The Correctional Services Department has launched anti-gambling operations to combat soccer betting in correctional institutions ahead of this year's World Cup.

The department has conducted a series of anti-gambling activities this year and stepped up searches to prevent those in custody from concealing contraband and to curb smuggling into correctional institutions.

Officers conducted more than 3,000 inspections in the first five months of the year and found 45 people in custody had participated in gambling activities or possessed gambling-related contraband.

The anti-gambling measures will be in force throughout the World Cup period.

The department added it has trained dogs to help detect contraband and to support surveillance.

It has also introduced new technology to detect flammable substances.