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Gambling activities on high seas
Following is a question by the Hon Chim Pui-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
of the current number of passenger vessels based in Hong Kong which carry passengers from Hong Kong to the high seas to take part in gambling activities on board such vessels;
whether it has considered introducing legislation to control gambling activities which take place on board such vessels outside the waters of Hong Kong; and whether there is any legislation regulating the provision of entertainment, food and beverage as well as steam bath activities on board such vessels; and
whether it has received complaints about betting on horse races of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club through illegal bookmaking on board such vessels; if so, how the authorities concerned have handled such complaints?
Answer:
Mr President,
My reply to the question is as follows:
(a)
According to our knowledge, there are two vessels which carry passengers from Hong Kong to the high seas on which gambling activities have reportedly taken place. As the reported vessels are not registered in Hong Kong, any such activities on board these vessels in international waters are not subject to Hong Kong laws (please see (b) below);