Hong Kong has passed a new law legalizing basketball betting, marking a major shift in the city’s gambling policy. With 77 votes in favor and only two against, the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces a regulated system modeled after football betting laws established in 2003.
Under the new framework, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will hold exclusive rights to operate basketball betting. A 50% duty on net profits will apply — the same rate currently used for football betting.
Targeting a Booming Illegal Market
The move comes as the city tries to stem the growing tide of illegal basketball betting. According to the HKJC, black market turnover reached up to HK$90 billion in 2024, involving roughly 430,000 participants.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said the new law aims to redirect this demand into a safe and accountable environment. “We will continue to educate the public, carry out promotional efforts, and take strict enforcement actions to combat illegal gambling,” she stated.
Officials believe that providing a legal avenue will help shift users away from unlicensed platforms, many of which operate offshore and use modern payment tools to skirt local laws.
Rollout Set for Late 2026
Though the bill has cleared the legislative hurdle, basketball betting won’t go live immediately. The HKJC will need time to build the infrastructure required to support operations. A launch is expected around September 2026, aligning with the start of the NBA’s 2026/27 season.
Critics Warn of Social Fallout
Despite broad support, the bill has drawn some pushback from lawmakers worried about long-term social effects. Education sector representative Chu Kwok-keung warned that legalizing another form of betting could drive up youth participation, noting that football betting already contributed to increased gambling rates among younger people.
Tik Chi-yuen, one of only two legislators to vote against the bill, argued that the measure risked normalizing gambling. He urged the government to focus on dismantling illegal betting networks rather than introducing new legal channels.
Government Plans Addiction Support, Oversight Measures
To address public health concerns, the government will establish a new counseling center to support those dealing with gambling addiction, particularly among youth. Authorities also plan to expand education and prevention campaigns and coordinate closely with the HKJC, law enforcement, and advisory bodies to monitor the law’s impact.
Looking Ahead
The legalization of basketball betting marks a calculated effort by Hong Kong to modernize its gambling landscape and draw users away from unregulated markets. While supporters see it as a practical response to rampant illegal betting, opponents caution that the city must be ready for the potential risks that come with expanding access to gambling.
