Cayman Islands Illegal Gambling Arrests up 300%

Illegal gambling arrests in the Cayman Islands are up 300% from last year, with a whopping 28 people taken into custody for the offense.

The Caribbean British overseas territory has a population of 60,000 and saw 7 people arrested for illegal gambling last year. So far, there have been 28 people arrested for the activity. Gambling is prohibited in the territory, although the punishments aren't all that severe. There is a bill pending that would strengthen the penalties, with a new minimum of $2,500 fine going up to $20,000 and an increase in jail time.

Commenting on the gambling arrests RCIPS Media Relations Officer Jodi-Ann Powery said, "It is a serious problem and it is serious not just because of the anti-social behaviour that comes along with gambling, but also because of the serious crimes that develop through gambling, such as robberies and firearm offences."

"Whether we like it or not gambling is still an illegal offence in Cayman. It is illegal. The fines are directly related to the type of offence that it is. It is a gateway crime. It does cause other serious offences to take place."