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Hong Kong Gambling Bill to Pass21 May 2002HONG KONG – As reported by the China Daily: "With the support of major political parties, the Gambling (Amendment) Bill is expected to be passed when it is tabled for a third reading by the Legislative Council (LegCo) tomorrow. "The revised Gambling Ordinance is due to come into effect nine days before the 2002 World Cup Finals Tournament, which kicks off in Japan on May 31. The aim is to combat illegal bookmaking in Hong Kong. "The bill contains a new, important extra-territorial element in respect of the offences of bookmaking and betting with a bookmaker to combat unauthorized cross-border gambling. "It outlaws bookmaking and betting with bookmakers even though bets are received outside Hong Kong unless the transactions take place wholly outside the territory. "…Under the new Section 16A, the bill makes it unlawful for a person to keep any premises or place for the conduct of cash-sweeps on horse or dog races and similar activities. "The bill also prohibits local TV and radio stations from broadcasting any forecasts, odds or tips on offshore horse or dog races within 12 hours of the start of an event by virtue of the new Section 16D. "…Only when police have reason to suspect people are involved in illegal bookmaking will they apply for court warrants to seize the relevant information but the procedure is subject to very strict internal guidelines, said Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Stephen Fisher…" |