Two women were tried for allegedly operating an illegal gambling racket in Phnom Penh by the city’s municipal court yesterday.

Lim Chan, 58, and Sok Chenda, 34, were arrested on February 26 and charged under the Law on the Supression of Gambling, which strictly prohibits gambling of all kinds for Cambodians.

“They were arrested while they were writing the notes of lottery lucky numbers for players in coffee shops in a market in Russey Keo District,” said Kor Vandy, a municipal court judge. Police also seized more than 2 million riel (about $500) and lottery notes, he added.

“I knew that this business was illegal and prohibited, but it was a good way to make money,” said Lim Chan, explaining she could earn between 100,000 and 200,000 riel (or between $25 to $50) every day from the business, which helped to support her family.

While the women have requested reduced sentences, if found guilty, they may face up to a year in prison and fines between 50,000 and 500,000 riel (or between $12 and $125).

Their verdicts will be handed down on the afternoon of May 5.