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| The Consulate advisory against illegal gambling |
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has reminded Filipinos in Hong Kong that it is illegal to manage unauthorized gambling establishments or engage in gambling outside of a licensed gambling establishment, “whatever the amount.”
The warning came
after police confirmed the arrest of six people, four women and two men aged 35
to 61 years old, for illegal gambling on Chater Road in Central on Sunday,
April 19.
Cash amounting to
$1,400 and a batch of gambling equipment were seized during the operation.
Eyewitnesses said those
arrested were Filipinos and they were led away from the scene in handcuffs, in
full view of a large number of people who were in the vicinity at the time.
The area where
they were allegedly caught gambling was seen being sealed off for further
investigation.
Several areas in
Central are known blackspots for illegal gambling by Filipino migrant workers,
especially on Sundays. These include a stairway on Murray Road near Chater
Garden, and the perimeter of City Hall
The arrest was
among at least three carried out over the past several days by police who used
drones for the first time to catch the suspects engaging in illegal street
gambling.
One was in Chung
On Estate in Ma On Shan, which resulted in the arrest of eight people and the
seizure of $420 in cash, along with some gambling equipment.
The other one was
in Tsuen Wan where 12 elderly suspects were arrested, including a 91-year-old
man. Seized from them was $451 cash and some gambling paraphernalia.
Police said in a
news conference that it will strengthen patrol to crack down on illegal street
gambling.
All gambling activities
in Hong Kong are illegal unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed
mahjong parlors, restaurants and clubhouses.
Illegal gambling
is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$5
million.
