Hong Kong’s leader has defended the government’s decision to put the legalisation of basketball betting on hold, stressing the policy was never intended to encourage gambling and that all risks must be controlled before any further steps are taken. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the remarks on Tuesday after the government’s surprising U-turn last…
Many Hongkongers would have been surprised last week that the government was postponing the introduction of basketball betting. It was only months ago that the bill had been enacted by the Legislative Council. So clearly it was a matter that fell within our high degree of autonomy. And the Hong Kong Jockey Club was known…
Hong Kong authorities should consider the impact of technological developments when drafting policies, observers have said, noting the government’s decision to halt plans for basketball betting reflected a lack of thorough discussion. Their remarks on Tuesday followed the government announcing the suspension over concerns about new “prediction market” gambling while warning that it was illegal…
Hong Kong’s sole legal betting operator had earmarked HK$1 billion (US$127.7 million) and hired 180 people to develop a basketball wagering system, but will now take a financial hit after the government announced this week it was halting plans for its roll-out, a source has said. The source close to the Hong Kong Jockey Club…
Heavy rain failed to put a dampener on the hopes of punters trying their luck on Hong Kong’s Mark Six lottery on Saturday, with the estimated first prize of HK$80 million in an Easter snowball draw. According to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, as Saturday night’s draw will carry a snowball of HK$63 million (US$8…
Hong Kong Tourism Board International fans unite for high-octane competitions across rugby, horse-racing and cycling HONG KONG, March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hong Kong is gearing up for an extraordinary season of world-class mega-events this March and April. As part of the Hong Kong Mega 8 campaign, visitors can experience an exhilarating blend of eight sports, arts and culture events that showcase vibrant energy and…
Conflicts in the Middle East highlight Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a talent hub promising safety and stability, the city’s labour chief has said. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han on Monday said that while Hong Kong already drew global talent because of its status as an international city, its safety and security were…
Maybe it’s because we are riding on the euphoria of good fortune and luck that is associated with the celebration of the Lunar New Year that there hasn’t been much of the noise that we usually hear ahead of the annual budget speech. Typically, the weeks leading up to the speech are filled with groups…
Some lucky Hong Kong fans of K-pop star G Dragon pocketed at least HK$320 (US$41) from the record HK$200 million Lunar New Year Mark Six draw after they chose lottery numbers he suggested. G Dragon fans took to social media to share news of their earnings after the winning numbers were announced on Saturday. During…
Tens of thousands of spectators are lining both sides of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour ahead of the Lunar New Year fireworks display, with some gathering hours in advance to secure prime viewing spots. But some visitors from mainland China said they planned to leave Hong Kong after the display ended on Wednesday evening, despite government…