HK Jockey Club hopes more simulcasts will cut illegal gambling

The Hong Kong government has given permission to increase the maximum annual number of simulcast days from 23 to 37.

Hong Kong.- The Hong Kong Jockey Club has said that an increase in the number of simulcast days will help reduce illegal betting on horse racing.

The government has given permission to increase the maximum number of simulcast days each year by 14. That increases the number from 23 to 37.

Simulcast days will also be allowed to take place during the summer (July and August) starting this year.

The move was welcomed by the HK Jockey Club, which sees its busiest season of overseas races in the summer. It noted that European summer races, in particular, attracted a large number of illegal bets.

The club believes that offering simulcast betting on overseas races in summer will strengthen Hong Kong as a racing hub.

Racing jurisdictions worldwide will also welcome this new initiative for the promotion of globalisation of horse racing

A club spokesperson said: “The approval of extra simulcast days in the summer will effectively address the existing illegal gambling issues while at the same time generate additional betting duty as well as charities donations, and create additional job opportunities which will benefit the Hong Kong community as a whole.”