Legal soccer betting run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club could be launched in the second half of next year if a set of proposals is endorsed by the Executive Council tomorrow.
According to an informed source, the government is inclined to offer sole franchise rights to the non-profit making body as part of its overall strategy to legalise soccer betting in the SAR without excessively commercialising the activity.
Restrictions on soccer betting will be imposed aimed at countering criticism that legalising it will encourage gambling, particularly among young people.
They include a ban on soccer betting for people under the age of 18. Publicity of soccer betting will be strictly regulated in a manner similar to the present restrictions on tobacco advertisements. Also, warnings about the adverse effect of gambling will be publicised at betting outlets.
Promotion of soccer betting will not be allowed in television commercials and odds for fixtures will not be broadcast during coverage of soccer matches.
Only cash bets on soccer matches will be allowed to avoid credit card debt problems.
'Some people may say our proposal is neither here nor there,' the source said. 'But we will ensure it is interesting and competitive enough so that money will not go to illegal betting.'