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Hong Kong Soccer Boss Mulls Legalizing Betting on Local Games
Legalizing sports betting on local soccer games can have a number of beneficial effects, argues a soccer mandarin in Hong Kong
In an interview for the South China Morning Post, the Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, Eric Fok has said that the special administrative region (SAR) can benefit from rolling out an expanded regulated gambling framework that will allow residents and visitors to place a bet on the outcome of local soccer games.
Eric Fok Sees Chance for Expanding Sports Betting in Hong Kong
Fok admitted that there have already been discussions on the matter, with notable support in favor of legalization. He is not acting single-handedly, however, noting that multiple parties have approached the Football Association inquiring about the possibility of seeing Hong Kong legalize a sports gambling framework that covers locally-held events.
Yet, such a move poses dangers from the mainland. Beijing has long taken a dim view of gambling, seeing it as an unproductive form of economic activity. Macau has gone through some rapid transformations of its gambling industry, with the SAR enforcing tighter regulation and seeking to divest from its gambling-focused economy. Macau’s growth, however, has been mostly subject to positive speculation.
Hong Kong is not necessarily doing the reverse, i.e. pushing into gambling, but expanding the legal sports gambling framework could help the sports sector and allow it to have more resources at hand, Fok shared in his interview.
Of course, the chairman has acknowledged that any such move ought to be done cautiously. Public voices in support have been heard, including Philip Chan, a prominent soccer personality, who has also said that legalizing sports gambling on local games could have a beneficial impact on the local ecosystem.
Besides, Hong Kong is not really a stranger to the idea of betting as it stands. The SAR already allows sports gambling on large international events, such as the Premier League. The city also has a vibrant horse racing industry and hosts some of the world’s largest races, featured by bookmakers across regulated markets.
A Nod from Beijing Most Likely Needed for Any Definitive Change
Another prominent personality voicing support for the legalization of Hong Kong sports betting on local games is a clear indication that there is enough momentum behind the proposal to turn it into a reality. However, how Beijing responds would matter just as much as local support.
In the meantime, Hong Kong has remained vigilant about the persisting underground betting market, which has had the police track down ring leaders and ordinary gamblers participating in such black-market operations.
Most recently in November, the police cracked down on 16 people in a gambling den, as part of a wider effort to achieve this.
Stoyan holds over 9 years of esports and gambling writing experience under his belt and is specifically knowledgeable about developments within the online scene. He is a great asset to the Gambling News team with his niche expertise and continual focus on providing our readers with articles that have a unique spin which differentiates us from the rest.
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