The Hong Kong SAR government recently announced that it is advancing legislation to introduce legal, regulated basketball betting, aimed at curbing the spread of underground gambling activities, rather than increasing public revenue.
According to the Hong Kong Economic Times, the Director of Civil Affairs and Youth Affairs, Mai Meiling, clearly stated that the proposed "2025 Gambling Tax (Amendment) Bill" will allow basketball event betting within a legal framework and impose a 50% tax rate on net gambling revenue. However, she emphasized: "Taxation is not the focus; the core purpose is to provide the public with a legal, safe alternative channel, thereby weakening the illegal gambling market."
Mai Meiling pointed out that basketball betting will adopt a "limited opening" model, and the relevant competition projects will be determined by the government in consultation with the Hong Kong Jockey Club after the bill completes the legislative process.
During the public consultation period, the Legislative Council received nine submissions, three of which believed that the policy would help alleviate Hong Kong's fiscal deficit pressure. However, the Youth and Civil Affairs Bureau responded that the government has consistently maintained a "no encouragement of gambling" stance, and the establishment of legal gambling is merely a realistic adjustment and guidance to public demand under current conditions.
It is worth mentioning that the proposed bill will not specifically define "basketball." The Youth and Civil Affairs Bureau explained that although global basketball rules vary, the sport itself is universally recognizable and does not need further explanation in the law.
Furthermore, some public opinions suggested that the Hong Kong Jockey Club should invest more resources in sports development and charitable causes. In response, the government stated that it has conveyed these opinions to the Jockey Club for consideration.
The advancement of this bill marks a cautious adjustment in Hong Kong's gambling policy, aiming to guard against illegal gambling risks while balancing social regulation and public demand.
