Hong Kong Eyes Legal Basketball Betting to Curb Illegal Wagers

Authorities assess public feedback as illegal basketball betting surges, considering regulatory measures to channel activity through legal avenues.

The Hong Kong government has completed a public consultation on the potential legalization of basketball betting, aiming to address the growing issue of illegal wagering on the sport. The consultation period, which ended on May 2, 2025, invited public input on proposed regulatory frameworks.

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Alice Mak, emphasized the government's pragmatic approach: while not encouraging gambling, it acknowledges the persistent demand and seeks to mitigate illegal activities through regulation. Mak noted that without legal avenues, illegal gambling could become more rampant.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the city's sole legal betting operator, reported a significant rise in illegal basketball betting. In 2023, an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 individuals engaged in unauthorized basketball wagering, with turnover reaching HK$32 billion to HK$34 billion (approximately US$4.1 billion to US$4.4 billion). By 2024, these figures surged to about 430,000 bettors and HK$70 billion to HK$90 billion (US$9 billion to US$11.5 billion) in turnover.

A study by Oxford Economics indicated that nearly half of those participating in illegal basketball betting would consider switching to legal platforms if available.

The proposed regulatory framework would mirror existing football betting regulations, granting the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs the authority to license basketball betting operations, likely through the HKJC. Key provisions include prohibiting bets on local games to protect the integrity of domestic sports, banning underage and credit betting, and requiring operators to display responsible gambling messages and provide support resources.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan projected that legalizing basketball betting could generate HK$1.5 billion to HK$2 billion (US$190 million to US$257 million) in annual tax revenue, contributing to alleviating the city's fiscal deficit.

As authorities review the consultation feedback, the potential legalization of basketball betting represents a strategic move to regulate a burgeoning underground market, safeguard public interests, and bolster government revenues.

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