APAC
FOCUS
提 升 社 會 責 任 與 提 高 標 準
APAC FOCUS INSIGHT
ASIA PACIFIC FOCUS INSTITUTE FOR GREATER CHAIN STUDIES
大 中 華 研 究 所 亞 太 焦 點 項 目
APAC FOCUS, AN IGCS'S
PROGRAM FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE ASIA PACIFIC
A P A C F o c u s i s a p r o g r a m d e v e l o p e d b y t h e I G C S i n 2 0 2 3 , a H o n g K o n g - b a s e d
APAC FOCUS
i n d e p e n d e n t a n d l e a r n e d s c h o l a r l y
p l a t f o r m d e d i c a t e d t o p r o m o t i n g t h e
d e v e l o p m e n t a n d i n t e l l e c t u a l e x c h a n g e
o f t h e A s i a P a c i f i c r e g i o n
O u r m i s s i o n i s t o f a c i l i t a t e c o l l a b o r a t i o n
a m o n g y o u n g p e o p l e a c r o s s t h e A s i a
P a c i f i c r e g i o n b y c r e a t i n g p l a t f o r m s f o r
d i a l o g u e , k n o w l e d g e e x c h a n g e , a n d
n e t w o r k i n g B y b r i n g i n g t o g e t h e r
i n d i v i d u a l s a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n s f r o m
d i f f e r e n t s e c t o r s a n d b a c k g r o u n d s , w e
c a n p r o m o t e b e s t p r a c t i c e s , f o s t e r
i n n o v a t i o n , a n d e n h a n c e t h e w e l l - b e i n g
o f t h e r e g i o n ' s p e o p l e a n d e n v i r o n m e n t
T h r o u g h o u r v a r i o u s p r o g r a m s a n d
i n i t i a t i v e s , w e a i m t o c o n t r i b u t e t o
a c h i e v i n g t h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s S u s t a i n a b l e
D e v e l o p m e n t G o a l s ( S D G s ) b y a d d r e s s i n g
p r e s s i n g r e g i o n a l c h a l l e n g e s s u c h a s
p o v e r t y , i n e q u a l i t y , c l i m a t e c h a n g e , a n d
b i o d i v e r s i t y l o s s . J o i n u s i n o u r e f f o r t s t o
p r o m o t e a s u s t a i n a b l e a n d p r o s p e r o u s
A s i a P a c i f i c r e g i o n
Elevating Social Responsibility Raising the Bar
A P o l i c y S u b m i s s i o n o n E n h a n c i n g t h e
S t a n d a r d s o f R e g u l a t i n g B a s k e t b a l l B e t t i n g
Ac t i v i t i e s
I. Introduction: SDGs, Sustainability and ESG in Hong Kong & Global Context
The Hong Kong government has recently initiated a public consultation on the regulation of basketball betting activities, proposing establishing a regulatory framework modeled after the existing regime for football betting. While the government maintains its stance of "not encouraging gambling," it acknowledges the "actual and persistent demand" for such activities, which, if left unregulated, could exacerbate illegal gambling and associated societal issues.
This submission advocates adopting more proactive and precautionary measures through legislation to regulate basketball betting activities in alignment with principles of social justice, public good, sustainable development, and human security. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening protective measures for young adults aged 18-25 within the proposed regulatory framework.
The recommendations outlined herein aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and safeguards to mitigate problem gambling behaviors among this vulnerable demographic while expanding an extremely controversial and sensitive business in contemporary society.
In recent years, Hong Kong society has witnessed a profound transformation in its expectations of corporate conduct, particularly regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and responsible business operations. This shift is not unique to Hong Kong; it reflects a global trend where stakeholders including the public, investors, and regulators demand that large corporations and institutions move beyond compliance and actively contribute to sustainable development, social justice, and ethical governance. The integration of ESG into core business strategies has become mainstream, with companies expected to set measurable goals, ensure board-level accountability, and embed social responsibility into every facet of their operations.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a universal framework for addressing pressing challenges such as inequality, public health issue, irresponsible consumption and etc. These goals have become a benchmark for both governments and corporations, urging them to align their strategies and operations with global priorities for a fairer, more sustainable future. In this context, ESG and the SDGs are mutually reinforcing: ESG provides the measurable criteria for responsible operations, while the SDGs offer a vision and roadmap for societal impact.
