Gambling grows among Thais during Germany 2006 soccer matches
The FIFA World Cup has produced an increase in football gambling in Thailand that represents more than 50%, according to the TWA (Thai Webmaster Association). During thirty minutes of a match broadcasting, more than 7,000 Thais bet online, between Bt5,000 and Bt10 million.
TWA authorities said that about 2,300 websites around the world are dedicated to online gambling. Thais bet at least Bt480 million cash every year in the United States alone. One of the unexpected figures refers to women who gamble online. These have increased by 32% compared to last year. About 100 betting sites worldwide focus on young gamblers.
This type of gambling is quite difficult to control, as cyber bookies move from host to host to avoid being caught. More than 618 agents and gamblers have already been arrested by the cyber gambling suppression team of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, but it is still a very popular and accessible way of gambling.
The FIFA World Cup has produced an increase in football gambling in Thailand that represents more than 50%, according to the TWA (Thai Webmaster Association). During thirty minutes of a match broadcasting, more than 7,000 Thais bet online, between Bt5,000 and Bt10 million.