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| The illegal casino was was operated in a unit at this block on King's Road. |
Seven Filipinos are among 15 people being investigated by Hong Kong police after they were arrested in a raid on an
illegal gambling den in North Point on Dec 7.
All 15 have been released on police bail. None has yet been
charged, the Police Public Relations Branch told The SUN.
She said the raid was conducted by officers of the Special
Duty Squad of the Eastern District Police on a flat at 351 King’s Road.
The officers arrested a 29-year-old local man suspected of
operating the illegal casino. he PPRB spokeswoman did not identify the arrested
people, but said they comprised 8 men and 7 women.
Aside from the 7 Filipinos, those nabbed were five locals, a
Thai and a mainland Chinese man. The suspects are aged 23 to 59, the
spokeswoman said.
The raiding team also seized 2 gaming machines, game cards
and $3,000 in cash.
A local newspaper, quoting a police source, said the illegal
casino was suspected to be run by a triad group.
The suspects were instructed to report back to the police in
early January next year, the spokeswoman said.
Any type of gambling is illegal in this city although the
government allows betting on horse racing, football and Mark Six lottery draws
being held regularly by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to raise funds for charity.
Also exempted from the ban are services licensed by the Home
Affairs Bureau such as mahjong parlors and social gambling.
Those who accept bets illegally are subject to a maximum
penalty of $5 million and imprisonment of up to seven years. Those who
participate in illegal gambling are subject to a maximum penalty of $30,000 and
a prison term of up to nine months.
