Taiwan passes law allowing life sentences for sports betting crimes

The Legislative Yuan of Taiwan has passed new changes to the Sports Lottery Issuance Regulations, introducing much tougher penalties for anyone caught tampering with sports betting. The most serious offenses could now lead to life in prison.

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang led the session and officially introduced the bill into law after a straightforward third reading. The amendment focuses on Article 21 of the Sports Lottery Issuance Act, making it clear that using violence, threats, fraud, or any illegal tactics to interfere with sports betting or sporting events is a serious crime.

The changes are meant to protect the integrity of sports competitions and crack down on organized efforts to manipulate bets. One official stated (translated to English), “Anyone who, through violence, coercion, fraud, or other illegal methods, interferes with the betting of designated sports competitions shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than seven years, and may also be fined between NT 10 million ($338,949) and NT 30 million ($1,016,846).”

In some cases, offenders can face longer prison sentences and much higher fines, reflecting the added severity and organized nature of the offense. “If the offense is committed for profit or by three or more people jointly, the offender shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than ten years, and may also be fined between NT 20 million ($679,362) and NT 50 million ($1,671,598).”

In the most serious cases, where such actions lead to death, the amendment now authorizes a life sentence. “If the act results in death, the sentence shall be life imprisonment or imprisonment of no less than seven years.” Injuries resulting in permanent disability or serious harm also carry severe consequences, including mandatory jail time and heavy fines.

The amendment also tackles corruption from within. Article 21-1 lays out specific penalties for employees of the lottery issuer or any entrusted institution who misuse their positions for illegal personal gain or to benefit someone else. If their actions harm the organization’s interests or finances, they could face serious jail time and heavy fines.

Attempted violations under both articles are also punishable.

Following the reading of the proposed amendments, Chiang confirmed that there were “no textual amendments,” and formally declared, “The amendment to Articles 21 and 21-1 of the Sports Lottery Issuance Act is hereby passed.”

Featured image: LTN via YouTube

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