Hong Kong’s legislature has officially passed a bill legalizing basketball betting, marking a significant step in regulating the city’s gambling sector. With a vote of 77 in favor, two abstentions, and two against, the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for basketball betting, mirroring the model established for football betting in 2003. The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will serve as the exclusive operator, and a 50% duty on net profits will be levied on licensed betting entities.
Addressing the Rising Demand for Legal Gambling
The decision to legalize basketball betting comes amid growing concerns over illegal gambling in Hong Kong. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak emphasized that the move is a response to public demand for regulated betting options. She explained that by providing legal channels, the government aims to reduce the flow of funds to illicit gambling websites. According to Mak, “We will continue to educate the public, carry out promotional efforts, and take strict enforcement actions to combat illegal gambling.”
The illegal basketball betting market in Hong Kong has seen significant growth, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club estimating the market turnover for illicit bets to be between HK$70 billion and HK$90 billion in 2024. This illegal market involves approximately 430,000 residents participating in unregulated betting, prompting the government’s move to establish a controlled environment for betting enthusiasts.
Under the newly passed bill, the HKJC will be granted the exclusive license to operate basketball betting in Hong Kong. The licensing system will follow the same model used for football betting, which has been in place since 2003. The bill also sets a 50% betting duty on net profits, aligning it with the tax rate applied to football betting. The goal is to create a sustainable and transparent system, where funds generated from legal betting will be channeled back into the community through the government’s tax system.
The government’s focus is to curb illegal betting by attracting users to licensed platforms while ensuring that the operation remains responsible and regulated. Mak further stressed that the legalization would not promote gambling but rather provide a safer, more regulated alternative to illicit betting activities.
Controversial Opinions and Opposition
While the majority of lawmakers supported the bill, some voiced concerns over the potential societal impacts. According to Hong Kong Free Press, lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung, representing the education sector, expressed his opposition, stating that the legalization of football betting in 2003 had already resulted in an increase in gambling participation, particularly among younger individuals. He argued that “legalizing basketball betting is simply opening one more avenue for gambling.”
Similarly, Tik Chi-yuen, the only other lawmaker who voted against the bill, shared his concern that the legalization would normalize gambling culture. He added that the government should focus on cracking down on illegal gambling operations rather than competing with criminal syndicates for profits. Despite these dissenting views, the bill passed with broad legislative support.
Following the bill’s passage, implementation will require the Hong Kong Jockey Club to develop the necessary infrastructure, and the actual market launch of basketball betting may not occur until September 2026. This delay is due to the time needed to set up betting systems and align with the NBA’s 2026/2027 season.
In addition, the government plans to establish a new counseling center dedicated to addressing gambling addiction, particularly among youth. Despite the government’s reassurances, there is still significant concern over the potential negative impact of legalizing yet another form of gambling in a city already grappling with illicit betting.