The suspects, seven men and a woman aged between 25 and 53, were picked up at various places in the western part of Singapore by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Police Intelligence Department.

Four desktop computers, bank books, note books and about $9,000 cash were seized in the raids.

The police said in a statement that preliminary investigations show that these suspects facilitate soccer and horse betting made online, with payments made via bank transfers.

Superintendent Goh Lam Kiong, the assistant director of CID's specialised crime division said that the police would continue to take tough enforcement actions against illegal gambling activities.

All eight suspects have been released on bail while investigations continue.

Bookies can be fined up to $200,000 and jail of up to five years' jail if convicted.

Those who place bets illegally can be fined up to $5,000, or jailed up to six months, or both.

A total of 992 people involved in illegal gambling and betting activities were caught last year, compared to 1,228 in 2006.