Hong Kong Will Not Block Illegal Gambling Sites

Sunday September 21,2014 :  HONG KONG NO ILLEGAL GAMBLING SITE BLOCKING
 
Government says it will respect freedom of access to information
 
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Hong Kong Home Affairs Bureau will respect its citizen's "freedom to access information" and would not consider "going down Singapore's road" by blocking illegal gambling websites.
 
The statement comes amid increasing calls for more stringent measures against illegal gambling operators and their perceived links to organised crime.
 
The Bureau, ultimately responsible for Hong Kong gaming law, said it would continue to utilise a multipronged strategy that includes regulation, law enforcement, public education and the provision of counselling and treatment services."
 
Hong Kong authorities reported a massive increase in illegal betting during the World Cup, saying HK$350 million in confiscated illegal betting records was recorded, a seven-fold increase on the amount seized during the first four months of the year and most of it was conducted online or through telephone betting.
 
Martin Purbrick, director or security and integrity at the Hong Kong Jockey Club said of online betting, a key potential area of international expansion for the Club, "In Hong Kong, bets with illegal online gaming sites are popular for their high margins and evasion of tax."