Three arraigned on illegal betting charges

Three owners of a bar in Qawra were yesterday arraigned on charges of illegal betting in connection with horse and dog racing organised in the UK.

Eight Britons are expected to face similar charges today and another nine Maltese at a later date.

Those charged yesterday were Leo and Anthony Gové and Eric Baldacchino. They are accused of holding betting activities without a licence and not having a licence to run a bar.

They were granted bail on a personal guarantee of Lm600 each.

They were represented by Dr Christian Grima. Superintendent Alexandra Mamo and Inspector Helga Debono prosecuted.

Earlier the police said a number of persons were arrested during a raid in Qawra on Tuesday afternoon by members of the police economic crimes squad.

The police said the squad members found a number of television sets which were showing live horse and dog races.

Various objects connected with betting as well as money and two gambling machines were seized by the officers.