HK Makes History Approving Bill to Legalize Basketball Betting

Hong Kong’s legislature has officially brought a major change to the city’s gambling laws, finally giving the green light to the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 on September 11. 

The measure passed with 77 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions on Thursday, paving the way for regulated basketball betting. Now, Hong Kong will extend its legal betting framework beyond football for the first time in more than 20 years. 

50% Duty on Net Profits

According to the bill, net profits from basketball gambling will be charged with a 50% duty. Plus, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Alice Mak, will be allowed to issue a license to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which will operate as the sole provider.

Officials reiterated that the move does not wish to encourage more gambling, but rather redirect existing activity from the black market. 

“Combatting illegal gambling remains a priority,” Mak stressed, adding that enforcement efforts will be bolstered by new education and awareness campaigns, and “tough enforcement actions”. “We will not stop here”, she emphasized. 

As part of the initiative, the Ping Wo Fund has announced its plans to finance a fifth education and support center dedicated to problem gambling prevention, with a special focus on youth engagement.

Over 400,000 Locals Gamble on the Black Market 

According to HKJC, unlicensed basketball betting generated turnover of HK$70–90 billion ($8.98-$11.54 billion) in 2024, with as many as 430,000 Hong Kong residents using illegal platforms. 

Lawmakers backing the bill argued that regulation is a practical response to an activity already entrenched in society, especially through the use of smartphones, as explained by legislator Nixie Lam.

However, many remain cautious, drawing comparisons to the legalization of football betting in 2003, which triggered a rise in gambling revenue and a noticeable increase in younger participants.

Government figures, however, suggest the share of under-18s seeking help for gambling addiction has stayed relatively low over the past decade. Authorities have nonetheless pledged more youth-focused safeguards, including a new center to promote responsible gambling messages.

The proposal to legalize basketball betting was first floated in Financial Secretary Paul Chan’s February 2025 budget speech, where he projected HK$1.5–2 billion ($192-$256 million) in annual tax revenue, a timely boost as the city works through fiscal deficits.

A launch date has yet to be confirmed, pending publication of the final ruling in the Hong Kong Gazette.