Hong Kong’s experience since the legalization of football betting in 2003 illustrates this evolution. The public now expects large institutions like the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) the sole operator of legal betting activities to not only comply with the law but to lead in transparency, accountability, and social contribution. This
expectation is amplified by the HKJC’s unique monopoly status and its significant influence on the gambling field and the general community. Stakeholders are increasingly vocal about the need for robust governance, enhanced social safeguards, and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with gambling, especially among vulnerable groups such as young adults.
Moreover, there is a growing consensus that government involvement is essential to set higher standards and ensure that corporate actions align with the broader public interest. Effective regulation can establish minimum benchmarks, require transparent reporting, and mandate financial contributions to prevention and treatment programs ensuring that the HKJC are held accountable for their societal impact and play a more proactive constructive role in advancing social justice. This aligns with the SDGs’ call for strong institutions (SDG 16), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
To sum up, the convergence of rising stakeholder expectations, the global ESG movement, and the imperatives of the UN SDGs has created a new standard for responsible corporate conduct in Hong Kong. It is no longer sufficient to simply applying the same outdated law in regulating the HKJC’s upcoming basketball betting activities. The government must demonstrate leadership in transparency, accountability, and social responsibility through imposing higher standards through legislation and regulations. A higher standard on the HKJC’s betting operation is not just a regulatory necessity. On the contrary, it is a societal imperative to ensure that the expansion of betting activities is balanced with the protection of public welfare, the advancement of sustainable development, and the promotion of social justice for all.
II. Why specifically the 18-25 age group?
A substantial body of international research indicates that young adults aged 16 to 25 are particularly susceptible to problem gambling and gambling addiction.
Hollén et al. (2020) demonstrated that gambling participation increases markedly during late adolescence, with 54% of 17-year-olds reporting engagement in gambling activities, rising to 68% by age 20 and stabilizing at 66% by age 24. The study further highlights that regular (weekly) gambling is predominantly observed among males, increasing from 13% at age 17 to 18% at age 20, with online gambling emerging as a significant factor sustaining gambling involvement by age 24.
Similarly, Winters et al. (2002) conducted a three-wave longitudinal study tracking the gambling behaviors of 305 youths from adolescence into young adulthood, from the following schedule: time 1 [T1] 1990, time 2 [T2] 1992, time 3 [T3] 1997-1998. Their findings reveal that gambling patterns established by age 20 frequently persist in adulthood. Notably, the prevalence of at-risk gambling (subclinical problems) increased significantly from 14.8% at the initial assessment (T1) to 21% in young adulthood (T3), underscoring the critical importance of early intervention during this developmental stage.
Further evidence is provided by a large-scale, nationally representative survey conducted in the United States between 2005 and 2007 (Welte et al., 2008). This telephone survey of 2,274 individuals aged 14–21 found that gambling is widespread among American youth, with participation rates increasing with age. By late adolescence and early adulthood, gambling has become a normative activity, with 68% of respondents reporting gambling in the past year. The study also identified a notable prevalence of problem gambling within this cohort: 2.1% met the criteria for problem gambling, and an additional 6% were classified as at-risk gamblers, indicating that a significant minority of young people are already experiencing or are vulnerable to gambling-related harms.
While some may question the applicability of these Western-based studies to other contexts, recent global evidence supports their relevance. Tran et al. (2024), in a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Public Health, synthesized data from 380 representative samples (over 3.4 million individuals) across 68 countries and territories, encompassing approximately 43% of the global population.
Their findings indicate that 46.2% of adults and 17.9% of adolescents engaged in gambling activities in the preceding 12 months, with young adults (18–24 years) exhibiting higher participation rates than older adults. The global prevalence of problematic gambling was estimated at 1.41% among adults, with substantially higher rates observed among those participating in online casino or slot gambling
(15.8%). The study underscores that online gambling formats, particularly casino/slots and sports betting, are strongly associated with problematic gambling, and that adolescents engaging in online gambling are at disproportionate risk due to the accessibility and anonymity of these platforms.
