The Legislative Council of Hong Kong On Thursday passed the third reading of the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, which will legalize basketball betting.
The Hong Kong Government had announced as early as the beginning of this year that it would explore the possibility of legalizing basketball betting. Following a public consultation completed in June, which revealed 94% support for establishing basketball betting, that dream is set to become reality with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) to serve as the sole licensed operator for basketball betting. The bill passed with 77 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions.
Upon passage of this legislation, the Hong Kong Government will follow the existing model for horse racing and football betting by issuing a basketball betting license to HKJC, subject to stipulated conditions.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak explained that implementation timelines and other details would be discussed with HKJC.
“We believe legalizing basketball betting will reduce traffic to illegal websites and curb the inflow of illicit gambling funds,” she said.
According to previously announced details, the legalization of basketball betting is expected to generate substantial fiscal revenue for the Hong Kong government. Betting tax calculation will mirror the current football betting rate with 50% of net profit to be levied as betting tax.
Earlier this year, HKJC stated, “According to the Club’s estimates, the turnover of illegal basketball betting reached around HK$70 billion to HK$90 billion (US$9 billion to US$11.5 billion) last year.
“The extension of the regulated regime to basketball betting will not only support the [government’s] efforts and enhance its effectiveness in combatting illegal betting but will also strengthen the sustainability of the Club’s contribution to the community through impactful charity donations and significant tax revenues to the [government]. It is a matter of public interest.”
Despite the bill’s passage, Hong Kong media analysis has suggested that the actual market launch of basketball betting may not occur until September 2026. This delay stems from the time required for HKJC to develop the necessary systems, as well as the need to align with the NBA’s 2026/2027 season.
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