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Hong Kong Pauses Basketball Betting Amid Illegal Market Concerns

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government paused plans to launch basketball betting after growth of the prediction market.
The decision came seven months after lawmakers legalized basketball betting.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) was to manage the betting and projected HK$1.5 billion in tax revenue, possibly within three to four years.
A government spokesman said illegal betting on sports in prediction markets poses risks and requires further study.

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Story summary

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government paused plans to launch basketball betting after growth of the prediction market.
The decision came seven months after lawmakers legalized basketball betting.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) was to manage the betting and projected HK$1.5 billion in tax revenue, possibly within three to four years.
A government spokesman said illegal betting on sports in prediction markets poses risks and requires further study.