Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

China Test-Runs 'Immoral' Horse Betting

Horse racing returns to mainland for first time since Communist victory

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 3, 2009 11:02 AM CST

(Newser) – China is taking slow and cautious steps towards unlocking its huge betting market, the Economist reports. Gamblers at a Wuhan racecourse recently became the first people allowed to try their luck on the horses since the Communists outlawed gambling in 1949—although a winning pick only rewarded customers 20 lottery scratch cards and a chance of scoring $4,500.

One researcher says a horse betting industry would create millions of jobs and help Beijing reclaim some of the estimated $700 billion lost to illegal gambling. Hardliners still label gambling an immoral throwback to colonial times, although Wuhan's newly converted racegoers dismiss the morality debate. "No matter if it is a white cat or a black cat; as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat," said one.

Chinese spectators watch a trial horse racing event  in which they could bet on four races at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in Wuhan, China, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.
Chinese spectators watch a trial horse racing event in which they could bet on four races at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in Wuhan, China, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Color China Photo)
Chinese spectators watch a trial horse racing event  in which spectators could bet on four races at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in Wuhan, China, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.
Chinese spectators watch a trial horse racing event in which spectators could bet on four races at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in Wuhan, China, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Color China Photo)
Chinese spectators watch a trial horse racing event  in which spectators could bet on four races at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in Wuhan, China, Saturday Nov. 29, 2008.
Chinese spectators watch a trial horse racing event in which spectators could bet on four races at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in Wuhan, China, Saturday Nov. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Color China Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Why Gamblers Can't Walk Away

Blair: Give China's Leaders a Break

Chinese Sad to See Bush Go

China's Economy Will Dwarf US

Foxconn Workers Vowed to Jump Off Roof in Protest


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne