The Hong Kong Police Force has warned domestic workers not to participate in any gambling activities in public places as it is illegal.
A letter issued by the police force to the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions said it had received complaints about domestic workers gambling illegally in Central, hongkongnews.com.hk reported.
This had taken place in Chater Garden, Lambeth Walk Garden (the garden beside Chater Garden going to Admiralty), near the Murray Road Multi-Story Carpark Building, and under the footbridge connecting Murray Road and Chater Road (the footbridge beside Chater Garden).
“The police have received a number of complaints against Filipino domestic helpers suspected of participating in unlawful gambling activities [at these] locations in Central district,” the letter said.
Regardless of how much money is involved, any gambling activity in a place that is not licensed for that purpose, be it in the street or an unauthorized gambling establishment, in Hong Kong is a violation of the law.
Any person operating an unlicensed gambling establishment is liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of HK$5 million (US$637,000) and up to seven years’ imprisonment.
Any person caught gambling in any place other than a licensed gambling establishment or in a public area is liable to prosecution and a fine of HK$10,000 and to imprisonment for three months on the first conviction.
Card games, chess, or other games may be played but there should be no money or other bets involved.