16 expats arrested for gambling in Oman

Muscat: A total of 16 expats of “Asian Nationality” have been arrested on charges of gambling, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced.
The accused were arrested in Shaleem Area, Hallaniyat Islands in the governorate of Dhofar after police received reports about people gambling in a rented house.
An official source from ROP said, "The Directorate General of Inquiries and Investigation of Shuwmiyah Police Station arrested 16 Asian nationals on gambling charges in Shaleem area of Hallaniyat in Dhofar governorate."
The defendants were caught with cash that was used for gambling, and were referred to judicial authorities.
Article 232, Chapter Seven of the Omani Penal Code defines gambling as a way in which luck prevails over skill or prudence. Article 233 of the same law says that a penalty of not less than six months and not more than three years, and a fine of not more than OMR500 should be given to whoever establishes or manages a gambling shop. The same penalty shall be imposed on all those who gamble, and all tools and money used to gamble will be confiscated.