The government is assessing public feedback from the consultation on legalizing basketball betting in Hong Kong before deciding on the next steps, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said.

This comes as the authorities concluded a public consultation exercise on a regulatory regime for basketball betting earlier this month.

In a television program aired on Sunday, Mak reiterated that the government discourages gambling, and adopts a multi-pronged approach to tackle illicit betting, including public education, law enforcement, and counseling for addicts.

Legalization, she argued, serves as a “last resort” to divert funds away from illegal operations.

Citing the example of legalized soccer betting, which has funneled trillions of Hong Kong dollars away from illegal markets, Mak suggested basketball betting could yield similar results.

When asked whether rising soccer betting volumes contradict the government’s anti-gambling stance, she countered that regulated options help curb underground activity.

"If we don’t provide a legal pathway, illegal gambling could grow even more intense," she said.

Alice Mak (File Photo)

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has increased its annual contribution to the Ping Wo Fund that addresses gambling-related harm by HK$5 million to HK$50 million.

Mak pledged to continue reviewing funding needs to bolster public awareness campaigns, regardless of whether basketball betting is legalized.

Separately, Mak outlined plans for the Kai Tak Youth Post Hostel, a repurposed quarantine facility set to open in October under operator Glorise Tourism & Culture.

The hostel aims to offer affordable lodging for young visitors while fostering cultural and sports exchanges, Mak said.

The operator must be financially self-sustaining and host at least 14 public youth events annually, including monthly youth markets in the first year.

Mak added that the site is expected to hold more international exchange activities in sports, arts and culture, given its location near the cruise terminal and Kai Tak Sports Park.

(Ayra Wang)

Gov’t takes multi-pronged approach to curb illegal gambling: Alice Mak