Hong Kong weighs basketball betting rules to curb illegal gambling
The Hong Kong Government has begun a public consultation on regulating basketball betting, following a proposal from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and views from the Betting and Lotteries Commission (BLC). The consultation, which started on 2 April and runs until 2 May, aims to tackle concerns over illegal gambling and explore licensing options.
Illegal basketball betting has been a growing concern, with the HKJC estimating that its turnover reached between HK$70 billion and HK$90 billion in 2024. The number of illegal basketball bettors reportedly increased by 186 percent last year, with about 430,000 residents participating.
The issue was highlighted in the 2025-26 Budget, where the Government announced its plans to consider legalisation as a measure to curb unlawful activities.
Proposed regulatory framework
Under the proposed regulatory framework, the HKJC would receive a licence but would be prohibited from accepting bets on local matches to protect the integrity of the sport.
The proposed system will follow the existing rules for football betting. Changes to the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap. 108) will allow the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue a basketball betting licence to the HKJC and set conditions to reduce gambling-related harm, especially for young people.
Key licensing conditions for basketball betting
Mirroring the regulatory regime on football betting, major licensing conditions of the proposed regulation of basketball betting activities are:
- A fixed duration shall be set on the licensing period
- The Government shall impose restrictions on the number of bet types and classes of competitions
- The licensed operator shall not accept bets on basketball matches involving Hong Kong teams and/or matches that take place in Hong Kong to promote a betting-free and healthy environment for the sport in Hong Kong
- The licensed operator shall not accept bets from juveniles
- The licensed operator shall not accept credit betting
- The licensed operator shall display notices reminding the public of the seriousness of the problems
Government’s policy on gambling regulation
A spokesperson for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) said, “As a matter of policy, the Government does not encourage gambling. The Government adopts a multipronged strategy to address gambling-related issues, combining regulation of gambling activities through legislation, law enforcement against illegal gambling, public education and publicity on the harms of gambling addiction, and provision of counselling and support services to people in need.”
“There is, however, undeniably an actual and persistent demand for gambling in Hong Kong which, if left unregulated, would likely give rise to illegal gambling activities and associated social problems and other criminal activities. As such, the Government adopts a pragmatic approach by allowing only a limited number of authorised gambling outlets, which includes authorising the HKJC to conduct horse race betting, Mark Six Lottery and football betting in accordance with the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap. 108).”
Moreover, after consulting the BLC, the Government has decided to renew HKJC Football Betting Limited’s license for five years from 18 July 2025.
Restrictions on football betting
The existing conditions under the regime will remain largely the same, including the prohibition on accepting bets from juveniles, the prohibition on accepting credit betting, requirements to display warnings about the seriousness of excessive gambling and provide information on the services available for those with gambling disorder, and more.
The licensing authority will continue to request that the licensed operator not accept bets on football matches involving Hong Kong teams and/or matches that take place in Hong Kong to promote a betting-free and healthy environment for the sport in Hong Kong. Moreover, restrictions shall be imposed on the number of bet types and classes of competitions that the licensed operator may offer.
