Casinos
New rivals for Sentosa
Now Hong Kong wants it, maybe China, too. By Seah Chiang Nee.
Dec 8, 2004

Hong Kong - Even before the Singapore government gives its official nod, Sentosa's proposed casino may soon spark off a similar trend - and strong rivalry - in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Even the communist giant is thinking the once unthinkable - moving into the casino industry - partly to keep money from flowing out.

I have just returned from a brief visit to Hong Kong where I was told that Beijing University will co-host an international conference on gambling this week.

This itself is a milestone because Mao Zedong had denounced this activity as a "bad social custom from a landlord era."

Analysts say it may well be the prelude to start casinos. After all, Macau which now belongs to China, is already booming from it.

So probably will Hong Kong.

In an editorial, the Sunday Morning Post, two days ago said: "The bid to launch a Las Vegas-style casino in Hong Kong is back after the idea was rejected by Tung Chee Wah."

The major English newspaper says it deserves serious consideration. "There is no reason why Hong Kong should not have a casino, so long as adequate measures are put in place to help gambling addicts."

This time, said the Post, the push for a glitzy entertainment complex pandering to high rollers is coming from Hong Kong's Liberal Party.

But, it said, the current proposal is seriously flawed. "If we do create a gambling palace, it should be open to all - not just to tourists."

Singapore's planned casino-entertainment project is believed to be part-cause of the renewed interest here.

Besides, Britain is also planning to relax its gambling rules, which could result in a string of casinos.

Both Britain and Singapore have encountered a strong backlash from anti-gambling activists, and it will be no exception in Hong Kong.

But Hong Kong's Liberal Party chief Tien Pei-chun argues that a casino should be built in order to boost the economy. It could attract more tourists to the city and create much-needed employment.

It might be bad news for Macau, though, just as the Sentosa project is worrying Genting.

The number of Hong Kongers travelling to to gamble in Macau's 15 casinos round-the-clock, including the big, brand new Sands, is astronomical.

The Post says that a new casino in Hong Kong should be required to establish an on-site counseling service for problem gamblers.

Hong Kongers are among the world's heaviest gamblers on a per capita basis.

I took a walk around Yau Mah Tei's small public park and saw a large banner across its side which read: "Don't let gambling ruin your life" and gives out a Gambling Counseling Hotline.

'Everyone in this part of the world is thinking about starting a casino," said an academic specialising on gambling. "It would be totally amazing if Beijing is not at least considering it."

By Seah Chiang Nee