Monday, 7 September 2009

Gambling on fish puts bettors in hot water

Photo by: Heng Chivoan

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Heng Chivoan

Municipal police broke up a fish-fighting and -betting ring in Chamkarmon district on Saturday, arresting 23 people and confiscating 72 fish. In a typical fight, two Siamese fighting fish - native to the rice paddies of Cambodia - are placed in one jar, prompting a mutual attack. The victor is declared when one retreats to the jar's perimeter, the other in hot pursuit. The activity becomes illegal when the owners of the fish bet on the outcome. Municipal Police Chief Touch Naruth said the 23 men were briefly re-educated and then released. "It is not as serious as card-playing, but it is still gambling," he said.

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