Gambling seniors allegedly wager tens of dollars on card games next to Tampines St 81 coffee shop

A group of middle-aged men and women have allegedly been gambling for years next to a Tampines coffee shop.

A concerned reader wrote in to Shin Min Daily News to raise concerns about the antics of the punters, who were seen with wads of cash and wagering tens of dollars each time in full public view.

Tip-off

The reader, who wished to remain anonymous, said the illegal gambling activities have been occurring frequently near a coffee shop at Block 820 Tampines Street 81.

“There are many children here, and they may pick up bad habits from watching them. If they want to gamble, they should go to a casino, not next to a coffee shop," said the reader, who added that the group had set up a "gambling table" for their activities and were blatantly flouting the law.

What was observed

A reporter from Shin Min visited the scene and saw a crowd surrounding a round table along the sheltered walkway beside the coffee shop.

Seven middle-aged men and women were at the table, allegedly playing poker and occasionally shouting "picture", which refers to the "J", "Q", and "K" face cards.

Gambled for four hours

After each round, the players settled their winnings with stacks of S$10 and S$50 bills in their hands.

The Shin Min reporter noted that at least four gamblers took turns to be the dealer and that some gamblers would sit at nearby chairs during breaks to smoke and drink.

A coffee shop patron said the group has been playing cards at that spot for at least four years.

Staff from the coffee shop were observed to have watched on as the activities proceeded and spoke to the gamblers.

They also took orders and delivered drinks to the group.

Public did not intervene

Even though the gambling scene caught the attention of many members of the public, few intervened.

A cleaner. who lived nearby, told Shin Min: "This is a public place, so someone should stop them."

The 68-year-old added: "However, nobody wants trouble, so no one intervenes."

The group gradually dispersed at around 7pm after four hours of gambling.

Long-time residents

The Shin Min reader apparently could recognise most of the gamblers, after being in the estate for more than 20 years.

The gamblers were allegedly residents living in public flats nearby.

“Most arrive at noon and leave when they are broke. Horse racing betting used to be common, but since February, they’ve switched to playing cards," said the reader.

The number of illegal bookies are believed to have fallen over time.

A coffee shop staff said the gambling activities have been going on for years.

The gamblers reportedly remained indifferent to repeated warnings.

The “gambling table” set up apparently does not belong to the coffee shop.

The staff said the table gets moved aside as a deterrence, but it gets returned to its regular position by punters.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News