Hong Kong Football Association chief weighs legalizing betting on local matches

The chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, Eric Fok, has suggested that legalizing betting on local football matches could bolster the city's sports sector by attracting more resources and reducing reliance on external funding.  

In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, Fok stated that the proposal remains in the "discussion phase" but has garnered support from stakeholders in Hong Kong’s sports community. "There are a lot of people who have brought this up and expressed that they support this," he said.  

Fok highlighted the potential benefits of such a move, noting that legalizing betting could provide much-needed financial resources. However, he also stressed the need for caution, citing societal concerns. "We need to be very cautious and sensitive," he said, adding that public support and robust regulation would be critical for implementation.  

Hong Kong footballer of the year Philip Chan echoed Fok’s sentiments, arguing that legalized betting could help "attract investment" and "increase public interest" in local football.  
 
Currently, legal sports betting in Hong Kong is restricted to horse racing and major international football events, such as the English Premier League. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which operates the city’s legal betting framework, reported a football betting turnover of HK$160.3 billion ($20.6 billion) in the 2024 financial year, a 2.2% increase year-on-year.  

Despite these figures, the proposal to expand betting faces resistance. The city’s Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has expressed concerns about match-fixing and a perceived lack of demand for local football betting. "It is the government’s policy not to encourage gambling," said Secretary for Home Affairs Alice Mak in December 2024.  

The debate on sports betting expansion in Hong Kong extends beyond local football. Last year, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Jockey Club proposed the introduction of betting on NBA games, while legislator Adrian Ho suggested increasing football betting duties, expanding licenses, and adding sports such as F1 to the roster.  
 
Supporters of legalizing local football betting argue it could reinvigorate the sport and provide a financial boost, but opponents warn of potential social and regulatory pitfalls, including match-fixing and addiction.  

Fok remains optimistic but cautious. "We need to consider not only Hong Kong’s situation but also where football is going," he said.