Government Moves to Expand Legal Sports Betting Landscape
The Hong Kong Government has officially gazetted the 2025 Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to legalize and regulate basketball betting under the city’s current betting ordinance. The bill proposes updates to the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap. 108), positioning basketball betting alongside existing regulated sports such as horse racing and football.
If passed, the legislation would allow the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue basketball betting licences and implement operational conditions, with regulatory oversight extended to the Betting and Lotteries Commission. The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), already the sole licensed operator for football and horse racing betting, is widely expected to take up this responsibility.
50% Betting Tax to Mirror Football Regulations
A key aspect of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a 50% tax rate on net stakes from basketball betting — matching the rate already applied to football wagers. This harmonized tax policy signals the government’s intent to maintain fiscal parity across sports while ensuring a competitive deterrent to illegal gambling.
The revenue generated is likely to bolster government funds while offering a regulated and socially responsible alternative to black-market betting, which remains a persistent issue in Hong Kong and the broader region.
Youth Protection and Social Safeguards in Focus
Importantly, the government continues to emphasize that its stance is not to encourage gambling but to reduce illegal betting activity through regulated and controlled alternatives. As part of the bill’s rollout, enhanced preventive measures have been proposed to protect vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
This includes the launch of a fifth youth-focused counselling and support centre, developed in collaboration with the Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee. The centre will complement existing resources and provide targeted services to those at risk of developing gambling disorders.
Additionally, public education campaigns will be intensified to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal gambling and the penalties associated with engaging in unauthorized betting.
Legislative Outlook and Industry Impact
The bill is scheduled for its first reading in the Legislative Council on 2 July 2025. Given Hong Kong’s existing infrastructure for regulated betting via the HKJC, industry analysts suggest the bill has a high chance of approval — though it may undergo further scrutiny regarding enforcement mechanisms and youth protection strategies.
From a market standpoint, the legalization of basketball betting represents a logical expansion amid growing interest in international basketball leagues and domestic sports culture. It could help divert demand away from unlicensed operators, especially during high-profile tournaments such as the NBA Playoffs and Olympic qualifiers.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Regulation and Responsibility
The 2025 Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill marks a measured evolution in Hong Kong’s gambling policy, one that balances revenue generation, regulatory control, and social responsibility. By incorporating basketball into the legal betting framework and reinforcing youth-oriented safeguards, the government seeks to protect public welfare while addressing the realities of consumer demand in a digital-first era. All eyes will now turn to the Legislative Council as deliberations begin.
