Eric Fok Calls for Regulated Soccer Betting in Hong Kong
In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, Eric Fok, the Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, said that he believes the special administrative region (SAR) could benefit from an expanded, regulated gambling framework that would enable residents and visitors to place bets on local soccer matches.
Eric Fok, the Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Fok revealed that discussions on the subject are already underway and that there is a great deal of support for the idea. He explained that the Football Association is not acting alone in exploring this possibility and said that various stakeholders have approached the organization to advocate for the legalization of sports betting on locally hosted events.
Beijing Likely to Oppose Soccer Betting
However, the initiative is unlikely to carry favor in Beijing, which has long been opposed to gambling, viewing it as a less desirable form of economic activity. Macau’s gambling industry has recently come under stricter regulation, with the SAR diversifying its economy beyond gambling. Despite these constraints, Macau's adjusted gambling model has been largely well-received.
Hong Kong, on the other hand, is not entirely shifting toward gambling but is considering moderate changes to its legal framework. Fok suggested that legalizing sports betting on local soccer games could provide the sports sector with additional resources and funding.
Fok stressed the importance of proceeding cautiously. Prominent figures like Philip Chan, a well-known soccer advocate, have also voiced support, arguing that legalizing sports gambling on local games could positively impact Hong Kong’s sports ecosystem.
Regulated betting is already available in Hong Kong. The city permits gambling on major international sporting events, such as the Premier League. It is home to a horse racing industry that hosts globally renowned races featured by bookmakers in regulated markets.
Related: Hong Kong Council Calls for Better Regulation of Quasi-Gambling Apps
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Beijing's Approval is the Key to Progress
While there is growing support for the proposal locally, any substantial changes will likely require approval from Beijing. The central government’s stance on gambling will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of an expanded sports betting framework in Hong Kong.
At the same time, the city is continuing its efforts to combat underground gambling. In November, authorities cracked down on an illegal gambling den, arresting 16 individuals as part of a broader campaign against black-market betting operations.
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