As Hong Kong moves towards legalising basketball betting, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak stressed the government does not encourage gambling but that it's necessary to respond to demand.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is working on plans towards legalising basketball betting and members of the public can submit their views regarding the proposed legislation until May 2.
The consultation document also states that betting on local basketball matches will be prohibited.
At a Legislative Council panel meeting on Monday, Mak spoke about the need to regulate betting activity.
“There is, however, undeniably an actual and persistent demand for gambling in Hong Kong which, if left unregulated, would likely give rise to illegal gambling activities and associated social problems and other criminal activities,” she said.
“I want to make it very clear that, on illegal gambling, no matter which type of events or sports are involved, we will crack down on any illegal betting stringently.”
Mak told lawmakers that the government will educate the public on the harms of gambling addiction, and provide counseling and support services to people in need.
The Jockey Club earlier estimated that HK$1.5 billion in tax revenue could be generated each year after basketball betting is legalised.
Betting activity needs to be regulated: Alice Mak
2025-04-14 HKT 21:48
