Police have reminded the public not to bet with bookmakers or engage in illegal soccer gambling during the World Cup.

Organised Crime & Triad Bureau Chief Superintendent Choy Kin-cheung said Police have been closely monitoring soccer bookmaking and strenuous action will be taken to contain illegal betting. It will focus on prevention, education, intelligence and enforcement.

It will step up actions against identified targets and syndicates and a special team has been formed at Police Headquarters to co-ordinate the cultivation and dissemination of intelligence.

"Since their illicit business often involves off-shore operations, we have already secured the co-operation of the law enforcement agencies of a number of neighbouring jurisdictions," Mr Choy said.

Under the Gambling Ordinance, anyone engaging in illegal bookmaking is liable to a $5-million fine and seven years jail. Illegal soccer betting can be reported on 2860 8366.