Law passed imposing life sentence for deadly sports lottery violations

Taipei, June 17 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan on Tuesday passed amendments imposing prison sentences of seven years to life for individuals who undermine the fairness of sports lottery games and cause a death as a result.

The approved amendments to the Sports Lottery Issuance Act also stipulate that individuals who cause serious injuries under such circumstances may face prison terms of three to 10 years.

Offenses resulting in a death or serious injury will also carry fines ranging from NT$20 million (US$679,362) to NT$50 million.

Also passed was an amendment adding "inducement" to the list of illegal means of undermining fairness, alongside existing methods such as violence, coercion, and fraud.

The Cabinet passed the bills in March for legislative approval. They were reviewed along with other proposed amendments on June 2 and received support from both the ruling and opposition parties.

Tuesday's bill was passed without objection from attending lawmakers.

The amendments were drafted to align with similar regulations in the Sports Industry Development Act, which impose the same penalties for those who obstruct the fairness of sports competitions through violence, coercion, fraud, inducement, or other illegal means and that result in death or serious injuries.