Collectively, these studies underscore the heightened vulnerability of young adults to gambling-related harms and highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies within this age group.
Back to the Hong Kong context, the 18-25 age group is particularly important to target in the context of basketball betting due to the sport’s immense popularity and deep cultural resonance among local youth and young adults. Basketball has become one of the most popular sports in Hong Kong, especially among the younger generation, with widespread participation in school programs, community leagues, sports fashion and street basketball events. This strong engagement means that basketball competitions are consistently a hot topic among youths and young adults, making them especially susceptible to marketing and peer influence related to betting activities.
With the government considering the legalization and regulation of basketball betting, there is a significant risk that this move will attract the attention of young adults, who are already highly involved in the sport as players, fans, and community members. The accessibility of online betting platforms and the normalization of gambling through legal channels could further increase participation rates among this demographic, who may lack the financial experience and risk awareness to manage gambling responsibly.
Without robust controls, the government would be failing in its duty to prevent gambling-related harm and protect young adults from the well-documented risks of addiction, financial distress, and social consequences associated with early gambling exposure. Therefore, targeted regulatory measures for the 18-25 age group are essential to mitigate these risks and uphold the government’s responsibility to safeguard public health and social welfare in Hong Kong.
III. Proposals
Previous surveys have revealed patterns concerning young people in engaging betting and gambling activities. As basketball betting becomes available, there is a significant risk that young adults aged 18-25 who have recently gained legal access to basketball gambling under the current communication technological advanced period may be particularly susceptible to developing gambling disorders and problem gambling without robust protective measures in place. This submission calls for targeted interventions to safeguard this demographic while promoting responsible gambling practices.
While the legalization and regulation of basketball betting aim to curb illegal gambling and provide a controlled framework for public participation, it is imperative to recognize that young adults represent a particularly vulnerable demographic. Therefore, this submission is fundamentally centered on promoting the protection of young adults aged 18-25 against the potential risks of problem gambling that may arise from the introduction of regulated basketball betting activities through legislation and mandatory regulation on the upcoming legalized basketball betting activities.
The age group of 18-25 encompasses individuals who are transitioning into adulthood, navigating financial independence, and often exploring new forms of entertainment. These factors make them more susceptible to gambling-related harm, including addiction, financial distress, and social consequences. Studies have consistently shown that young adults are at higher risk of developing problematic gambling behaviors due to their impulsivity, lack of experience in managing financial risks, and exposure to targeted marketing strategies.
As basketball betting becomes regulated in Hong Kong, this submission advocates for comprehensive safeguards tailored specifically to protect this demographic. By implementing measures, the government can proactively address these risks. These regulations are respectively:
1. Mandatory Disclosure of Young Adults' Betting and Gambling Data on Basketball Betting Activities
2. Mandating Substantial Contributions for Public Welfare and Harm Reduction
3. Banning Online Basketball Betting Activities for Young Adult Users
1. Mandatory Disclosure of Young Adults (aged 18-25) Betting and Gambling Data on Basketball Betting Activities
We propose implementing mandatory disclosure requirements specific to basketball betting patterns among young adults aged 18-25. This approach takes reference of recent Hong Kong's ESG reporting standards, which has taken effect on January 1, 2025. Such measures aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking to address gambling-related harm effectively. In this section, we advocate that the HKJC must comply with the following statutory requirements. Below are the specific details of the proposal:
Proposed Details:
• Disclosure and Reporting Requirement: The HKJC will be required to provide two half-yearly and one yearly report annually that disclose the betting statistics for the 18-25 demographic and information in basketball betting activities. It includes, but is not limited to, the total number of unique users in this age group, the average betting amount per user, the frequency of betting activities, the types of basketball bets placed, the time patterns of betting activity, the rate of account closures and self-exclusions, and any other related significant indicators.
• Open access: All disclosed data must be published online for public access.
• Accountable to Public Inquiry and Review: The HKJC must comply with statutory requirements to submit the half-yearly and annual reports to the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, submit the annual report to the Legislative Council of Hong Kong SAR for reviews and questionings, and conduct at least one legislative council briefing per year based on the annual report.
