Foreword
by Sir James Hodge, British Consul-General

Continued Debate for Gambling is Welcome, but should be Informed

To each sporting activity there is a season. In the UK autumn/winter is rugby/football; spring/summer is cricket/rowing. But year-round there is racing, whether National Hunt (over jumps) or on the flat. The "Sport of Kings" has been popular in Britain since the 18th Century: Members of the British Royal Family have been enthusiastic race-goers, and owners – with success in the latter capacity.

Racing, and other sporting activities, bring support from, and debate among, spectators as to who will win. That's natural; it's part of the pleasure of sport. That enthusiasm can translate itself into a desire to wager money on the outcome of a sporting endeavour. Gambling is an issue about which there has been, and no doubt will continue to be, endless debate. Some don't approve at all: I respect their views. Others think regulation makes sense, to help to ensure a level playing field, a good sporting concept, and to bring revenue, properly planned, to governments. These issues have been debated in Hong Kong and no doubt will continue to be.

Debate should be informed. That's why I welcome this volume by Paul Kan about e-gambling, currently a "hot topic" in Hong Kong. He presents the issues interestingly and informatively. And he includes British Home Office (Interior Ministry) material on the subject: well worth a read.

Mark, read, inwardly digest – and join the debate.

Sir James Hodge
British Consul-General
Hong Kong
28 June 2002

(This is the original English version)