Poker in HK - still illegal?

Does anyone know if gambling is still illegal in HK?

If it isn't, does anyone know of any good places for poker tournaments?

Cap. 148, Sec 3.


GAMBLING AND LOTTERIES UNLAWFUL


(1) Save as provided in subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8), gambling is unlawful.


(2) Gaming is lawful if the game is played on a social occasion in private premises and is not promoted or conducted by way of trade or business or for the private gain of any person otherwise than to the extent of a person's winnings as a player of or at the game.


(3) Gaming is lawful if the game is one in which dice, dominoes, mahjong or tin kau tiles, or playing cards are used and-

(a) the game is played on a social occasion in-

(i) premises licensed as a restaurant under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132); (Amended 10 of 1986 s. 32(1))

(ii) premises where intoxicating liquor is sold pursuant to a licence or other authorization granted under any Ordinance; or

(iii) a club-house in respect of which either of the conditions indicated in section 4(2) of the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance (Cap 376) has been satisfied; (Replaced 38 of 1994 s. 3)

(b) a fee is not charged for admission to such premises;

(ba) the game is not played by any person in charge of, managing or involved in the operation of the premises or the club-house or employed at the premises or the club-house; (Added 38 of 1994 s. 3)

(c) the game does not involve playing against a bank kept by one or more of the players exclusively of the others; and

(d) the game is not promoted or conducted by way of trade or business, or for the private gain of any person otherwise than to the extent of a person's winnings as a player of or at the game.


(4) Gaming is lawful if the game is one in which mahjong or tin kau tiles are used and-

(a) it is played in-

(i) premises licensed as a restaurant under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132); or

(ii) a club-house in respect of which either of the conditions indicated in section 4(2) of the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance (Cap 376) has been satisfied; (Replaced 38 of 1994 s. 3)

(b) a fee is not charged for admission to the premises;

(ba) the game is not played by any person in charge of, managing or involved in the operation of the premises or the club-house or employed at the premises or the club-house; (Added 38 of 1994 s. 3)

(c) the game does not involve playing against a bank kept by one or more of the players exclusively of the others; and (Amended 38 of 1994 s. 3)

(d) the game is not promoted or conducted by way of trade or business in the premises, otherwise than to the extent of the charging of a fee not exceeding the prescribed amount for the hire of any set of tiles, or for the private gain of any person otherwise than to the extent of a person's winnings as a player of or at the game.


(5) Gaming is lawful if the game is-

(a) a game of amusement with prizes;

(b) a game of tombola; or

(c) a trade promotion competition,

the organization and conduct of which is authorized by licence under section 22.


(6) Gaming is lawful if-

(a) the game is one in which mahjong or tin kau tiles are used; and

(b) it is played in premises licensed for the purpose under section 22.


(7) Betting is lawful if the bet is made between persons none of whom is thereby committing an offence under section 7.


(8) Gambling is lawful to the extent that it is authorized by or under the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap 562) or the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap 108). (Amended 48 of 2000 s. 44)

Thats not strictly true, once all monies exchanged is between the players and the establishment is not making any money from it then I understand is perfectly legal.


There are a growing number of poker games popping up all across Hong Kong