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The Government, having consulted the Betting and Lotteries Commission, has decided to renew the licence for football betting of the HKJC Football Betting Limited for another five years with effect from July 18, 2008, a spokesman for the Home Affairs Bureau said.
The licensee is required to continue to fulfil its social responsibility of minimising the adverse impact of gambling on the community, especially on young people, and to prevent under-aged betting.
At the same time, the Government will continue to accord high priority to enhancing preventive and remedial measures to address gambling-related problems.
"Separately, we are pleased to note that the Hong Kong Jockey Club has undertaken to continue its contribution to the Ping Wo Fund up to $15 million a year for the coming five years to address gambling-related problems through public education and preventive programmes," the spokesman said.
The Ping Wo Fund was set up in 2003 to finance, among various initiatives, public education of the community in general and young people in particular on the adverse impacts of gambling; research and studies on gambling-related matters; and preventive and remedial measures to help address gambling-related problems, including the four gambling counselling and treatment centres. In addition to the contribution from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the fund also welcomes donations from the public. The Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee, which is tasked to give advice on the use and application of the Ping Wo Fund, will be consulted on how best to make more effective use of the funds.
Under the Betting Duty Ordinance, the Secretary for Home Affairs is the licensing authority for conducting football betting in Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, March 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:00
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