Proposed gambling on existing football model via Hong Kong Jockey Club must comply with strict conditions to allay fears for young
The NBA finals, under way in the United States, are being closely followed by millions of basketball fans around the world. Many bets will be placed on the matches, including in Hong Kong. All wagers made in the city will be illegal. There is no lawful form of basketball betting, despite its soaring popularity. But that is about to change.
The government has released the results of a one-month public consultation on its proposal to legalise betting on the sport. It says 94 per cent of 1,063 respondents were in favour and only 3.4 per cent against. Given that this is a sensitive social issue, with concerns about problem gambling, the level of support is surprisingly high.
It is proposed that basketball betting be modelled on the one for football adopted in 2003. Lawful bets must be made with the sole authorised bookmaker, the Hong Kong Jockey Club. No credit will be given, juveniles will not be permitted to bet and there will be no gambling on matches involving local teams or staged in Hong Kong.
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