Release date: 2025-02-26 19:00
Hong Kong and Macao
Guangdong
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《预算案》提出探讨开放篮球博彩，以打击非法赌博，有团体担心会多了年轻人沉迷赌博。
现时博彩只限赛马、六合彩及足球，及获发牌的麻将馆等，将来或有机会投注篮球。《预算案》引述赛马会评估，去年非法篮球赌博投注额有700亿至900亿元。政府指，将积极探讨规范篮球博彩，并邀请赛马会提交建议。
政府消息指，非法外围越趋严重，所以决定规管，税收比例会参考足球博彩，本地赛事不能投注。市民又有否兴趣投注篮球？
李先生指出：「较年轻的人不太喜欢看马，马会都要收支平衡，开发其他业务都可以。」
有市民称：「足球、赛马都是赌博，多个篮球没有分别。」
林先生说：「我现时买20多元马都很辛苦，又没有工作。要买多数十元，我岂不是更惨？饭都不能吃。」
赛马会表示欢迎，并全力支持，短期内会向政府提交详细建议，指规范篮球博彩能有效打击非法篮球赌博，并为特区政府带来重要税收，符合公众利益。
有立法会议员预计，每年能为库房带来15亿至20亿元额外博彩税收。
体育、演艺、文化及出版界议员霍启刚表示：「我们保守估计，可能有一半的收益或人士，可回归到合法渠道去进行这个活动。我希望可以达到明年NBA赛季、即十月前，可推出有关项目。」
消息指，政府今年内将谘询公众。至于会否开放其他运动项目博彩，当局指暂时不会考虑。
有提供戒赌服务的机构就担心，篮球博彩合法化，会令年轻人沉迷赌博情况恶化。
明爱展晴中心高级督导主任伍淑萍说：「我们担心年轻人未有足够认知、不懂‘煞掣’。当问题出现，往往是家人留意到，影响了学业、有经济问题，甚至有债务问题出现，错过最理想介入时机。」
她指政府要做好配套，加强戒赌支援。
Exclusive Interview: NBA Veteran Charles Barkley Debates Legalizing Basketball Betting – Insights & Controversies!
ehemaligen NBA-Star und analystsik Charles Barkley on the hot topic of legalizing basketball betting, the potential impact on young people, and the pros and cons of bringing this controversial form of entertainment to the mainstream.
Charles Barkley: The Round Mound of Rebound
Before delving into the debate, let’s briefly revisit the illustrious career of Charles Barkley.Aatal[3] the NBA in 1984, “The Round Mound of Rebound” spent 16 seasons entertaining fans with his aggressive play and larger-than-life personality. A All-Star and All-NBA selection, Barkley won two Olympic gold medals and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Now, as a prominent analyst on TNT’s NBA on TNT studio show, Barkley continues to share his unique insights and opinions on the game.
The Current Relevance: Legalizing Basketball Betting
With the 2024-25 NBA season in full swing and the ongoing discussion surrounding the legalization of basketball betting in Hong Kong, there’s no better time to explore this contentious issue with someone as knowledgeable and candid as Charles Barkley.
1. What are your initial thoughts on legalizing basketball betting in Hong Kong,notably considering the potential impact on young people?
Charles Barkley: “First off,I think we have to approach this topic with caution,especially when it comes to young folks. I’ve always been an advocate for keeping sports pure and about the love of the game. Having said that, I understand that legal betting can generate tax revenue and potentially crack down on illegal gambling. But we gotta make sure we educate our young people about responsible gambling and ensure thay don’t get sucked into a hazardous cycle.”
2. Some argue that legalizing basketball betting would lead to more people watching and engaging with the sport. What’s your take on this notion?
Charles Barkley: “I don’t buy that argument, man. Most people watch sports as they love the competition and entertainment value. Betting might increase viewership for a small segment of the population, but it won’t make or break the sport’s popularity. And let’s not forget, when viewership is driven by gambling interest, it could lead to other issues like match-fixing and betting scandals.”
3. Isn’t it true that many fans already bet on basketball games informally or through illegal channels? Couldn’t legalization help combat these issues?
Charles Barkley: “While that might be true, we can’t overlook the risks associated with legalization. We’ve seen what happened in other countries and sports – people become too invested in the outcome, and it ruins the enjoyment of the game. Also, let’s not forget that legal betting could create new problems, like increased addiction andsumer protection concerns.”
The Great Debate: Pros and Cons
Pros of Legalizing Basketball Betting
– Tax Revenue Generation: Legal betting could bring in meaningful tax revenue for Hong Kong, estimated between HK$15 billion to HK$20 billion annually[1].
– Deterring Illegal Gambling: Regulation could help crack down on illegal betting activities and protect consumers from unscrupulous operators.
– Sports Funding: Increased revenue from legal betting could help fund sports associations, infrastructure, and development programs.
Cons of Legalizing Basketball Betting
- Youth Gambling: Young people could be drawn into gambling, with long-term consequences for their financial and psychological well-being[4].
– Corruption and Match-Fixing: Legal betting could open doors for corruption and match-fixing, devastating the sport’s integrity.
– Negative Impacts on Fan Experience: An overemphasis on betting could shift the focus away from the sporting spectacle itself, ruining the enjoyment for genuine fans.
Lessons from Other Sports and Markets
looking at other sports and regions were legal betting is prevalent, such as soccer in Europe or horse racing in the United States, there are clear-cut lessons to be learned. While it’s undeniable that legal betting generates substantial revenue and employs many people, the potential drawbacks, including youth gambling, match-fixing, and negative influences on fan experience, cannot be ignored.
What About Regulation and Education?
While Charles Barkley remains cautious about legalizing basketball betting, he acknowledges that strict regulation and public education could help mitigate the risks.
charles Barkley: “If they do decide to go ahead with this, they have to put in place strict regulations. Age verification, responsible gambling campaigns, and real consequences for corruption are all must-haves. And they should work closely with sports organizations to ensure the integrity of the games remains intact.”
The Final Say: Do You Agree with Charles Barkley?
Do you share charles Barkley’s concerns about legalizing basketball betting in hong Kong? Or do you believe that the potential benefits outweigh the risks? We want to hear your thoughts!
Leave your comments below, and join the debate!
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