Technology in Hong Kong

Kaplan, Michael. “The High Tech Trifecta.” Wired. Oct. 2003 Web. Oct. 2003

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In this article Michael Kaplan writes about the use of gaming technology in Hong Kong.He reports on their multimillion-dollar deals that are made on their hand-held wagering machines. Kaplan’s point of view in this article is that the evidence suggests that the future of gambling in Hong Kong and all of China will be determined by the new technology. This article deals mostly with betting on horse racing which is built around a pari-mutuel system. The Chinese use custom-tailored software programs to determine the odds. They have computer teams that pick winners based on past performances. The teams are usually headed up by Westerners or Australians because the Chinese tend to emphasize fate and numerology. Kaplan also quotes one source as saying that betting on horses is getting more like stock trading. Kaplan’s viewpoint is that using these computers is the closest thing yet to a sure bet.

Kaplan’s article broadens the research question to include more than just Las Vegas casinos. The article shows how world culture is being affected by the use of the technology of on-the-fly wagering. Kaplan says that Hong Kong is the land of opportunity for those who use technology in their betting. This information will acquaint the reader with the impact this technology has had on the gambling world and the huge amounts of money involved in the racing scene. Some of these races pay six-figure dividends, and this provides great financial opportunities for the computer teams. The information about the horse’s characteristics goes into a database where it can be cross-referenced and then used to predict how that particular horse will run in any race. Kasplan’s view is that if the gaming business gets any more high tech, traditional bettors will certainly have something to worry about. He tells us that technology is changing the culture not just of this country but also the culture of the entire world.