China to shut down foreign gambling websites

[World News]: Beijing, Jan 12 : China will shut down online foreign gambling sites as part of a nation-wide campaign to curb rampant anti-social activities. The government will launch a relentless strike to crack down on rampant gambling and punish gamblers, government officials and state-owned company executives in particular, Zhou Yongkang, Minister of Public Security, said. Speaking at a national teleconference here yesterday, Zhou urged police departments across the country to work jointly in a battle against gambling, which has "seriously undermined socio-economic development and fundamental interests of the people." The campaign will mainly focus on regions where gambling is rampant. Ruling Communist Party and government officials, besides state-owned organisation chiefs, found to be involved in gambling activities, will receive heavier punishments, he said. Zhou listed gambling in foreign lands, on-line gambling and illegal lottery as the major targets of the strike, highlighting that "the campaign will try to block the channels through which many Chinese go abroad for gambling". Offices and gambling websites set up by foreign gambling companies will also be shut down, he said. The Ministry also released three hotlines and a website for people to report gambling activities to the police, Xinhua news agency reported. PTI