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

Israeli police recently raided two underground gambling establishments on HaMekaleph Street in Haifa, arresting 100 gamblers found at poker tables and slot machines. Authorities seized 15 computer hard drives, security cameras, cash, and documents, initiating administrative proceedings to close the locations. This operation follows a similar raid in June on a Tel Aviv apartment, where police arrested eight Chinese foreign residents and confiscated approximately NIS 1 million, a Glock pistol, and gambling equipment. These raids occur amidst a reported increase in problematic gambling in Israel, with a Hebrew University study indicating a significant rise in Problem Gambling Severity Index scores among Israelis, particularly men struggling with emotional regulation, after the October 7 massacre and subsequent war.