Key Moments:
- Hong Kong lawmakers have passed the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, which legalizes betting on basketball games.
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club is positioned to become the exclusive licensed operator for basketball betting.
- A new support center for young gambling addicts was announced amid efforts to curb illegal betting activities.
Legislation Advances Legal Sports Betting in Hong Kong
The legislative council in Hong Kong has approved new regulations legalizing betting on basketball games. A total of 77 lawmakers supported the measure, while two abstained and two voted against the proposed bill.
Scope of the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025
Following a two-session review by a bills committee in July, lawmakers granted approval to the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025. This legislation designates the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs as the official responsible for granting basketball betting licenses under specified conditions. Additionally, the law authorizes licensed operators to hedge by placing bets with other gambling entities.
Exclusive Licensing and Market Impact
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is anticipated to become the sole operator licensed to offer basketball betting services under the new regulatory framework. Earlier in the year, the Hong Kong Jockey Club revealed its intention to capture 30 to 40 per cent of the city’s illegal basketball betting market, which currently sees an estimated annual turnover of about HK$30 billion.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Activities Before Amendment | Horse racing, football betting, Mark Six lottery, licensed mahjong parlours |
| Main Licensed Basketball Betting Operator | Hong Kong Jockey Club |
| Estimated Illegal Basketball Betting Market Size | HK$30 billion annually |
Initiatives to Address Illegal Betting and Addictive Behaviors
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, addressing the legislative body, stated that authorities would keep strengthening efforts on enforcement and education aimed at tackling illegal betting. She also announced plans for a dedicated support center catering to young individuals affected by gambling addiction.
- Author
Daniel Williams
