Thailand Arrests 18 Sports Commentators over Ties to Illegal Gambling

Sports commentators and online streamers have fallen into the wide net of law enforcement in the kingdom of Thailand, following an investigation into their alleged involvement and promotion of illegal gambling platforms.

Thailand Cracks Down on Promoters of Illegal Gambling

Led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Social Listening and Monitoring Center, investigators were able to apprehend 18 people who are said to have promoted the prohibited gambling products to Thai citizens.

The websites in question were meant to reach Thai citizens, and the owners, who were based offshore and abroad, used local influencers to drive traffic and interest in the brands, as well as compel more people to gamble on various sports events.

By one estimate, as much as THB 200 million ($6.15 million) could have been wagered through the operators on specific events promoted by the people now arrested. The arrestees, however, are unlikely to face too harsh consequences as they are subject to up to one year in prison as well as a fine of THB 1,000 ($30).

As to the suspects themselves, they received between THB 1,000 and THB 2,000 for each event they were able to promote, about $30-$60. A small referral finder’s fee was payable to each of them in the amount of TBH 100, or about $3.