Content Writer: Janice Chew • Thursday, 25/09/2025 - 22:10:55 - PM
Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has formally passed the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, legalizing regulated betting on basketball matches. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour — 77 votes yes, with just two opposed and two abstentions. Under the new law, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will be the sole licensed operator for basketball betting.
Key provisions of the bill mirror the existing regime for football betting. The betting duty has been set at 50% of net profits. Other conditions include prohibitions on credit betting, strict age limits, and restrictions such as not allowing bets on matches involving Hong Kong teams or held in Hong Kong. These safeguards aim to balance permitting legal betting with minimizing gambling harm.
One major driver behind the reform is the size of the illegal basketball betting market. The HKJC estimated that turnover from illicit basketball wagers in 2024 ranged between HK$70 billion to HK$90 billion (roughly US$9-11.5 billion). Public support for legalization was strong: in a consultation involving about 1,063 respondents, 94% were in favour, with only about 3.4% opposed.
Looking ahead, the implementation is expected to take some time. The government and HKJC will need to establish operational systems, regulatory oversight, and infrastructure. Media reports suggest the launch of legal basketball betting may happen in September 2026, coinciding with the start of the NBA’s 2026/27 season. The HKJC also projects the regime — once mature — could generate about HK$1.5 billion annually in tax duty, with potential turnovers reaching HK$28 billion.