The Hong Kong-based media outlet RTHK quoted the lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen as stating that green-lighting legal betting would not “replace illegal gambling.”

Tik claimed that the move would “only serve to expand the gambling market,” and runs counter to the stated Hong Kong policy stance of “not encouraging gambling.”

The lawmaker voiced his opposition to the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, which proposes making the Hong Kong Jockey Club the nation’s sole licensed basketball betting operator.

The bill would grant regulators the power to issue licenses. It also proposes rolling out tax rates at 50% of net stake receipts.Furthermore, the government says the new bill will expand the role of Hong Kong’s Betting and Lotteries Commission.

Hong Kong Basketball Betting Bill Won’t Stop Illegal Platforms

Tik, however, pointed to the case of soccer (football) betting, which was legalized in mid-2003. At the time, Hong Kong politicians claimed that this move would help cut out illegal sports betting.

However, the reverse appears to be the case. Hong Kong police report a significant increase in illegal betting ahead of major soccer tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and Euro 2024.

Tik stated that since soccer betting was legalized in 2003, the amount of bets placed in Hong Kong has “soared” from around HK$16 billion ($2 billion) to approximately HK$160.3 billion ($20.55 billion) in 2024.

He said that legalization would lead more people to take up gambling. The lawmaker argued that since the legalization of football betting, illegal gambling has remained “rampant” in Hong Kong.

Legalization cannot oust illegal gambling, Tik argued. Instead, he said, it would only serve to “expand the size of the overall gambling market.”

Crackdowns, Not Legalization, Will Halt Illegal Gambling

Tik suggested that the government instead look to strengthen its anti-gambling crackdowns and law enforcement operations.

He said Hong Kong should cooperate more closely with international law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border illegal gambling activities.

Tik also urged the government to provide more education-related resources and launch more comprehensive anti-gambling education in schools and local communities.

In early June, the South China Morning Post quoted Hong Kong’s Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen as stating that the Jockey Club would be obliged to finance projects that tackle gambling-related problems if the bill is adopted.

The state currently funds four counseling centers for people with gambling addictions. Mak said: “We are planning to set up a new center specifically for young people. We plan to offer them education and counseling services, in addition to the current centers.”

In May, the government concluded a one-month public consultation on its proposal. Earlier this year, Hong Kong renewed the Jockey Club’s license for soccer betting for a further five years.

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The city government announced Wednesday that it is launching a one-month consultation. The consultation invites members of the public to express their views on expanding the legal sports betting options beyond football and horse racing. They have until May 2 to reply with feedback.

Hong Kong Bids to Reduce Illegal Gambling

Based on a proposal from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the city’s lone legal betting operator, the consultation is part of more extensive efforts to crack down on illegal gambling practices. The HKJC recently estimated that illegal betting volume reached between HK$70 billion ($9.3 billion) and HK$90 billion ($11.6 billion) on basketball alone in 2024. Government officials say that the rise of digital payments and cryptocurrency makes it increasingly difficult to track unregulated betting platforms.

A Hong Kong Home and Youth Affairs Bureau spokesperson emphasized that while the government does not encourage gambling, it recognizes “an actual and persistent demand” for it.

“As such,” the spokesperson added, “the Government adopts a pragmatic approach by allowing only a limited number of authorized gambling outlets, which includes authorizing the HKJC to conduct horse race betting, Mark Six Lottery, and football betting in accordance with the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap. 108).”

Under the proposed changes, the HYAB could issue the HKJC a license for organized basketball betting. The license would be attached with a few conditions, including a ban on bets involving Hong Kong teams and/or games played locally. There would also be age restrictions, and credit betting would be prohibited.  

Should the plans move forward, the HKJC would also be required to adhere to strict responsible gambling practices throughout the city and provide information on services available for individuals who may be suffering from gambling-related harms. 

Football Betting License Extended

In an unrelated move, the government renewed its licensing for football betting for five years. Starting July 18, the conditions will remain largely the same, including a restriction on bets from matches involving Hong Kong teams and/or locally occurring matches. 

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