Hong Kong lawmakers approve basketball betting legislation
Summary
Hong Kong’s legislature has passed the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, legalising and creating a regulatory framework for basketball betting similar to the one for football introduced in 2003. The bill passed with 77 votes in favour, two against and two abstentions. Key measures include a 50% duty on net profits from basketball betting and the granting of authority to the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Alice Mak, to grant a licence to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which is expected to be the exclusive operator.
The government says the move aims to shift betting activity away from illegal operators and onto regulated platforms. Officials plan to step up enforcement and fund additional prevention and support measures through the Ping Wo Fund, including a fifth education and support centre focused on young people and problem-gambling awareness.
Key Points
- The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 was approved 77-2-2, legalising basketball betting in Hong Kong.
- A 50% duty will apply to net profits from basketball wagering.
- The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs can grant a licence to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, expected to be the exclusive licensee.
- Government aims to channel wagers from illegal platforms into regulated channels and bolster enforcement.
- Ping Wo Fund will finance a fifth education and support centre to target youth and problem-gambling prevention.
- HKJC previously estimated illegal basketball turnover at HK$70bn–HK$90bn in 2024, with around 430,000 residents using unlicensed platforms.
- Financial Secretary Paul Chan earlier estimated annual tax revenue of HK$1.5bn–HK$2bn from legalised basketball betting.
Content Summary
The newly approved bill extends Hong Kong’s regulated betting framework to basketball, mirroring the approach used for football for more than two decades. It sets a high duty rate, centralises licensing power with the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs and points to the Hong Kong Jockey Club as the likely sole operator. The government frames the change as pragmatic — a way to regulate an activity that is already widespread and largely conducted via unlicensed operators.
Alongside taxation and licensing, the legislation is paired with commitments to strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling and to expand education and support services for at-risk groups, particularly young people. The effective launch date will follow publication in the Hong Kong Gazette.
Context and Relevance
This is a notable shift in Hong Kong gambling policy: for the first time since 2003 the regulated market will expand beyond football. The measure addresses a sizeable underground market and offers a potential new revenue stream for a government facing budget pressures. For operators, regulators and compliance teams, the law signals fresh licensing opportunities and tighter oversight. For public-health and youth advocates, it raises concerns about normalisation and potential increases in problem gambling.
Why should I read this?
Because this changes the playing field — literally. If you work in gaming, regulation, payments, compliance or youth services in HK or the region, this affects revenue flows, licensing plans and enforcement priorities. Also: huge black‑market numbers have been dragged into the open, so expect fast-moving policy and commercial responses. We skimmed the detail so you don’t have to — but you should know what it means for licences, taxes and harm‑prevention.
Source
Source: https://next.io/news/regulation/hong-kong-approve-basketball-betting-legislation/