Hong Kong's lawmakers approve bill to legalise basketball betting
發佈日期: 2025-09-11 20:49
TVB News
The Legislative Council passed a bill to legalise basketball betting after most lawmakers sided with the government and agreed that the law's passage would help combat illegal gambling.
But a lawmaker who voted against the bill said illegal gaming will not disappear simply because the activity is regulated.
The question is agreed by a majority of members present. I declare the motion passed.
During the third reading of the basketball betting bill at the Legislative Council, 77 lawmakers voted in favour; two against it, and two abstained.
Most lawmakers agreed with the government that unlicensed betting activities can be regulated with the introduction of the bill.
Lau Kwok-fan said: "I think some kind of regulation is necessary. Offering legalised channels for members of the public to take part in gambling can help curb illegal gambling."
Kenneth Fok said: "There is a good track record for the Hong Kong Jockey club in the past 20 years. It has shouldered social responsibility for not promoting gambling. And we also have the Ping Wo Fund."
The two lawmakers who voted against the bill came from the education and social welfare sectors.
Chu Kowk-Keung said: "The harm doesn't just affect youngsters but adults as well. There are school heads and teachers who have ended in debt because of gambling. They have used appropriated funds using their capacity in schools -- they have fallen short of the standards expected of them."
Tik Chi-yuen said: "There are many basketball matches. It's very easy for gambling activities to become a routine activity. The black market will not disappear because you have legalised the activity."
The government thanked the legislators for passing the bill.
Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, said: "We will move on to liaise with Hong Kong Jockey Club about the terms of the licence. We will issue the licence to Hong Kong Jockey Club. I think they need some time to gear up -- they have to implement some IT measures and some facilities, so we will announce the timeline in the near future."
Mak said authorities will strengthen young people's education on the harmfulness of illegal and excessive gambling.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club welcomed the bill passage and said it would work closely with the government on combating illicit gambling activities.
