TNAG-1555-FCO40-2119-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 123

6.95

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But the fact remains that it is a major source of funds for triads and indirectly contributes to the level of violent crime. Two opposite but not mutually exclusive strategies may be considered to overcome the problem

(a) to legalise more forms of gambling; and

(b)

to tighten up and increase the

penalties available for being involved in all facets of illegal gambling.

More legal gambling

6.96

One way to reduce the triad influence in gambling is to make more gambling legal. There would then be no need for the activity to take place underground. Options could include

(a) more outlets and more flexible outlets

for betting on horse racing in Hong Kong;

(b)

(c)

(d)

legalising betting in Hong Kong on trotting in Macau;

legalising betting in Hong Kong on dog racing and jai lai in Macau; and

legalising casino type operations in Hong Kong.

6.97 But the fact that many forms of gambling are illegal is not the only reason that triads are able to operate and make large profits. The illegal establishments offer credit [their main attaction] and as their overheads are considerably less than legal gambling establishments, their pay-outs are more attractive. So illegal gambling will still have attractions, whatever legal outlets are available.

Tougher offences for illegal gambling

6.98

The Gambling Ordinance, Chapter 148, deals with illegal gambling. Experience has shown that in general the level of sentences handed down is low. They simply do not provide a deterrent; on the one hand to the operators or managers of casino type operations and bookmakers, and on the other hand to punters. A number of options is available to toughen the laws