Hong Kong Officals Disregard Tax Income from Basketball Gambling as Motivation Behind Interest
In a significant move to tackle illegal gambling and offer consumer protections, Hong Kong lawmakers have proposed the legalization of basketball betting. The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, currently under consideration, aims to provide a legal, regulated channel for betting activities and reduce underground betting activities [1][2][3].
If approved, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will oversee basketball betting operations, including determining eligible matches and competitions after consultations during licensing [1][3]. The HKJC, which currently holds a monopoly on legal betting on horse racing, soccer, and lotteries, could potentially add basketball to its offerings.
The core purpose of this proposal is to inhibit the black market and protect bettors from illicit operators [1][2][3]. Alice Mak, Hong Kong's Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, clarified that the government does not seek to promote the use of gambling products but rather to provide an outlet where such activities can be conducted without the involvement of illicit parties [1].
The proposal includes enhanced safer gambling measures, targeting particularly the protection of younger sports fans from gambling-related risks [2][3]. This cautious approach reflects Hong Kong's historically skeptical stance towards expanding its gambling industry [4].
Although basketball betting would be taxed at 50% of net revenue, equal to football betting tax rates, government officials deny that raising tax income is the motivation behind the proposal [1][2][3]. However, government projections estimate that new duties could reach up to HK$1.5 billion annually if betting turnover on basketball reaches HK$28 billion per year [1][2][3], indicating significant fiscal impact.
Details concerning the potential legalization of basketball, such as specific regulations and timelines, have yet to be determined. If passed, the measure would amend the Betting Duty Ordinance to allow for the wagering of basketball games, broadening the limited gambling sector [2][3].
The expansion of legal betting options in Hong Kong, if approved, could answer to a high demand for such products in the region. However, the government's true goal in expanding legal betting options is to inhibit the black market, not primarily to generate more taxes [1]. The move arises amid Hong Kongโs prolonged economic downturn and fiscal deficits, with authorities balancing budget pressures against maintaining a low-tax environment and measures such as civil service job cuts [1].
In summary, Hong Kongโs basketball betting legalization is progressing as a controlled regulatory initiative aimed at reducing illegal gambling and introducing consumer protections, with tax revenue benefits seen as secondary rather than the primary driver [1][2][3][4].
- The casino-and-gambling industry in Hong Kong could see a shift with the potential addition of basketball betting, as the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) might oversee these operations.
- Policy-and-legislation regarding sports-betting trends are currently being deliberated, with the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 proposing legalization of basketball betting to tackle illegal activities and provide consumer protections.
- If approved, general-news sources suggest that the government's main intention is not to promote gambling but to offer a regulated platform to inhibit the black market and protect bettors from illicit operators.
- Furthermore, the legalization of basketball betting in Hong Kong, if passed, will contribute to the existing gambling trends by broadening the offerings of the HKJC, which currently includes horse racing, soccer, and lotteries.
