On a larger scale, gambling has moved from being merely a niche activity to becoming a global phenomenon. And different research institutions actually agree with that. Take, for instance, a recent approximation by Grand View Research that values the global digital gambling market at $78.66 billion and expects it to jump to $153.57 billion.
Interestingly, even regions that maintain a tough stance towards gambling, like Hong Kong, have not survived the lure of online betting. Offshore operators are always alert, coming up with well-thought-out ideas to reach eager players in these regions. And taking a quick look at the best mobile casinos in Hong Kong, you’ll realise how lucrative these operators have become in their approach.
Realising that players want more than just spinning reels or flipping a card, the operators integrate seamless payment options and advanced promos to attract players. Others even go the extra mile to offer live dealers and personalised experiences, all to make the player deeply engaged. But as enticing as this digital glitter may seem, regulators in Hong Kong have been steadily tightening the net. And if you want to learn about what they’re doing to combat the further spread of unlicensed operators, this article has you covered.
The offshore gambling headache in the city
One of the primary reasons for the widespread popularity of offshore betting in Hong Kong is how adaptive these platforms are to modern preferences. They know quite well that, as much as online platforms offer a heightened level of convenient access to entertainment, modern players want more than just convenience.
That’s why most of them localise experiences for the Hong Kong population. They do so by offering Chinese-language odds, accepting Hong Kong dollars and even providing customer support tailored to local time zones. Of course, when players see such a platform, they’ll be more likely to trust it. And once a user trusts a platform, it becomes easy for them to transact with it. It’s a big part of why OneSky Localization Agent attributes a 70% increase in web visits to localisation.
In other words, operators targeting this region have mastered the art of making their platforms feel less foreign. In this way, they’re actually able to create an illusion that they’re part of the city’s own gambling system, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of continuous engagement and repeat betting.
This is why you should be surprised to learn that, according to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HJKC), the number of basketball bettors rose from 100,000 in 2023 to 430,000 in 2024. In terms of illegal wagers, the amount generated rose from about HK$32 billion in 2023 to roughly HK$70 billion a year later. Losing a revenue of over HK$70 billion every year to illegal businesses is no joke, which is part of why the city’s regulators are hunting offshore operators with renewed vigour.
How is offshore gambling dealt with
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) uses a multipronged strategy to conduct proactive cyber patrols. Together with collaborating divisions, they collect helpful data through public tip-offs and digital forensics.
As a result of these efforts, over 107 individuals have been arrested, and over $2 billion worth of wagering records related to illegal sports betting and casino-style games have been seized between 2024 and February 2025 alone. When it comes to transnational syndicates, the HKPF partners with international agencies like INTERPOL to dismantle offshore networks targeting the region’s players.
A more practical example is the 2024 crackdown dubbed Operation Nearspace, where the HKPF detained about 57 people linked to five offshore wagering websites. The network reportedly collected HK$460 million in illegal bets since the start of 2024, covering football, horse racing and casino-style games. Among those arrested were core operators, middlemen managing bookmaker accounts and individuals whose bank accounts were used to launder proceeds.
And the crackdowns are not just limited to online operators; even physical locations facilitating illegal betting aren’t safe. Just recently, in August 2025, HKPF officers arrested over 200 people, including tenants and property owners who knowingly allowed such activities.
Going beyond arrests
Besides arrests, authorities have also been investing in educational programs. For instance, before and after the 2022 World Cup period, the HKPF conducted an educational campaign themed, Stay Away from Online Illegal Soccer Gambling. The police also collaborated with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Ping Wo Fund through various channels to distribute messages against illegal betting.
There’s also been mounting pressure to regulate some gambling forms like basketball betting. According to some stakeholders, if the government fails to provide a regulated avenue for these wagering forms, it might be challenging to stop illegal involvement. But with a regulated channel, the government will be able to protect its citizens while mitigating crime risks.
At the same time, HKJC, helped by Oxford Economics, published a report claiming that nearly half (49%) of gamblers would switch to legal platforms if basketball wagering were allowed. This statistic perfectly highlights how establishing a proper regulatory framework could help redirect demand away from offshore operators into licensed channels.
Well, looking at things on a surface level, unlicensed platforms offer players improved gameplay by providing convenience and more engaging experiences. But from a community level, these companies represent a drain of resources and a conduit for organised crime. And perhaps the tricky part of stopping their spread is how they’ve managed to align with modern preferences like catering to the need for localisation. But with the right strategy, the Hong Kong government can close that gap and tip the balance back in its favour.
