World | China China Test-Runs 'Immoral' Horse Betting Horse racing returns to mainland for first time since Communist victory By Rob Quinn Posted Jan 3, 2009 11:02 AM CST Copied Chinese spectators watch a trial horse racing event in which they could bet on four races at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in Wuhan, China, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Color China Photo) China is taking slow and cautious steps towards unlocking its huge betting market, the Economist reports. Gamblers at a Wuhan racecourse recently became the first people allowed to try their luck on the horses since the Communists outlawed gambling in 1949—although a winning pick only rewarded customers 20 lottery scratch cards and a chance of scoring $4,500. One researcher says a horse betting industry would create millions of jobs and help Beijing reclaim some of the estimated $700 billion lost to illegal gambling. Hardliners still label gambling an immoral throwback to colonial times, although Wuhan's newly converted racegoers dismiss the morality debate. "No matter if it is a white cat or a black cat; as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat," said one. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies That 'buy now, pay later' loan may soon hit your credit score. Tillis, who opposes Trump bill, won't seek reelection. Report an error