Hong Kong Legalizes Basketball Betting to Combat Black Market Growth
Introduction to Hong Kong’s New Basketball Betting Legislation
Hong Kong has taken a significant step forward in its gambling regulations by passing new legislation that permits regulated basketball betting. This move broadens the scope of legal wagering activities available in the region, introducing basketball as a new sport for legal betting alongside existing options.
A Landmark Development in Regional Gambling Laws
Earlier this year, legislators in Hong Kong introduced a proposal aimed at legalizing bets on basketball games. The proposal successfully passed, resulting in an amendment to current betting laws that officially allows basketball wagering.
The Betting Duty Bill 2025, which was approved with an overwhelming majority of 77 votes in favor, only 2 against, and 2 abstentions, marks the official start of a regulated basketball betting environment modeled after the established soccer betting system.
Historically, Hong Kong has maintained strict restrictions on gambling. Since 2003, permitted gambling has been limited to horse racing, lottery games, and soccer betting—all operated under the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s authority.
Government Intentions and Regulatory Measures
According to the new legislation, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will receive a license to legally offer basketball betting. The Bill imposes a 50% tax on basketball wagers, a rate consistent with taxes on soccer bets.
Estimates suggested that this new betting avenue could generate tax revenues up to $260 million. However, authorities clarified that revenue generation is not the primary aim; rather, they hope the legalization will curb the substantial illegal basketball betting market.
Recent studies showed that as many as 430,000 people in Hong Kong participated in unregulated basketball betting, collectively wagering as much as $12 billion annually through unauthorized sportsbooks.
Lawmakers believe that a legal, controlled option will reduce black market betting, meet the strong consumer demand for sports betting, and protect funds from unauthorized gambling operations.
Safer Gambling Initiatives and Concerns
In addition to establishing a regulated basketball betting framework, the Bill includes provisions designed to implement safer gambling practices. These measures aim to protect younger sports enthusiasts from the risks associated with gambling.
Despite these protections, some lawmakers expressed reservations, worried that expanding legal betting options could increase the exposure of younger individuals to gambling-related harms.
At this time, authorities have not yet specified when basketball betting will officially launch in Hong Kong.
