Mingpao interviewed Mr Gordon Chan regarding the thriving of pinball machine shops in Hong Kong and issues concerning gambling.
In an interview with Mingpao, Mr Gordon Chan discussed the regulatory issues concerning gambling and entertainment licensing arising from the flourishing of pinball machine shops.
Following the High Court’s 2022 judgment, there are uncertainties for claw machine shops regarding the public entertainment licence regulatory regime and gambling. Soon after, pinball machine shops flourished in Hong Kong amid not dissimilar uncertainties.
Even if certain machines are not subject to a public entertainment license, they might still be regarded as gambling under the Gambling Ordinance (Cap 172) as long as the player may win money or other properties. Even if the winning is in the form of credit, chips, or points, it is no defence by virtue of section 17 of the Ordinance.
For pinball players, visiting licensed parlours is the best bet against risk in illegal gambling. Apart from displaying the business registration, a licensed place of public entertainment with an Amusements with Prizes Licence would give these players confidence.
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.
