The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of Hong Kong Alice Mak has confirmed that the Government’s proposed regulation of basketball betting is aimed at tackling widespread illegal gambling, not generating tax revenue.
The Hong Kong Economic Times reports that the government plans to create a legal way for basketball betting.
The proposed Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 includes a 50% duty on net betting revenue for basketball events. Mak said, “Taxation is not our concern.” He explained that the goal is to offer a legal option. This is preferable to allowing underground operators to operate without oversight.
The scope of matches permitted under the new system will be determined following the legislative process. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will consult with the Hong Kong Jockey Club during the licensing phase to finalise which competitions are eligible.
The Legislative Council got nine submissions during the public consultation. Three of the five published documents said that regulated basketball betting could help reduce Hong Kong’s budget deficit. The Bureau responded by restating the government’s long-held view against promoting gambling. They said legal options exist to meet public demand in a safer and more controlled way.
Good to know: The bill will not define basketball. It is understood worldwide, even with different rules
Some submissions also called for the Jockey Club to devote more resources to sports development and charitable work.
The Bureau said that even though the law does not directly support these causes, it has shared public feedback with the Jockey Club.
Click Here to play more games – Wolf7pay