Press Report: How Will the Chinese Government End the Era of High-Stakes Gambling?

This article on gambling alleges that some 600 billion yuan (US $72.49 billion) annually has been flowing out of China into gambling venues in Hong Kong, Macao, and outside of China. The writer says that the CCP's Central Disciplinary and Inspection Commission moved in January 2005 to stem the growing problem by making it clear that the Party will dismiss members and cadres whom authorities catch gambling. The Party evidently will treat members and cadres who gamble outside China even more strictly, according to the article. Government and Party concern stems not only from the significant cash outflow but also from notorious recent cases of prominent officials who have been prosecuted for using public funds to gamble in Macao and elsewhere.