The accused, aged between 16 and 32, claimed trial after magistrate Rosnee Mohd Radzuan read the charges out to them.

Ten of the accused were charged with committing the offence at a condominium in Persiaran Gurney at about 5.20pm on Jan 7, while the other 13 were charged over the same at a condominium in Jalan Kelawai at 6.45pm on the same day.

Rosnee allowed all the accused bail of RM9,000 with one surety each and set March 7 for remention.

They were charged under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 which provides for a fine between RM5,000 and RM50,000, and imprisonment for a maximum of three years if convicted. The provision also attracts an additional fine of between RM5,000 and RM50,000 for each gambling machine seized.

The media had earlier reported the arrest of 23 individuals believed to be involved with an online gambling syndicate in two luxury condominiums here, which lured customers through social media.