Hello akqjt,
It would indeed be illegal even for non-citizens to conduct illegal
gambling, if they are a resident of Hong Kong. All Hong Kong residents
are equal under the law.
"A special administrative region of China since 2000, Hong Kong in May
2002 passed a law making it illegal for its citizens to place bets
with anyone other than the officially sanctioned Hong Kong Jockey
Club, which generates 11 percent of the government?s tax revenue each
year though its horse racing, lottery and soccer betting operations."
--MSNBC
"Internet gambling making waves in Asia"
Feb 26, 2004
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4311924/
Violation is an offense which can invoke a fine up to 30,000 Hong Kong
dollars ($3,847) and nine months' imprisonment. This is for all
citizens of Hong Kong.
But are all residents citizens? According to the Basic Law, they are
all treated equally and subject to Hong Kong laws.
Hong Kong law provides that all residents, permanent and
non-permanent, are equal before the law.
Hong Kong Civil Service Newsletter
http://www.csb.gov.hk/hkgcsb/csn/csn66/eng/basiclaw/bsiclaw01.htm
"Article 24 of the Basic Law clearly defines ?Hong Kong residents?
(including permanent residents and non-permanent residents). Permanent
residents of the HKSAR shall have the right to vote and the right to
stand for election in accordance with law. Hong Kong residents have
freedom to enter or leave the Region; freedom of speech, of the press
and of publication; freedom of association, of assembly, of procession
and of demonstration; freedom of religious belief; freedom of choice
of educational institutionsand freedom to pursue their education; the
right and freedom to form and join trade unions, and to strike; and
the right to institute legal proceedings in the courts against the
acts of the executive authorities and their personnel."
The complete text of Article 24 can be found on this website:
"The Basic Law" from the Hong Kong Government
http://www.info.gov.hk/basic_law/fulltext/index.htm
Additional sources:
"Hong Kong Cybercafes Target Of Gambling Crackdown"
Newsbytes News Network, May 9, 2002 by Adam Creed
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NEW/is_2002_May_9/ai_85596080
Basic Law of Hong Kong-- Wikipedia entry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_Law_of_Hong_Kong
Basic Law- Full Text
http://www.info.gov.hk/basic_law/fulltext/index.htm
Search terms:
hong kong residents illegal gambling
hong kong non-permanent residents law
article 24 basic law hong kong resident
If you need any additional help or clarification before rating, let me
know and I'll be glad to assist you.
Cheers,
--keystroke-ga |
