For many years, betting in Hong Kong focused mainly on horse racing events, organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). However, the variety and convenience of international betting sites have opened up a new world for players. These Hong Kong betting sites not only offer a wide range of sporting events, from football, basketball, and tennis, to horse racing, but also provide a diverse and engaging online betting experience. So which Hong Kong betting sites should you bet? Let bet win tips through the article below!
History of sports betting in Hong Kong
For many years, the only legal gambling activity in Hong Kong was at the horse racing tracks. This changed in the 1970s when off-course legal bookmaker were introduced to address the prevalence of illegal gambling taking place. They were operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which still controls all domestically managed gambling activities.
Operated by volunteers, the HKJC is a non-profit organization, the largest private charitable contributor, and the largest taxpayer in the region. The HKJC organizes horse races at two Hong Kong racecourses – Happy Valley and Sha Tin. The group also arranges charity events, dinners, and social gatherings for around 23,000 members.
This exclusivity has led to some illegal activities springing up across Hong Kong. Police seized around HK$350 million from the 2014 World Cup alone after raiding mainland-based operations run by organized crime syndicates. Authorities continue to focus on dismantling these illegal gambling networks rather than taking action against international betting websites, which ultimately would be much safer for local residents.
Top 5 Hong Kong Betting Sites
1. Bet365
Bet365 is one of the leading betting websites globally and a hub providing a range of online betting opportunities for players. With a vast supply of information and special features, Bet365 continuously attracts players worldwide, including the gaming community in Hong Kong.
The website doesn't just focus on sports betting but also offers a variety of sporting events from football, basketball, tennis, horse racing, and much more. Additionally, Bet365 houses a world of online casino games, catering to the diverse and discerning needs of players.
With its user-friendly interface and flexible betting features, Bet365 provides an excellent online betting experience for players in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the website emphasizes providing professional customer support services, ensuring that players can enjoy games safely and easily.
With a reputation established over many years of operation, Bet365 has become a top destination for online betting enthusiasts in Hong Kong, where they can engage in their favorite games and experience high-quality and diverse betting options.
2. BK8
If you're seeking the best online casino experience in Hong Kong, then BK8 is the perfect choice for you. True to its slogan, this gambling website is indeed the biggest and most reliable brand in Hong Kong, especially in terms of game selection and overall user experience.
The casino operations at BK8 are unparalleled, featuring a range of slot machine options from leading software developers in the industry. From popular titles by Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Red Tiger, Spribe to Playtech, and many others.
This platform offers games with the best betting odds because it features many games with high payout rates. To help players develop skills without spending money, BK8 provides demo versions of all their slot machines.
Moreover, BK8 offers one of the best live casino experiences, where you can enjoy interactive and engaging table games. You can participate in some of Hong Kong's favorite games, including Sic Bo and Baccarat. In total, there are over 2,000 casino games available here. BK8's diverse payment methods are also commendable. The casino website supports FastPay, Bank Transfer, Tether, Bitcoin, and several other e-wallets for deposits. However, the casino does not accept Hong Kong dollars.
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3. 22Bet
22Bet has quickly become one of the top online casinos in Hong Kong, especially for baccarat players. Here, you can engage in various live baccarat games at tables provided by leading game developers such as Pragmatic Play and Vivo Gaming. Use your best baccarat strategy and have the chance to win significant amounts.
22Bet also offers a demo mode, allowing you to hone your baccarat skills before betting with real money. If you're interested in other games, you can also enjoy three-card poker, Russian poker, roulette, and blackjack. If you're a fan of slot games, you won't be disappointed with hundreds of options to bet on.
This top online casino in Hong Kong is one of the most reliable providers, licensed by Curacao and the UK Gambling Commission. They accept various payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard, EcoPayz, Neteller, and Skrill, and also support numerous cryptocurrencies. In particular, 22Bet supports over 30 types of cryptocurrencies, enabling safe and anonymous payments. The welcome bonus goes up to 100% and is worth up to 3,000 HKD, although the bonus comes with a high wagering requirement of 50 times.
4. Betwinner
Betwinner is seriously committed to online sports betting, within the absolute scope of what's available. They not only offer horse racing markets, a feature many online betting competitors in Hong Kong lack but also have over 40 different sports to bet on.
That vast diversity includes virtual sports and esports, a feature that Betwinner excels at offering. Players can choose between the English version of the betting platform and another version in Hong Kong Chinese, a significant choice not offered by all competitors. Additionally, there's a mobile betting app available for both Android and iOS devices.
With a 3% weekly cashback program for all sports bets, along with the Nil Nil promotion (a promotion where players receive a refund for bets lost on goalless first halves), Betwinner also offers a welcome bonus calculated in Hong Kong dollars (HK$). Details are provided below.
Although Betwinner has offered many attractive deals, the only area needing improvement might be offering more sports betting promotions.
5. 1xBet
1xBet is one of the top sports betting operators, licensed by the Curacao Gaming Control Board since 2011. With over a decade in the industry, they've built a solid reputation and become a trusted destination for players worldwide.
In Hong Kong, a vibrant betting market, this platform provides players not just dozens of opportunities to bet on over 50 different sports.
Unrestricted to providing only classic options, 1xBet has expanded its scope to include everything from football and badminton to rapidly growing esports and even exciting racing events. This offers players a diverse betting experience, with hundreds of opportunities to try and bet on their favorite sports events. With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, 1xBet is not just a place to enjoy sports, but it is also a diverse entertainment center for betting enthusiasts.
FAQs about Hong Kong betting sites
Is sports betting legal in Hong Kong?
Pari-mutuel betting and fixed odds in horse racing and football are legal under Hong Kong's Gambling Ordinance, but all bets must be placed through the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). However, many locals use Hong Kong betting sites provided by international bookmakers because they offer better bonuses and odds.
What sports are popular to bet on in Hong Kong?
The most popular sport in Hong Kong is horse racing, with more than 700 races taking place in Sha Tin and Happy Valley each year. Hong Kong residents also enjoy betting on football, including the competitive Hong Kong Premier League and top European leagues such as the English Premier League and La Liga.
Can I bet online in Hong Kong dollars?
Unfortunately, very few online betting sites accept Hong Kong dollars (HKD). If this is not an option when you create an account, we would recommend choosing either Chinese yuan (CNY) or US dollar (USD). You can still deposit in HKD, but your funds will be converted automatically.
Is bet365 legal in Hong Kong?
No, Hong Kong is one of dozens of jurisdictions listed on bet365's list of restricted countries.
Conclusion
In the future, with the continuous development of technology and the opening of the betting market, the player community in Hong Kong can look forward to more diverse sports betting experiences, along with greater convenience and safety. Whether through international betting sites or online media, participating in sports betting games is not only a form of entertainment but also an integral part of the entertainment culture of Hong Kong residents. Hopefully, through the above article, you will find useful information to choose the best Hong Kong betting sites and participate in betting
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