HKJC representatives briefed the UNODC delegation on\u00a0the scale and impact of illegal gambling in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Hong Kong.-\u00a0The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)<\/strong>\u00a0has hosted a delegation led by\u00a0Ghada Fathi Waly<\/strong>, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to\u00a0discuss sports integrity and the HKJC’s efforts to combat illegal gambling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HKJC representatives briefed the UNODC delegation on\u00a0the scale and impact of illegal gambling in Hong Kong<\/strong>, which had an estimated turnover of over HK$350bn in 2023.\u00a0They highlighted the HKJC\u2019s integrated business model, which directs proceeds to community benefits through tax contributions and charitable donations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The HKJC\u2019s involvement in the Asian Racing Federation\u2019s Council on Anti-Illegal Betting & Related Financial Crime was also discussed. This initiative aims to promote anti-illegal gambling measures and maintain sports integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waly said: \u201cThe manipulation of sports competitions, including through illegal betting and match-fixing, strikes at the\u00a0very\u00a0heart of sporting integrity while fueling other forms of criminal activities such as money laundering.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Hong Kong Jockey Club has implemented important procedures to safeguard sport from corruption, which I was pleased to witness during my visit. UNODC is committed to working with the Club as part of our broader efforts to keep sport clean from corruption and financial crime, and ensure sport remains a pillar of fairness and integrity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Andrew Harding<\/strong>, club executive director, said \u201cOur collaboration with UNODC demonstrates our dedication to upholding integrity not just in racing but in all sports.\u00a0This visit not only strengthens the ties between the club and UNODC but also reinforces our commitment to fighting corruption and illegal gambling and\u00a0to\u00a0promoting the integrity of sports through international collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moray Taylor-Smith<\/strong>, club executive director, security, integrity and information\u00a0security\u00a0said: \u201cUNODC and the Club share the same commitment to supporting governments, sports organisations and other\u00a0key\u00a0stakeholders in tackling illegal betting and financial crimes that threaten the integrity of sports globally.\u00a0The club looks forward to contributing more in capacity building and experience sharing as we jointly tackle this growing threat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n