Tel Aviv gambling den raided, NIS 1 million cash seized, eight Chinese nationals arrested

Tel Aviv police raided an apartment suspected of operating as an illegal gambling house early Thursday morning. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and the seizure of over NIS 1 million in cash, along with various weapons and gambling paraphernalia.

The suspects, aged between 40 and 53, are accused of running the illegal establishment and unlawfully possessing the confiscated items. Police also seized a Glock pistol with ammunition, foreign currency, gambling equipment, two laptops, and other unspecified assault weapons.

Following the arrests, investigators launched an inquiry into the ownership of the property. The owner, a 53-year-old Tel Aviv resident, was questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. The seized evidence and suspects were transferred to the Tel Aviv South Police Station for further processing.

A recent study by Hebrew University highlighted a growing gambling problem in Israeli society, particularly since the October 7th attacks. The research indicated a significant rise in Problem Gambling Severity Index scores, suggesting individuals are increasingly turning to gambling as a coping mechanism for collective psychological trauma.