【社評雙語道】杜絕非法賭博 社媒有責
原文
摘錄自6月8日香港《文匯報》：四年一度的世界盃將於本周開踢，各國勁旅將在足球場上演精彩賽事，除了吸引一眾球迷外，線上非法賭博平台也在蠢蠢欲動，意圖通過各種渠道引人投注。網上賭博形式五花八門，除了容易使人沉迷，更是觸犯本港法例。
警方已展開「戈壁」及「風盾」行動，加強預防、教育和執法，呼籲市民在享受賽事的同時，不要參與非法賭博。不過，遏止賭風，除了依靠執法力量，社交平台及通訊軟件也應擔起自身責任，堵截所有非法賭博信息，締造純潔無害的觀賽環境。
自從賭波之風興起，每逢重要賽事，非法賭博風氣尤為熾熱。2024年歐國盃舉辦期間，警方的反非法賭博行動，就拘捕了735名涉嫌干犯賭博罪行的人，而2022年世界盃期間則拘捕了1,104人。根據法例，任何人在並非由馬會或麻將館等獲發牌批准的博彩場所或網站進行賭博活動，不論是投注、收受賭注、經營場所或平台，均屬犯法，就算賭博平台在海外經營，在本港通過線上投注同樣犯法。
網上賭博往往以玩法多和高賠率作招徠，又以「投注送獎金」等「糖衣毒藥」進行包裝和宣傳，部分人特別是年輕人抱着「以小博大」心態投注，由「一試無妨」、「朋友叫到不好意思拒絕」、「世界盃期間湊熱鬧」開始，漸漸不能自拔。
染上賭癮禍害無窮，包括欠債、影響家庭關係、學業退步，如果參與非法網上外圍，更有機會負上刑責。近年網上賭博平台改以網上銀行或虛擬貨幣進行結算，也有平台通過通訊群組，建立「投注貼士群組」或投放廣告吸引人們投注。
非法賭博特別是足球博彩信息對青少年影響尤深。有研究指出，如果在18歲之前已參與賭博活動，日後出現賭博失調的風險高達八成以上，如果在12歲前已開始接觸賭博，風險可能增加4倍。
特區政府在世界盃舉行前夕多管齊下打擊非法賭博，除了嚴厲執法外，警方、民政及青年事務局，以及平和基金、各區滅罪委員會等，都進入校園和社區進行教育工作，讓青少年認識非法賭博的禍害。
不過，除了特區政府和志願組織，社交媒體同樣需要負起社會和法律責任，建立更有效堵截不法信息的「防火牆」，防範自身被利用為散播非法賭博信息的渠道。一些曾涉及非法投注和收受賭注的賬戶，也應被封鎖。
足球本來是有益身心的運動項目，倘若淪為非法賭博平台斂財的工具、誤導年輕人沉迷賭博，實非體育界和社會所樂見，各持份者都要齊心合力，令大家遠離賭博。
譯文
Social Media Must Take Responsibility to Eradicate Illegal Gambling
The quadrennial World Cup kicks off this week. Powerhouse nations from around the world will showcase spectacular matches on the football pitch, attracting not only football fans but also online illegal gambling platforms to stir into action, seeking to lure people into placing bets through various channels. Online gambling takes many forms; not only is it highly addictive, but it is also a direct breach of Hong Kong law.
The police have launched "Operations CROWBEAK and WINDSHIELD" to strengthen prevention, education and enforcement, urging the public to refrain from participating in illegal gambling while enjoying the matches. However, curbing the gambling trend cannot rely solely on law enforcement. Social media platforms and messaging applications should also shoulder their responsibilities by blocking all illegal gambling information and helping to create a clean and harmless viewing environment.
Since betting on football became widespread, illegal gambling activity has surged during every major tournament. During UEFA Euro 2024, police anti-illegal gambling operations resulted in the arrest of 735 individuals for gambling-related offences, while 1,104 people were arrested during the 2022 World Cup. Under the law, any gambling activity conducted outside licensed establishments or websites—such as those authorised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlours—is illegal. This includes placing bets, accepting wagers, or operating gambling venues or platforms. Even if the platform operates overseas, placing bets online from Hong Kong remains unlawful.
Online gambling often lures people with a wide range of gameplay and high odds. It wraps and promotes itself in sugar-coated poison, such as " bonus rewards for betting". Some people, especially young people, bet with the mentality of "winning big with a small stake". It starts with "there's no harm in trying", "feeling bad about turning down a friend", or "joining in the fun during the World Cup", before they gradually find themselves addicted and unable to break free.
The consequences of gambling addiction are severe, including debt, strained family relationships, and declining academic performance. Participation in illegal online gambling operations may also result in criminal liability. In recent years, online gambling platforms have shifted to using online banking or cryptocurrencies for settlement, while some have set up "betting tips groups" on messaging platforms or used advertisements to entice participants.
Illegal gambling, especially football betting information, has a particularly profound impact on young people. Studies show that individuals who engage in gambling before the age of 18 have a risk of over 80% of developing gambling disorders later in life. If exposure begins before the age of 12, the risk may increase fourfold.
Ahead of the World Cup, the Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to combat illegal gambling. In addition to strict enforcement, the police, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Ping Wo Fund, and District Fight Crime Committees have entered schools and communities to conduct educational initiatives, helping young people understand the dangers of illegal gambling.
However, beyond the Government and voluntary organisations, social media also needs to fulfil its social and legal responsibilities. It should establish more effective "firewalls" to block unlawful information and prevent itself from being used as a channel for disseminating illegal gambling content. Accounts previously involved in illegal betting activities or accepting wagers should also be banned. Football is inherently a healthy sport that benefits both mind and body. If it becomes a tool for illegal gambling platforms to amass profits and mislead young people into addiction, it is certainly not what the sports sector or society wishes to see. All stakeholders must work together to keep the public away from gambling.
●Tiffany
