Hong Kong police arrest adult actress over online gambling promotions
Erena So Hoi-lam is accused of promoting gambling on social media platforms.
Hong Kong.- Police have arrested adult actress and model Erena So Hoi-lam for allegedly promoting an unlicensed online gambling platform through social media advertisements. The arrest was made on Thursday, June 25, by officers from the West Kowloon regional crime unit following an investigation into an offshore betting website suspected of using local personalities to attract customers.
Police said So was detained in Sham Shui Po and later released on bail. She is required to report back to authorities in late July as investigations continue.
The case relates to promotional videos posted on social media platforms to promote a website that does not hold a gambling licence in Hong Kong. The site allegedly offers a range of gambling products, including sports betting, slot games, card games, e-sports wagering and live-dealer casino services. The platform identifies So as one of its brand ambassadors.
Under Hong Kong’s Gambling Ordinance, promoting or facilitating betting activities without authorisation is a criminal offence. Convictions can result in fines of up to HK$5m (US$637,000) and prison sentences of up to seven years. So has denied encouraging gambling, stating that the advertisements were intended for audiences in other Asian markets.
