This document has been prepared as background information pack to equip readers with a grasp on the world of gambling, particularly in relation to horse racing in Hong Kong as compared to other parts of the world. More details are available on the Internet websites, addresses of which are provided for easy reference in the Appendix.

In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that any gaming legislation must come under pressure, both internal and external. The traditional market forces for regulating the gaming markets has been disturbed by the fast changes in technology and in the ever-changing participants' perceptions and expectations.

With the advent of the Internet, the fast pace of development on the gaming and gambling market over the last decade has given rise to the need for redefining "gaming" and gambling. The fundamental question remains to define the differences between gaming, gambling, and contests, between public and private gaming, promotional games, contests, and gambling involving a stake in cash.