Dong Hui/Shanghai Daily news

Fifty-seven members of an illegal gambling ring were arrested by city police at a cricket fight last Monday. More than 520,000 yuan (US$76,005) was found at the scene, making this the biggest cricket gambling bust so far this year.

Cricket fighting - a popular pastime dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) - is flourishing in the city, especially among middle-aged unemployed men. Local enthusiasts can buy the insects in about 20 flower and bird markets in the city.