XCC (86)137
74
(a)
Page
22
From the above, it is inferred that :-
in the last three years, there were about 3,000 raids involving some 2,000 individual locations. Over 10,000 persons were charged under the Gambling Ordinance and the amount of cash seized ranged from $2 million to $3 million a year;
(b) gambling in unlicensed premises (i.e. in premises other than mahjong houses and registered societies etc.) and casino-type gambling were the primary targets of Police action, which suggests that these activities were still popular with a certain sector of the public. The amount of cash seized does not necessarily reflect the size of illegal operations as casino operators, besides allowing betting on credit, also ensure that excess cash is removed to avoid confiscation during a raid;
(c) illegal bookmaking on horses involved
substantial sums of money based intelligence.
About
280
locations were raided in 1985, nearly 490 in 1982; and
on Police individual compared
to
(d) bookmaking on Macau grey-hound racing and illegal lotteries were far less active in Hong Kong. Similarly, there had been a noticeable reduction in street gambling activities in 1985.
are
In summary, there are grounds for believing that, all in all, illegal gambling activities
under better control than before, although they
they remain а
serious problem. There is therefore no room for complacency and the Administration actively considering measures to improve present controls.
Financial and staffing implications
75
There are no financial or staffing implications.
Public reaction
76
is
aware of
It is believed that the public are Government's policy and procedures for approving the Club's proposals for expanding its betting facilities and have to date not indicated any unease. It is expected that the Government's reaffirmation to disallow new forms of betting will be generally welcomed. However, there may be some pressure from social workers, educationalists and District Board members for more positive measures to reduce gambling opportunities.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.