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Hong Kong is preparing to open a new chapter in its betting industry after lawmakers signed off on legislation that brings basketball wagering into the legal fold. The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 cleared its final hurdle in the Legislative Council this week with strong support — 77 members backed the measure, while just two voted against it and another two abstained.
A Familiar Model With a New Sport
The arrangement will follow a well-tested formula. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will grant the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) exclusive rights to offer basketball betting, mirroring the setup already in place for football. Officials are working toward a launch date of September 2026, timed to coincide with the NBA pre-season, and system development has already begun.
Like football betting, basketball wagers will be taxed at a rate of 15% on net stake receipts, ensuring consistency across regulated markets. Supporters argue that this new framework will help steer punters away from offshore operators, many of which have become more accessible thanks to digital payment tools and overseas platforms.
Concerns Over Gambling’s Social Impact
Even with broad approval, the bill has not been without its critics. A handful of legislators voiced fears that the expansion could further entrench gambling in local culture and place additional strain on public health. Some doubted whether the move would genuinely reduce underground betting, suggesting it might instead create new challenges.
In response, Home and Youth Affairs Secretary Alice Mak emphasized that regulation would be paired with stronger safeguards. The government plans to expand education campaigns, boost enforcement efforts, and open a new counselling center aimed at supporting young people. Authorities also intend to work closely with HKJC, police, and advisory bodies to track the law’s real-world impact once it comes into effect.
The decision marks a significant shift for Hong Kong’s gambling landscape. By extending legal betting to basketball, the government hopes to modernize its approach, tighten control over unregulated markets, and balance the economic benefits of wagering with the responsibility to protect public wellbeing.
Source: gamblinginsider.com
