The government’s public consultation on legalizing basketball betting received 1,063 submissions, with 94 percent of respondents supporting the proposed regulations, including a 50 percent tax on operators’ net betting revenue, similar to existing taxes on football betting.

Conducted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) over one month beginning this April, the consultation followed the government’s pledge to tackle illegal gambling by exploring basketball betting regulation, which invited the Hong Kong Jockey Club to submit proposals.

The results showed overwhelming public support, with some urging the government to expedite the legislative process for implementing the controls sooner.

Respondents included academics, current and former athletes, legal professionals and representatives from various sectors, with supporting organizations spanning sports groups and youth associations.

According to HYAB’s Legislative Council submission, the government proposed legislative amendments to the Betting Duty Ordinance to establish a regulatory framework for basketball betting activities.

Key provisions include authorizing the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue basketball betting licenses to qualified operators with specific conditions designed to minimize gambling’s negative social impacts, particularly on youngsters.

The proposed system would be similar to the existing football betting tax model, requiring operators to pay 50 percent of their net betting proceeds, while the Betting and Lotteries Commission’s functions would be expanded to oversee basketball betting licensing matters.

(Cheng Wong)

Over 90pc back HK legal basketball betting, consultation shows