Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 17 Week of 2 June 2025
(1) Hong Kong proposes 50% duty on net profits from basketball betting
Hong Kong has proposed a 50 per cent duty on basketball betting profits, aiming to regulate gambling and curb illegal betting, while concerns remain over potential addiction and youth participation.
(2) Thailand plans new casino laws to combat money laundering
Thailand to enforce responsible gaming rules, banning ads and high-risk players.
(3) Japan Moves to Ban Online Casino Operations and Promotion
Japan’s House of Representatives has approved a bill to prohibit online casinos and their advertising, responding to rising public concern over illegal gambling and addiction.
(4) Sri Lanka Moves to Overhaul Gambling Laws with New Regulator
Sri Lanka’s Attorney General has cleared a draft bill proposing a Gambling Regulatory Authority for submission.
(1) Hong Kong proposes 50% duty on net profits from basketball betting
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong authorities have proposed a 50 per cent duty on net profits from basketball betting, similar to the existing tax on football gambling. A public consultation found that 94 per cent of respondents supported legalisation, with officials arguing that a regulated system could help combat illegal betting. The government emphasised that it does not encourage gambling but sees this measure as a way to control illicit activities.
The proposal includes strict licensing conditions, such as banning bets on games involving Hong Kong teams or those held locally. Operators will also be prohibited from accepting bets from underaged individuals or allowing credit card transactions. Other measures involve displaying warnings about excessive gambling and offering support services for addiction. The Betting and Lotteries Commission is expected to oversee these licences, while law enforcement will focus on tackling illegal gambling.
Despite strong public support, concerns remain about the risks of gambling addiction, particularly among young people. Experts warn that basketball’s shorter game format could make betting more tempting, and some question whether applying football gambling regulations to basketball is effective. While lawmakers see the betting duty as a way to boost government revenue, others worry that legalisation could encourage gambling rather than curb it. The proposal will be discussed further by Hong Kong’s Legislative Council.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313242/hong-kong-proposes-50-duty-net-profits-basketball-betting
(2) Thailand plans new casino laws to combat money laundering
(Photo Credit: Pattaya Mail)
Thailand is planning to implement measures to monitor the financial transactions of casino visitors to prevent money laundering as part of its efforts to legalise gambling venues within integrated resorts. Deputy Secretary General Suksit Srichomkhwan outlined that the government intends to enforce responsible gaming regulations, which include bans on casino advertising and restrictions on entry for individuals deemed “financial risks.”
The government’s proposal for integrated entertainment complexes aims to boost the tourism sector, which has been struggling this year. If the bill is approved, Thailand could join the global gaming market alongside Macau and Singapore, attracting investments from major international companies like Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International.
However, critics are concerned that the casino proposal may lead to increased gambling addiction and primarily benefit large businesses and foreign investors, potentially facilitating money laundering. Suksit assured that stringent surveillance would make money laundering nearly impossible within these venues. The draft legislation suggests that casinos should occupy only 10% of the space within each complex and includes strict entry requirements for Thai citizens, such as demonstrating substantial bank deposits, although officials have noted this requirement may need adjustment.
News Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-plans-new-casino-laws-to-combat-money-laundering#google_vignette
(3) Japan Moves to Ban Online Casino Operations and Promotion
(Photo Credit: World Casino News)
Japan’s House of Representatives has approved a bill to impose stricter restrictions on online gambling, aiming to outlaw both the operation and advertisement of online casinos. Social media companies will also be required to remove content that encourages illegal gambling. The bill is now set for deliberation in the House of Councillors, with an expected enactment by the end of the current parliamentary session.
The move comes amid growing public concern over illegal online gambling, with a recent survey indicating that approximately 3.37 million people in Japan have participated in online casino activities, spending an estimated 1.24 trillion yen annually. Current laws impose fines on those who access these platforms, and repeat offenders can face imprisonment. The rise in cases, including a significant arrest related to substantial online betting, has further highlighted the need for legislative action.
The revised bill also targets digital marketing tactics to reduce the allure of online gambling, particularly as access via smartphones increases the risk of addiction. The broad support for the legislation reflects a commitment to addressing gambling-related harm, which has reportedly surged in recent years. Once enacted, the law aims to strengthen Japan’s stance against illegal online gambling and its societal impacts.
News Source: https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/japan-moves-to-ban-online-casino-operations-and-promotion-118547
(4) Sri Lanka Moves to Overhaul Gambling Laws with New Regulator
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com)
Sri Lanka is set to reform its gambling laws with a new bill aimed at establishing a Gambling Regulatory Authority. This draft legislation has received support from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is also the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The proposed authority is expected to provide more structure and oversight to the country’s gaming sector.
If approved by Parliament, the bill will replace outdated laws, some of which are decades old, are considered insufficient for the modern gambling landscape in Sri Lanka. The new authority would serve as the sole independent regulator, overseeing both online and offshore gambling activities, including those related to the Colombo Port City.
In addition to streamlining regulations, the Gambling Regulatory Authority will enforce compliance, promote good governance, and help prevent money laundering and financial crimes associated with unregulated gambling. The Attorney General has cleared the bill for submission, and it is set to be debated in Parliament.
News Source: https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/sri-lanka-moves-to-overhaul-gambling-laws-with-new-regulator/
