Hong Kong lawmakers approve basketball betting to tackle HK$90bn illegal market

• Legislative Council passes Betting Duty Amendment Bill with 77 votes in favour, extending regulated gambling beyond football for first time in 20 years
• Hong Kong Jockey Club to receive exclusive licence as government targets HK$70-90 billion illegal basketball betting turnover
• New law introduces 50% duty on net profits with launch expected September 2026 to coincide with NBA season

Hong Kong lawmakers approved legislation to legalise basketball betting on 11 September, marking the territory’s first expansion of regulated gambling beyond football since 2003. The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed with 77 votes in favour, two against and two abstentions, establishing a framework to combat an estimated HK$70-90 billion illegal betting market.

The legislation grants Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak authority to issue an exclusive licence to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and introduces a 50% duty on net profits from basketball wagering.

Officials are working toward a launch date of September 2026, timed to coincide with the NBA pre-season, with system development already underway.

“Providing legal channels is a way to satisfy the public demand for certain kinds of betting and prevent them from turning to illegal operators,” Alice Mak told lawmakers during the meeting.

She stressed that combatting illegal gambling remains a priority, with enforcement to be reinforced alongside new educational measures targeting young people.

The HKJC previously reported that illegal basketball betting generated turnover between HK$70-90 billion in 2024, with approximately 430,000 Hong Kong residents wagering through unlicensed platforms. This underground market operates without consumer protections or regulatory oversight, creating risks for bettors whilst depriving the government of tax revenue.

The proposal originated in Financial Secretary Paul Chan’s February 2025 budget speech, where he projected the measure could deliver HK$1.5-2 billion annually in tax revenue. Government projections suggest this fiscal boost could help address Hong Kong’s ongoing budget deficits.

Opposition voices raised concerns about potential social harm from expanding legal gambling options. Education sector representative Chu Kwok-keung pointed to the 2003 football betting legalisation, arguing it resulted in rising gambling proceeds and attracted younger demographics over time.

Acknowledging these risks, authorities pledged additional youth protection measures through expanded education campaigns and a new counselling centre aimed at supporting young people. The government plans to work closely with HKJC, police, and advisory bodies to monitor the law’s real-world impact once it takes effect.

A public consultation carried out by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau showed overwhelming support, with 94% of 1,063 respondents favouring regulated basketball betting. Supporters argued that legalisation would provide oversight and consumer protections lacking in the black market.

“We will not stop here. To combat illegal gambling, we will continue educational and promotional efforts, as well as conduct tough enforcement actions,” Mak added.

The new framework mirrors the existing football betting model, with the HKJC maintaining its monopoly position in Hong Kong’s gambling market.

The legislation follows similar patterns to football betting regulation, with betting on credit and underage wagering strictly prohibited. The HKJC will be barred from accepting bets on basketball matches involving Hong Kong teams or matches taking place in Hong Kong.

Implementation details require final publication in the Hong Kong Gazette before operations can begin. The HKJC welcomed the bill’s passage, pledging to work with the government to promote responsible gambling and tackle illegal betting.

Hong Kong’s move reflects growing global acceptance of regulated sports betting as governments seek to address illegal markets whilst capturing tax revenue. The territory’s approach emphasises harm reduction and youth protection rather than market expansion, balancing fiscal benefits with social responsibility concerns.