An awful lot of hysteria has been created by rumours that government is considering a casino. What's all the fuss about? People can already gamble to their heart's content. But we have do-gooders shrieking that civilisation is in peril and the world will end if Hong Kongers are permitted anywhere near a blackjack table.
Haven't they heard of the Stock Exchange, commonly referred to as 'The Big Casino?' Don't they know jet-propelled vessels every hour carry people to the gambling halls of Macau? Haven't they seen large establishments at Happy Valley and Sha Tin with horses running about in circles; do they think 75,000 enthusiasts cram Sha Tin stands because they are animal lovers? Then there is the growing threat of illegal betting via Internet and telephone accounts to every variety of global gaming.
The row about a local casino is all a great commotion about very little. First of all, and this remains a long-odds bet if the casino plan goes ahead, it's not going to throw open its doors to naive innocents. I doubt there is an adult in Hong Kong who doesn't know how to place a wager.
I agree there is an unwelcome side to legalised gambling. That's why I think if the proposal proceeds, it must be tightly controlled. Who better to do this than the Jockey Club? It has vast experience, can handle huge amounts of money and can provide not only the venue but is well able to train staff. The top floors of the Happy Valley race course stands could be easily reconfigured as a casino on days when there is no racing at that track.
Admittedly, there are social risks. The evils perpetrated in Macau are legendary, with loan sharks cruising the gaming halls like hungry hammerheads off a bathing beach.
There is no power or law on earth that can protect stupid people from their own idiocy. But the Jockey Club has immense experience at security and there is no reason that a list of undesirables should not be maintained. Loan sharks, triad members, criminals and bankrupts, for instance, could easily be barred from entry.
As things stand, Hong Kong is in effect subsidising Macau and its plump gaming industry. It makes sense for us to provide our own venue. Surely we should be reaping the benefits ourselves rather than see a constant tidal wave of money flowing over the Pearl River to enrich the coffers of Macau.