Hong Kong is gearing up to open its fifth counseling center for problem gamblers as part of a broader move to legalize basketball betting. The government plans to slap a 50% tax on the operator’s profits—likely the Hong Kong Jockey Club—and require them to chip in with donations and community support.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about adding another betting option—it’s a balancing act. Legalizing basketball betting could bring in revenue, but the push for counseling centers and heavy taxes shows the government’s wary of gambling’s social costs. If done right, it could fund public services; if not, it might fuel addiction. Either way, it’s a big shift in how Hong Kong handles gambling.