling activities during major sporting events.
Arrests and Website Closures
Of the total arrests, 846 suspects were linked to the operation of local gambling websites. Authorities successfully shut down 224 of these sites, which had collectively handled transactions exceeding TBH 2.4 billion (US$66.4 million). This financial impact underscores the lucrative nature of illegal gambling ventures tied to sporting tournaments.
Breakdown of Arrests
Pol Lt Gen Akradet Pimolsri provided detailed insights into the demographics of the arrests. The majority of apprehensions—3,017 in total—occurred at physical gambling venues. Among those detained were 50 alleged bookmakers and 2,944 individuals identified as gamblers participating in illegal betting activities.
Financial Impact and Consequences
The closure of 224 gambling websites and the arrest of 846 individuals involved in their operation reflect a significant disruption to illegal gambling networks. Beyond enforcement measures, the crackdown aims to deter future illicit activities and safeguard the integrity of sports events from the influence of organized gambling syndicates.
Despite the challenges posed by illegal gambling, Euro 2024 concluded with Spain securing victory over England in a thrilling final held in Berlin, Germany. The tournament’s success on the field was paralleled by law enforcement efforts to uphold fairness and legality off the field, signaling a robust response to illicit activities during major international sporting events.