This approach aligns with Hong Kong's growing emphasis on mandatory disclosures in both public and private sectors, aligning with the global ESG standards and practices, where transparency is essential for responsible, sustainable, and socially beneficial business practices. Specifically, by closely monitoring and analyzing young adults' gambling trends in basketball betting activity, Hong Kong regulators and policymakers can quickly identify vulnerabilities and implement targeted interventions to prevent harm, and the mandatory reporting ensures that the HKJC adheres to the highest ethical standards and remains accountable for their societal harm and impact.
2. Mandating Substantial Contributions for Public Welfare and Harm Reduction
To address the potential societal harm caused by the upcoming legalization of basketball betting activities and expecting a total HKD 3 billion extra income, we propose to legislate a law regarding HKJC’s mandatory financial contribution of at
least 3% of total basketball betting income or no less than HKD 300 million should be allocated to the Ping Wo Fund, along with a separate contribution of at least 2% of total income or a minimum of HKD 200 million to a designated government-led fund.
This measure is rooted in the principle that the HKJC, as the direct beneficiaries of legalized betting activities, are absolutely responsible for mitigating the negative externalities associated with their controversial and highly sensitive operations under the current culture of sustainable practice. Below are the specific details of the proposal:
Proposal Details:
• Additional Statutory Financial Contribution: at least 3% of total basketball betting income or no less than HKD 300 million should be allocated to the Ping Wo Fund, to support its anti-gambling and problem gambling prevention programs. Along with a separate contribution of at least 2% of total income or a minimum of HKD 200 million to designated government-led funds (such as Quality Education Fund, HYAB Funding Scheme, etc), to support quality education among schools and addiction prevention education programs.
• Support Government-led Anti-gambling educational and prevention program: To ensure the integrity and additionality of this mandatory contribution, it must be explicitly distinguished from previous practices involving direct donations to the HKJC’s own charitable arms. This measure guarantees that the funds represent a new, supplementary commitment to a governmentadministered social responsibility fund, rather than serving as a financial offset or substitute for existing HKJC-led charitable giving. By channeling these resources through a government-led mechanism, the allocation and oversight of funds can be directed independently toward counseling and treatment centers, youth-focused programs, independent research, public education initiatives, and other relevant stakeholders that advance sustainability and social welfare.
This approach enhances transparency, accountability, and the public benefit derived from the mandatory contribution. Such a statutory arrangement or code of compliance is not rare in other advanced common law jurisdictions.
Under the UK Gambling Act 2005, licensed gambling operators must support research, education, and treatment initiatives aimed at addressing problem gambling. Initially, these contributions were made on a voluntary basis rather than being legally mandated. The UK Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) only encourages operators to make annual financial contributions to organizations involved in research, prevention, or treatment of
gambling-related harms; however, the LCCP does not specify a required amount, leaving the level of contribution at the operator’s discretion.
Such arrangement has faced significant criticisms for its lack of consistency, transparency, and accountability. Because contributions were not legally mandated and no minimum amount was specified, many operators either contributed minimal amounts or failed to contribute at all, resulting in highly uneven and unpredictable funding for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms. This system allowed the gambling industry disproportionate influence over both the amount and destination of funding, raising concerns about the independence of service providers and the integrity of harm reduction initiatives
In response to concerns about gambling-related harm and to address the abovementioned loopholes, the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, led by The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC and The Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP, announced in 2024 the introduction of a statutory levy on betting firms to fund addiction treatment, research, and prevention initiatives. This mandatory levy, which will take effect in April 2025, replaces the previous voluntary contribution system and forms a central part of the government’s major reform of gambling laws to protect vulnerable users in the digital age.
A comparable precedent exists in New York State. Under the N.Y. Racing, PariMutuel Wagering and Breeding Law § 1367(8), platform providers are required to pay a tax on mobile sports wagering revenue, with the rate set by competitive bidding but not less than 12%. In practice, the New York State Gaming Commission awarded licenses at an effective 51% tax rate, far exceeding the statutory minimum. Importantly, 1% of this tax revenue amounting to at least $6 million annually is explicitly allocated for problem gambling education and treatment programs, as codified in the legislation
Furthermore, the 2024 Annual Report of the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Racing and Wagering documents ongoing legislative efforts to allocate more percentage of mobile sports betting tax revenue toward problem gambling education and treatment. This legislative movement demonstrates that it is both feasible and justifiable to require gambling operators to contribute a fixed portion of their revenue to mitigate the societal harms associated with legalized betting.
