Police raid two underground gambling establishments in Haifa, arrest 100 - report

Israel Police arrested 100 gamblers in a raid on two underground gambling establishments in Haifa, N12 News reported Friday. 

According to the report, gamblers were arrested around poker tables and slot machines, and approximately 15 computer hard drives, security cameras, cash, and various documents were found at the scene. 

The gambling establishments were located on HaMekaleph Street in Haifa.

Administrative proceedings have begun to close the gambling locations, and those involved were detained for questioning at the Zvulon police station.

Back in June, police raided a Tel Aviv apartment that was allegedly being used to operate an illegal gambling establishment organized by Chinese foreign residents.

According to court filings, officers seized approximately NIS 1 million in cash, along with a Glock pistol and ammunition, foreign currency, gambling equipment, two laptops, and other weapons.

Eight Chinese foreign residents between the ages of 40 and 53 were arrested at the scene on suspicion of operating an illegal gambling establishment and other offenses.

Study points to rise in problem gambling after October 7

The raid came amid broader concerns over gambling in Israel. A Hebrew University study published last September found evidence that problematic gambling increased among some Israelis following the October 7 massacre and the war that followed.

Researchers compared gambling behavior recorded before October 7 with data collected in the months after the attack. They found that scores on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), which measures the extent of problematic gambling behavior, increased significantly among participants between April 2022 and March 2024.

The increase was particularly pronounced among men who had difficulty managing their emotions. Researchers found that participants who struggled with emotional regulation were more likely to develop gambling problems, suggesting that gambling may have become a coping mechanism for some Israelis dealing with the psychological effects of October 7 and the war.

Jerusalem Post Staff, Esther Davis, and Leo Feierberg Better contributed to this report.