Hong Kong proposes expansion in simulcast horse racing betting
The proposed expansion in simulcast horse racing betting is intended to reduce illegal betting.
Hong Kong.- Hong Kong’s Legislative Council is reviewing proposals to expand the number of non-local horse races simulcast during the local racing season. The move, proposed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), would be intended to increase betting revenue and reduce illegal gambling.
The proposed amendments to the Betting Duty Ordinance would increase simulcast non-local horse races from 25 to 40 in the 2025/26 season and to 55 in the 2026/27 season. Simulcast race days on non-local racing dates would rise from 37 to 53 days in 2025/26, and to 70 days the following season. This follows a rise in bets on simulcast races to HK$10.59bn (US$1.35bn) in the 2023/24 financial year. The HKJC estimates that the changes could generate an additional HK$1.82bn (US$231.85m) in betting duty revenue from 2025/26 to 2028/29.
The expansion aligns with efforts to reduce illegal betting. The HKJC reported double-digit declines in visits to unauthorised betting websites after previous simulcast increases.
