Hong Kong Set to Legalize Online Basketball Betting by Upcoming NBA Season

Hong Kong’s government is getting closer to allowing NBA basketball betting. It’s going to be possible for bettors to wager on the forthcoming season of the most popular men’s basketball competition in the world, which starts in October.

Photo: An example of betting on the NBA handicap (screenshot: youtube.com/@bookmakerstv)

Hong Kong, home to many ultrarich people and a city that’s regarded as one of the richest in the world, is expanding the number of options for betting for its residents.

A proposal for legal basketball wagers, specifically NBA wagers, was part of Hong Kong’s 2024–25 budget. The 2024 legislative session saw little progress on a similar idea. However, for financial reasons, the odds might be in its favor this year.

Over HK$100 billion (£102 million, €124 million, and US$128.6 million) is the budget deficit for the Chinese special administrative area (SAR). This is more than twice the deficit that was anticipated at the beginning of 2024.

The GDP of Hong Kong expanded 2.5% in 2024 compared to 3.2% in 2023. The SAR’s budget situation may worsen as a result of trade disputes with the US. Tens of thousands of state servants are being let go by the financially challenged government in response, and it is also looking for new revenue streams. A larger gambling sector might be beneficial.

If Allowed, NBA Betting Will Only Be Doable Online

Paul Chan, the finance secretary for Hong Kong, stated in his annual budget statement that legalizing basketball betting may potentially boost government revenue by HK$1.5 billion annually. Additionally, it would effectively prevent illicit betting activity. An estimated HK$70 billion to HK$90 billion was made by underground sportsbooks last year.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which will shortly submit a request to introduce NBA betting, already allows Hong Kong gamblers to legally wager on horse racing, football games, and public lotteries. As early as September, the possibility of NBA betting might be finalized. In mid-October, the 2025–26 NBA season gets underway.

Before allowing the wagers, the government will hold a public feedback session. According to reports, sports bettors will only be able to place NBA wagers on sites for basketball online betting if the measure is adopted.