Hong Kong Government opens consultation on legalising basketball betting
Authorities have opened a one-month consultation on the proposed licensing of basketball betting in Hong Kong.
Key points:
– Plan would allow licensed basketball betting via Hong Kong Jockey Club
– Safeguards include youth protections and restrictions on Hong Kong games
– Officials say move would address illegal gambling and bolster tax revenue
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has launched a consultation on the proposed regulation of basketball betting, as part of its efforts to combat illegal gambling and strengthen oversight of wagering activities.
Under the plan, the Betting Duty Ordinance would be amended to allow the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue a basketball betting licence to the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The proposed regime would be modelled closely on existing rules for football betting.
Authorities estimate that turnover from illegal basketball betting in 2024 reached between HK$70bn and HK$90bn. According to Government sources, unregulated platforms have become increasingly difficult to police, particularly with the rise of digital payments and cryptocurrency use.
Licensing conditions would include a fixed duration, limits on the types of competitions available for betting and a prohibition on accepting wagers on games involving Hong Kong teams or matches played locally. Operators would not be allowed to take credit bets or accept bets from underage individuals.
Additional safeguards require operators to display notices warning of the dangers of excessive gambling and to provide information about support services for those affected by gambling addiction.
Officials have stressed that the Government does not promote gambling as a matter of policy, but maintains that a controlled and limited regulatory framework is a more effective approach to address public demand and curb illegal activity.
The consultation paper is available online, and members of the public may submit their views by post, fax or email until early May.
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