June 10, 2008
Bangkok - Thais are expected to bet more than 41 billion baht (1.2 billion dollars) on the Euro 2008 football tournament, according to Thai Farmers Research Center (TFRC).
The Euro 2008 has kicked off since June 7.
Football gambling will be up 24% from the Euro 2004 though gambling is illegal here.
2,598 people across Thailand were surveyed by the TFRC.
43% of the respondents would bet for the first time on Euro 2008 and the stake on one game would averagely be 5,000 baht, up from 4,000 baht in 2004.
Under-the-table wagers are also widespread in Thailand where the English Premier League and international football matches are famous.
More than 750 people were arrested in Bangkok for illegal gambling during the 2006 World Cup, according to AFP.
Pol Maj Gen Ruangsak Chalit-ek, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, revealed the commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police ordered police in all areas to clamp down the gambling.
Bangkapi, Hua Mark and Thonburi area are focused in the crackdown.
