Wondering about the legality of betting in Hong Kong? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this Hong Kong betting guide, we touch upon betting laws, the best Hong Kong betting sites, and other useful information such as banking methods and tips.
- Is Online Betting Legal in Hong Kong?
- Choosing a Good Betting Site in Hong Kong
- Best Betting Sites We Recommend for Betting in Hong Kong
- Top Hong Kong Betting Sites – Ranked
- Banking Methods for Hong Kong Players
- Which Sports Are Popular in Hong Kong?
- Other Country Betting Guides - Click Each Flag To Learn More
- Best Hong Kong Betting Sites FAQs
- ThePuntersPage Final Say
Is Online Betting Legal in Hong Kong?
Under the current law, punters can only bet online through the Hong Kong Jockey’s Club, a non-profit organisation that holds a government-granted monopoly on all gambling activities. It is the largest taxpayer in Hong Kong, and donates billions of HKD to the community on a yearly basis.
Currently, it is illegal for any offshore companies to offer their services in Hong Kong and for players to wager with them. Representatives from illegal betting companies could face a maximum penalty of HK$5 million (~ £496,000) and imprisonment of up to 7 years, while players who participate in illegal gambling are subject to a maximum fine of HK$30,000 (~ £3,000) and prison time of up to 9 months. Unsurprisingly, most – but not all – leading bookies play it safe, and don’t allow players from Hong Kong to register.
Offshore Bookies
Despite these stern laws, tens of thousands of Hongkongers still flock to offshore betting sites in search of greater betting odds, wider markets, and more generous promotions. It is estimated that a mammoth HK$12 billion (~ £1,190,399,264) flows through the illegal betting market per annum, with offshore bookmakers playing a substantial role in this figure. Clearly then, the Hong Kong authorities haven’t succeeded in blocking these sites from penetrating the market.
Choosing a Good Betting Site in Hong Kong
If you do decide to take the offshore bookmaker route, keep in mind that this comes with a set of risks. Aside from the fact that you’ll be breaking the law, any online sportsbook you visit will be unregulated and unlicensed by the Hong Kong authorities. This means that it’s especially important you sign up with an operator with a proven track record of security and reliability.
We ensure that every bookie we recommend holds a remote operating licence from the UK Gambling Commission, which regulates the industry. Licences from other organisations, such as the The Malta Gaming Authority and The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, are also good indications that a bookmaker won't take you for a ride and can be trusted. We also suggest looking at bookmaker reviews from multiple sources to get an insight into how an operator treats its players.
Hong Kong Betting Tips to Remember
- Using a bookie that offers the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) – such as 1xBet and 22bet – will protect you from exchange rate fluctuations.
- Always search for a sportsbook with competitive odds to ensure you’re getting value for your money. Calculate the odds overround to do this.
- Winnings are not currently subject to income tax in Hong Kong.
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#1
 1xBet
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ Access to 1xbet is restricted for UK residents. New Customers only. 100% on first deposit up to €100. The minimum required deposit to activate the bonus is €1. Before making a deposit into their account, customers must agree to receive a sports betting bonus either on the ‘Account Settings’ page in the My Account section, or directly on the ‘Deposit’ page. This bonus is automatically credited to customers’ accounts once the first deposit has been made, provided that the account details have been completed in full and a phone number has been activated. Wager 5 times the bonus amount in accumulator bets. Each accumulator bet must contain 3 or more events. At least 3 of the events included in an accumulator must have odds of 1.40 or higher. The start dates of all of these events should not be later than the validity period of this offer. The bonus must be used within 30 days of registration. After 30 days the bonus and all winnings made on the bonus will be revoked. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#2
 Matchbook
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
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#3
 PWR.Bet
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
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#4
22Bet
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Register with 22Bet. Make a deposit of at least €1. Get 100% bonus up to €122 for sports betting. The bonus will be credited to your account automatically after the deposit is made. Only one 100% first deposit bonus per customer. Before withdrawal the bonus amount needs to be wagered 5x in accumulator bets. Each accumulator bet must contain at least 3 selections with odds of 2/5 (1.40) or higher. 18+ Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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Top Hong Kong Betting Sites – Ranked
Banking Methods for Hong Kong Players
There are numerous ways for Hong Kong residents to transfer money in and out of their betting accounts. Credit cards are as popular here as anywhere else, with multinational corporations like VISA, MasterCard and UnionPay being offered by several bookies.
E-wallets are also widely popular in this part of the world, with the most popular ones being Alipay, a mobile payment method, and MyCard Wallet, allowing users to make quick, secure payments online. Other international names such as PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and some cryptocurrencies are also available. Of course, these payment methods will differ according to the website, as will withdrawal times.
Which Sports Are Popular in Hong Kong?
Horse racing is immensely popular in Hong Kong, with reports stating that it generates the largest racing gambling turnover in the world. Other sports, including football, basketball and esports, also attract huge numbers of Hong Kong followers and punters alike.
Other Country Betting Guides - Click Each Flag To Learn More
Australia
Brazil
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
France
Finland
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Nigeria
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
SA
Ukraine
UK
USA
Best Hong Kong Betting Sites FAQs
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Currently, punters can only legally bet through the Hong Kong Jockey Club, a non-profit organisation that holds a monopoly over the gambling sector.
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It is illegal for gambling companies to offer their services to players in Hong Kong, and for players to gamble with these companies. However, hundreds of thousands of Hongkongers still gamble online using offshore betting sites.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Betting abroad can often be more complex than punters initially think. This is the case in Hong Kong, where there are a set of risks that you need to be wary of. We’re not here to tell you whether you should or shouldn’t bet, but if you decide to, what we will do is advise you to do it safely and smartly. In places like these, where the online gambling market is unregulated, you can’t just sign up willy-nilly and hope for the best. Do the necessary research to ensure a safe and secure gambling experience.
Looking to bet somewhere new? Check out our detailed regulations guide to betting in different countries.
Hey, I'm Matteo, and I'm a writer that lives and breathes sports. The typical weekend for me revolves around (falsely) hoping Manchester United will make it back to the top, ruining my Fantasy Premier League team, and getting off my lazy butt for a run.