Hong Kong Legislature Passes Basketball Betting Bill with 50% Revenue Tax

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has enacted the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, legalizing basketball betting with a 77-2-2 vote. The new law replicates the city’s football betting system established in 2003 and designates the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) as the sole licensed operator. It also imposes a 50% tax on net profits.

The law change follows heightened scrutiny of illegal gambling rings, which authorities claim divert billions in revenue annually. Home Secretary Alice Mak stated the reform addresses “public demand for regulated options” while limiting funds that end up in illegal platforms. “We will continue to educate the public, carry out promotional efforts, and take strict enforcement actions to combat illegal gambling,” Mak affirmed.

Promoting Regulated Betting

Hong Kong’s illegal basketball wagering industry surged to an estimated HK$70-90 billion in 2024, involving over 430,000 residents, according to HKJC data. This unchecked growth inspired legislative action to redirect bettors towards regulated platforms. The newly approved framework grants HKJC sole licensing rights to basketball. The collected 50% tax on net profits will fund public initiatives through government channels.

Authorities aim to dismantle illegal networks by offering secure alternatives, which they emphasize “would not promote gambling” but instead prioritize consumer protection. Secretary Alice Mak reiterated the strategy, explaining it would steer funds from underground operations to systems that benefit the community. The HKJC’s established and accredited oversight systems will enforce responsible gambling practices to balance access with regulatory control.

Social Risks Considered

While the bill passed with overwhelming approval, two lawmakers opposed it due to societal concerns. Education sector representative Chu Kwok-keung warned that football betting legalization in 2003 increased gambling participation, especially among the youth. He argued that “legalizing basketball betting is simply opening one more avenue for gambling.”

Independent legislator Tik Chi-yuen echoed these fears, explaining that the move risks normalizing gambling culture. He urged prioritizing crackdowns on illegal operators over competing for profits. However, their objections were outweighed by 77 votes in favor of the amendment.

Operational Timeline

The HKJC states it will require up to 12 months to finalize technical systems and regulatory protocols, meaning legal basketball betting will likely launch in September 2026. Concurrently, the government will establish a dedicated gambling addiction center and youth outreach programs. While emphasis is placed on preventative measures, critics warn of accumulating risks in a city struggling with illegal betting networks.