Given that the HKJC is the sole, government-authorized operator of all legal betting activities in Hong Kong including horse racing, football betting, the Mark Six lottery and the upcoming basketball betting it occupies a unique and dominant position in the local gambling industry.
This monopoly status, combined with the HKJC’s not-for-profit structure and its established role as one of the city’s largest taxpayers and charity donors, provides a strong foundation for implementing a higher mandatory allocation from betting revenue to address gambling-related harms.
By setting this arrangement, it allows Hong Kong to set a higher benchmark for social responsibility, reflecting both the scale of the HKJC’s operations and its unique public mandate to balance entertainment, community benefit, and harm prevention.
More importantly, such a statutory allocation is a clear demonstration of the Hong Kong government’s dedication to protecting young adults from gamblingrelated harm through legislation. By ensuring that resources are systematically directed toward prevention, education, and treatment initiatives, the government is taking concrete action to address the vulnerabilities of the 18-25 age group one of the most at-risk demographics for developing gambling problems. This commitment goes beyond rhetoric, embedding social responsibility into the very structure of the betting industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s reputation for progressive, sustainability-aligned governance.
3. Banning Online Basketball Betting Activities for Young Adult Users
To further protect young people and reduce their engagement in basketball betting, it is proposed to legislate a ban on online and mobile application-based basketball betting activities for users aged 18 to 25.
The core rationale behind this measure is to significantly reduce the convenience and accessibility of betting for this age group, thereby lowering their willingness to participate in such activities. Below are the specific details of the proposal:
Proposal Details:
• Removing Online Basketball Betting Activities: This policy removes the option of online access, which is the most popular and convenient channel for young adults and introduces additional administrative procedures, such as requiring in-person registration and physical presence at betting establishments, which serve as practical deterrents and guardian to impulsive or habitual betting behavior.
This approach not only disrupts the ease with which young adults can place bets but also indirectly discourages their participation by making the process more time-costly and less attractive. International research and local experience both indicate that reducing accessibility is an effective harm
minimization strategy, especially for vulnerable age groups who are more susceptible to developing gambling-related problems.
• Face-to-Face Promotion and Intervention: By requiring young adult users to visit physical betting locations, HKJC can leverage these face-to-face interactions to deliver direct warnings and promote responsible gambling materials tailored to this demographic. Staff at betting establishments can provide targeted education, distribute information on the risks of gambling, and offer resources for problem gambling prevention and support. This personal engagement is far more impactful than digital warnings and can help foster a culture of responsible gambling among young adults.
4. Others: from basketball to all betting – applying enhanced standards across all HKJC betting activities
The government has already proposed several licensing conditions in the consultation document, including specifying the validity period of the license, imposing limits on the types of bets and the number of events, prohibiting bets on basketball games involving Hong Kong teams or held in Hong Kong, prohibiting the acceptance of bets from minors, prohibiting credit card betting, and requiring HKJC to display notices reminding the public of the serious consequences of gambling addiction and to provide information on gambling disorder support services. We consider these conditions to be generally reasonable; however, the recommendations mentioned above could further enhance the regulatory framework, especially in terms of protecting young adults.
While the current consultation focuses on the regulation of basketball betting, it is crucial for the government to consider extending these enhanced requirements including mandatory financial contributions, transparency measures, and youth protection initiatives to all betting activities operated by the HKJC, namely Mark Six, horse racing, and football betting.
The primary legislation governing gambling in Hong Kong, including the Cap. 108 Betting Duty Ordinance and the Cap. 148 Gambling Ordinance, has not undergone comprehensive review or modernization for decades. As a result, the regulatory framework has become outdated and may no longer adequately address the evolving risks and societal expectations associated with betting activities. Over the years, the HKJC’s monopoly status has remained unchanged, and while this has enabled effective channeling of gambling demand into regulated avenues, it also places a heightened responsibility on the Club to operate at the highest standards of social responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.
