HK Jockey Club closes betting branches indefinitely
Off-course betting shops will remain closed due to the spike in Covid-19 cases in the city.
Hong Kong.- The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has decided to cancel the reopening of off-course betting shops slated for August given the continued spike in Covid-19 cases in the city.
The HKJC said: “In view of the severe Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong, the Club has temporarily closed all off-course betting branches from 19 July until further notice. The Club appreciates the understanding of its customers.”
The Club first closed its facilities in February due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but had since reopened.
It had to shut shops again in July, and also postpone the resumption of the Mark Six Lottery, which was suspended on February 1 and was set to restart on July 21. At that point, other branches remained open for cashing-in vouchers or winning tickets, betting accounts deposits and withdrawals and racing ticket sales.
Other measures announced by the Jockey Club include the cancelation of its annual Champions Awards Ceremony and Dinner, which was set to be held at the Rosewood Hotel on July 16.
In spite of the situation, the HKJC recently reported racing revenue for the 2019-2020 season at HK$121.6 billion (US$15.68 billion) making it the third best-season in its history.
