Basketball Betting Gets Green Light as Hong Kong Lawmakers Pass New Bil
Monday 15 de September 2025 / 12:00
⏱ 1 min read
(Hong Kong).- On Thursday, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council approved a new bill legalizing basketball betting, following detailed review by a bills committee earlier in July. The measure received strong support, with 77 lawmakers voting in favor, while only two opposed and two abstained, marking a significant shift in the city’s approach to regulated sports wagering.
Hong Kong legislators passed legislation on Thursday to legalise betting on basketball games, with 77 lawmakers voting in favour, two abstaining, and two opposing the bill. The measure was endorsed after scrutiny by a bills committee during two sessions in July.
The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 gives the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs the authority to issue basketball betting licences under specified conditions.
The new law also allows a licensed operator to place bets with other gambling operators for hedging purposes.
Sports betting giant the Hong Kong Jockey Club is expected to serve as the sole licensed operator.
Earlier this year, the Hong Kong Jockey Club indicated its aim to capture 30 to 40 per cent of the city’s illegal basketball betting market, which is estimated to generate around HK$30 billion annually.
At present, legal gambling in Hong Kong is confined to horse racing, football betting, the Mark Six lottery and licensed mahjong parlours.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, addressing lawmakers during the debate, said authorities would continue to strengthen enforcement and education to combat illegal betting. She also announced that a new support centre for young gambling addicts would be established.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: Hong Kong
Región: Asia
Event
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