Hong Kong\u2019s legislature\u00a0has officially passed a bill\u00a0legalizing basketball betting, marking a significant step in regulating the city\u2019s gambling sector. With a vote of 77 in favor, two abstentions, and two against, the\u00a0Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025\u00a0introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for basketball betting, mirroring the model established for football betting in 2003.\u00a0The Hong Kong Jockey Club\u00a0(HKJC) will serve as the exclusive operator, and a 50% duty on net profits will be levied on licensed betting entities.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Rising Demand for Legal Gambling<\/p>\n
The decision to legalize basketball betting<\/a> comes amid growing concerns over illegal gambling in Hong Kong.\u00a0Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak\u00a0emphasized 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,\u00a0\u201cWe will continue to educate the public, carry out promotional efforts, and take strict enforcement actions to combat illegal gambling.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u00a0between HK$70 billion and HK$90 billion\u00a0in 2024. This illegal market involves\u00a0approximately 430,000 residents\u00a0participating in unregulated betting, prompting the government\u2019s move to establish a controlled environment for betting enthusiasts.<\/p>\n Under the newly passed bill, the HKJC will be granted the exclusive license to operate basketball betting in Hong Kong<\/a>. The licensing system will follow the same model used for\u00a0football betting<\/a>, which has been in place since 2003. The bill also sets\u00a0a 50% betting duty\u00a0on 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\u2019s tax system.<\/p>\n The government\u2019s focus is to curb illegal betting by attracting users to licensed platforms while ensuring that the operation remains\u00a0responsible and regulated. Mak further stressed that the legalization would not promote gambling but rather provide\u00a0a safer, more regulated alternative\u00a0to illicit betting activities.<\/p>\n Controversial Opinions and Opposition<\/p>\n