DHAKA: Police in Thailand said on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, that they had arrested 5,064 people for illegal gambling during the World Cup, a sharp increase from four years ago.

As well as 4,679 gamblers, the authorities have detained 258 bookmakers and 127 betting slip runners since the tournament kicked off in Brazil on June 12.

If convicted, those arrested could face up to two years in prison and a 2,000 baht fine.

But most are expected to receive suspended jail terms, except in cases where particularly large sums of money are involved, said Police Major General Chantavit Ramsut, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1320 HRS, JUL 16, 2014