The SAR is not a suitable place to build a casino, Vice-Premier Qian Qichen said yesterday.
He said he was worried a gambling business would lead to social difficulties and law and order problems.
The South China Morning Post revealed last month that the Government was considering the possibility of building a casino and entertainment complex.
Financial Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen visited Las Vegas two weeks ago, where he praised the entertainment industry, but said the question of building a casino needed further discussion and social consensus.
Mr Qian was speaking to delegations in Beijing for National Day. Kennedy Wong Ying-ho, one representative, said Mr Qian had cited Macau as an example of why he was against casinos.
Mr Qian said there were three major problems in Macau - the economy, gambling and law and order - and the law and order problem flowed from the casinos. He said it was time the SAR developed some 'practical industries' following speculation in the stock and property markets in recent years.
Executive Councillor Antony Leung Kam-chung backed Mr Qian's warning. He said casinos were not in line with the SAR's image as an international financial centre.
