HKJC anticipated to carry the ball for city's basketball betting license: Alice Mak

As the city gears up for regulated basketball betting, authorities are currently considering granting a license to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), according to Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen.

Following a one-month public consultation, the government received 1,063 responses, with over 90 percent support the government to regulate the basketball betting activities and less than 4 percent opposed.

Speaking on a radio program on Sunday, Mak revealed that she would present the results and plans to the Legislative Council on Monday (Jun 9).

Reiterating the government's stance against promoting gambling, Mak stated that the policy aims to provide limited and legal betting, following the current practices of football gambling. 

All participants must be at least 18 years old, and only cash payments are accepted. 

To prevent other gambling institutions from fostering a betting culture, Mak suggests issuing basketball betting licenses to HKJC.

Mak added the authorities would discuss with the Club how it could reinvest in the community, suggesting that the "Ping Wo Fund" might include an additional counseling and treatment center for problem gambling, as well as resources for sports development in Hong Kong.
The Fund, which aims to address gambling-related issues through preventive and remedial measures, has reported stable case numbers over the past four years.

While the teens' participation in gambling is low,  Mak stressed there will be an increase in education and counseling efforts for youth regardless of the regulation of basketball betting.

Furthermore, authorities will encourage HKJC to enhance its contributions to the Fund, which will include establishing new facilities dedicated to providing counseling and education services for young people, as well as public awareness efforts regarding the risks associated with gambling addiction.