SEARCH NEWS:

 

Gambling in the Park

```You aren't police, are you?'' Tommy Tsui shouted as a reporter walked over to watch him place another bet on his card game.

``It's a scene repeated all over Hong Kong, every day.

``Hordes of retired or unemployed Chinese, ranging from middle age on up, gather in the parks, playgrounds and open spaces – such as concrete areas below highway bridges – to kill their boredom by betting.

``They play cards, chess and other local favourites such as pai gow, which uses tile dominoes.

``The betting is illegal, but gambling has long been a favoured pastime of Hong Kong Chinese young and old, and the authorities rarely interfere.

``Some sociologists believe playing the games and tallying the bets can help elderly people keep their brains working, while cutting the odds they will develop Alzheimer's disease.

``...Although arrests are rare, the authorities occasionally prosecute the grey-haired gamblers..."

< Gaming News