Monday, Jan. 13, 2003 | 9:47 a.m.
HONG KONG -- About 3,000 people marched in downtown Hong Kong Sunday to protest a government plan to legalize soccer betting, claiming it would encourage gambling -- especially among the young.
After holding a rally at a park, the protesters marched to the nearby government headquarters chanting, "We oppose soccer gambling for the future generation." They then handed a petition to officials.
However, the proposed plan, which will go to the Legislature later this year, would ban underaged betting and limit gambling advertising.
The Rev. Wu Chi-wai, head of the Christian Anti-Soccer Betting Alliance, which organized the protest, said there was "still a strong voice in Hong Kong" against soccer gambling.
The government's policymaking Executive Council endorsed the betting plan in November.
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