Police destroy 4,000 gambling machines following crackdown

Police with seized gambling machines in Baoshan District. — Ti Gong

More than 4,000 illegal gambling machines seized in police raids have been destroyed in suburban Baoshan District, officers said yesterday.

In the most recent raids, 32 people were held, 379 gambling machines seized and 20,000 yuan (US$3,240) confiscated.

Police said they have shut down some 2,100 unlicensed video gaming centers this year and held more than 4,250 people. Of those, 150 will face trial.

And as part of efforts to tackle illegal gambling, police have urged game machine manufacturers to install a "black box" inside their machines.

Legal gaming machines — such as those used in department store promotions offering vouchers to winners — can be modified for illegal use.

Police want these to be fitted with devices that raise the alarm if the machine is tampered with.

As part of the gambling crackdown, police last week targeted two underground gambling dens in Putuo District providing access to illegal online gambling services.

Police said 12 people were held in the raids last Wednesday and Thursday.

Han Ling, an official of Shanghai police, said gambling dens had been uncovered in gaming centers, snooker halls, Internet cafes and hidden rooms in apartments.

Police said they are seeking approval to be involved in local authority inspections on premises seeking licenses to open as gaming centers.

This could help ensure that there are no hidden rooms where gambling dens can be set up, said officers.