East Week magazine interviewed Mr Gordon Chan regarding the emergence of pinball machines in Hong Kong that may involve an element of gambling.
In an interview with East Week magazine, Mr Gordon Chan discussed the potential gambling element in the design of some pinball machines.
Under the Gambling Ordinance (Cap 148), playing a “game of chance” and a “game of chance and skill combined” for winnings in money or other property amounts to gambling. Under section 19, if gambling equipment (such as dice) is found in any premises, there is a presumption that such premise is a gambling establishment. If a machine incorporates a design akin to a dice, it also tends to indicate that it is gambling equipment. Those who played the machines may have committed an offence under section 6 for gambling in a gambling establishment.
Like the emerging trend of claw machines incorporating a gambling element, the same can be said for pinball machines. One must be cautious about machines that seem to be used for gambling.
Gordon Chan, Esq
Barrister-at-law, Archbold Hong Kong Editor on Public Health, and Member of the Bar Association's Committee on Criminal Law and Procedure. Specialised in medical, technology and criminal law.
