The Hong Kong government is dealing with an issue that's familiar to several other nations of late: the legalization of certain types of gambling activities.
While the Hong Kong Jockey Club has long been authorized to provide the only two legal gambling activities available to the island's residents, horse racing and the Mark VI lottery, many Hong Kong residents love to bet illegally on soccer.
The government estimates that between 120,000 to 340,000 residents have gambled on the sport, generating annual betting turnover of at least $20 billion. With the next World Cup Finals in June 2002 to be held in Japan and South Korea, the Hong Kong government foresees illegal soccer betting increasing dramatically. As a result, the government has begun taking a closer look at whether soccer betting should be legalized or not, and if so, how it should be handled.
The government addressed this problem in its "Gambling Review Consultation Paper," released June 21, 2001, which is available for viewing at IGN.
The Home Affairs Bureau requested that all interested parties send in their comments by September 21, 2001. Written comments can be sent via post to Home Affairs Bureau, (Attn.: Division V), 31/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong or via fax to 2591 6002 (Attn.: Division V). Commentary may also be submitted via email to greview@hab.gcn.gov.hk.
HONG KONG GAMBLING REVIEW CONSULTATION PAPER:
Consultation Paper, Explanatory Leaflet
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Annex for Consultation Paper
The Gambling Review Consultation Paper is a copyrighted document, republished on IGN with permission from the Home Affairs Bureau. The original document was made available online at http://www.info.gov.hk/hab/new/gamble_e2.htm.