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Following is a question by the Hon Tam Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, in the Legislative Council today (February 15):
Question:
I have received requests for assistance from members of the public who suspect that their children have been cheated into gambling and threatened by loansharks to repay the gambling debts. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of cases handled by the Police in each of the past three years in which people were suspected to have been cheated into gambling and, among such cases, the respective numbers of those which occurred within and outside Hong Kong as well as involving victims who were minors;
(b) whether the cases mentioned in (a) are on an upward trend; if so, of the reasons for that; and
(c) of the measures to prevent members of the public, in particular young people, from being cheated into gambling, so as to enhance the protection of the interests and safety of the public?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) In 2003, 2004 and 2005, the Police recorded a total of 14, 13 and 11 local cases of deception in gambling and blackmail relating to deception in gambling. None of the victims in these cases was non-adult. The Police do not maintain separate statistics regarding those reported cases of deception in gambling which occurred outside Hong Kong and where Police assistance was sought.
(b) Figures over the past three years indicate that these cases are rather few and do not suggest a rising trend.
(c) The Administration will closely monitor the trend of these cases and step up enforcement actions when necessary. Besides, on the public education front, the Administration has been implementing measures, including producing different TV and radio commercials, posters, banners and TV docu-dramas, to educate the public and young people about the adverse consequences of engaging in excessive and illegal gambling, and to enhance public awareness and understanding of gambling-related problems. In addition, through the education campaign entitled "Say No to Gambling Action", anti-gambling educational materials are provided through an on-line portal to primary and secondary school students. Interactive dramas, creative competitions and concerts have also been organised to enhance young people's understanding of the risks and problems of gambling.
Ends/Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:31
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