Did police find gambling at the Victoria Park fair stall?

No. Police said the people inside were mainland visitors playing cards. No gambling tools or cash pools were found, and no offences were confirmed. The case was treated as a misunderstanding, and normal operations at the Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fair continued.

What does the fair’s crowd say about HK holiday spending?

Packed walkways near midnight and reports of sell-outs suggest steady demand for festive goods. That points to resilient HK holiday spending across nearby shops and eateries. Investors can watch restocking pace and extended hours to gauge whether momentum carries through the remaining holiday days.

Is there added regulatory risk for vendors this week?

Based on police statements, no offences were found at the stall in question, and the focus remains safety and crowd order. We do not see signs of broad crackdowns tied to the fair this week, but vendors should still follow guidance and check official notices.

Which sectors could benefit from strong fair turnout?

Foot traffic at the Victoria Park fair can lift sales for F&B, convenience stores, quick-service dining, and transport around Causeway Bay. Hotels and cosmetics retailers may benefit if mainland visitor flow holds up. Watch queues, sell-outs, and payments data to size short-term upside.

Law and Government

Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fair 2026: Police Clarify Rumors — February 17

ByDanny Kontos February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

At the Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fair, police clarified online rumors on February 17: a sealed stall at the Victoria Park fair involved mainland visitors playing cards, not gambling. Officers found no illegal betting and lifted the concern after checks, helping keep the event on track. Despite the scare, midnight crowds stayed heavy and many vendors sold out. For investors, strong foot traffic points to steady HK holiday spending and tourism demand, with minimal regulatory disruption to retail this week.