Societal expectations around corporate governance and practices have advanced significantly in recent years, both globally and in Hong Kong. Stakeholders including the public, investors, and policymakers now expect large organizations like the HKJC to be proactive in mitigating social harms, supporting community welfare, and demonstrating robust accountability in all areas of operation The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforce this imperative, calling for responsible consumption, strong institutions, and reduced inequalities as part of a broader agenda for sustainable development.
In fact, we agree that limiting updated regulatory standards only to basketball betting would create inconsistencies and missed opportunities for systemic improvement. Expanding these requirements across all HKJC betting activities would:
• Ensure a consistent and modernized approach to harm prevention, transparency, and accountability for all forms of legal gambling in Hong Kong;
• Align Hong Kong’s regulatory framework with contemporary ESG and sustainability standards, as well as international best practices in responsible gambling;
• Respond to the community’s call for greater government involvement in promoting social justice and public good through effective oversight and policy innovation;
• Future-proof Hong Kong’s betting regulations, enabling adaptive responses to emerging challenges and ensuring that the benefits of regulated gambling are maximized for society as a whole.
In that case, a holistic review and expansion of regulatory requirements to cover Mark Six, horse racing, and football betting alongside basketball betting will better reflect today’s expectations for responsible corporate conduct, reinforce the government’s commitment to social justice, and position Hong Kong as a regional leader in sustainable and ethical gambling regulation.
IV. Conclusion
The regulation of basketball betting activities in Hong Kong represents a pivotal opportunity to address the dual challenges of meeting public demand for gambling while safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly young adults aged 18-25. As highlighted throughout this submission, this demographic is uniquely susceptible to gambling-related harms due to their developmental stage, financial independence, and exposure to targeted marketing strategies. Without robust protective measures, the introduction of basketball betting could inadvertently exacerbate problem gambling behaviors and associated social issues.
To ensure a balanced and socially responsible regulatory framework, this submission advocates for three key proposals: mandatory disclosure of young adults' gambling data, significant financial contributions to prevention programs through the Ping Wo Fund, and restrictions on online betting access for users aged 18-25. These measures are designed not only to mitigate risks but also to promote transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking.
The mandatory disclosure requirement will provide critical insights into the gambling behaviors of young adults, enabling regulators to identify trends and implement targeted interventions. By mandating public access to these data and requiring accountability through legislative reviews, Hong Kong can set an unprecedented standard for transparency in gambling regulation. This approach aligns with the city's growing emphasis on ESG principles and sustainable governance practices.
The proposal to mandate substantial financial contributions from basketball betting revenues to the Ping Wo Fund is an unprecedented legal advancement in the Asia-Pacific region. By establishing a statutory requirement for a significant portion of betting income to be allocated directly to a government-administered fund dedicated to anti-gambling and problem gambling prevention, Hong Kong is setting a new regional benchmark for social responsibility and regulatory innovation. This move surpasses the voluntary or loosely regulated contribution models seen elsewhere and positions Hong Kong as a leader whose legislative approach could inspire similar reforms in neighboring jurisdictions.
Restricting online betting access for young adults further reinforces harm reduction efforts by reducing convenience and accessibility two key factors driving impulsive gambling behaviors. This measure not only disrupts problematic patterns but also provides opportunities for face-to-face education and intervention at physical betting establishments. Such direct engagement can foster responsible gambling practices among young adults while mitigating risks associated with digital platforms.
These proposals are practical and aligned with broader societal goals such as sustainable development, public health promotion, and social justice. By incorporating these measures into the regulatory regime, Hong Kong can demonstrate its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations while addressing the realities of gambling demand in a controlled and responsible manner. Moreover, these initiatives reflect the government's stated commitment to "prevent and alleviate gambling-related problems" while advancing its leadership in ESG-driven policymaking.
In conclusion, we urge the government to adopt these recommendations as integral components of the regulatory framework for basketball betting activities. By doing so, Hong Kong can establish itself as a global leader in responsible gambling regulation, one that prioritizes societal welfare, protects vulnerable demographics like young adults, and sets a benchmark for sustainable governance practices in the gaming industry.
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