The Hong Kong government has proposed a new regulatory framework for basketball betting that includes a 50 percent tax on net betting turnover, following strong public support.
A total of 94 percent of the 1,063 submissions received during a recent consultation expressed approval or offered positive feedback, according to a report submitted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau to the Legislative Council on June 5th.
The bureau stated that the overwhelming support indicates broad public backing for the regulation of basketball betting, with many participants urging the government to expedite legislation to bring the system into effect as soon as possible.
According to the proposal, the government plans to amend the Betting Duty Ordinance to establish a regulatory framework for basketball betting. The key amendments would empower the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue a basketball betting license to a designated operator. The license would include specific conditions to minimize gambling-related harm, particularly to young people.
In line with the current model for football betting, the proposed framework would impose a 50 percent tax on net betting turnover—defined as total stakes minus payouts.
Regulation seen as a means to curb illegal gambling
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau noted that most respondents in favor of the regulation cited a growing public demand for basketball betting and believed a legal framework would help combat illegal gambling. Supporters argued that regulation could reduce criminal revenue and enhance social order.
Many comments suggested that the government follow the existing football betting system and designate a single licensed operator—likely the Hong Kong Jockey Club—to prevent excessive market competition and avoid stimulating gambling demand.
Opposing views, which accounted for 3.4 percent of submissions, primarily focused on potential harm to young people. Critics warned that basketball betting appeals strongly to youth and feared regulation would normalize the activity, potentially increasing gambling addiction and related social problems.
In response, the proposed licensing conditions aim to limit the impact on the public, with added emphasis on protecting young people from gambling-related harm.
Government outlines four-pronged response
Speaking to media on June 5th, the SAR’s Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said the government would present the consultation findings to the Legislative Council in the coming week. She stressed a four-pronged approach to addressing illegal basketball betting: enhanced law enforcement, public education campaigns against gambling, the establishment of four counseling centers under the Ping Wo Fund, and the introduction of regulated betting options where illegal gambling is prevalent.
Mak underscored that public education will be a key component, focusing on discouraging gambling and raising awareness of its associated risks.
Legislative steps are expected to move forward in the coming weeks as the government seeks to formally implement the new betting framework.
