Street Gamblers
Photograph by John Thomson
In the late 19th century gambling was popular
throughout southern China. Government legislation aimed at banning
it did not contain the problem; on the contrary it forced gamblers
to go underground, and the result was an increase in corruption and
crime. Gambling was not confined to gambling houses, for it also
took place in clubs and private homes. For the poor labouring
class, the streets were a common venue for it.