Jockey Club open day criticised for helping to foster 'unhealthy interest' in gambling among children
Anti-gambling groups attacked the Hong Kong Jockey Club yesterday after it presided over an open day at the Sha Tin racecourse that attracted thousands of children.
The groups said the children and teenagers, who jumped and cheered while watching the races, would develop an unhealthy interest in gambling through the experience.
But the Jockey Club defended the event, saying the open day was held simply to give families and young people a chance to celebrate the National Day together - despite the holiday having been two days earlier.
The carnival, which featured games stalls and performances by singers as well as the racing, attracted 48,000 adults and 7,200 children.
It was only the second time people under the age of 18 had been allowed at a racecourse in Hong Kong.