The Hong Kong Jockey Club has applauded a move by Hong Kong’s government to allow an extra 14 days of simulcasting overseas horse racing, claiming it will help combat illegal gambling.
The maximum number of simulcast days has been increased from 23 days to 37 days and also allowed to take place during the off-season from July to August as of this year.
The HKJC said the new arrangement addresses Hong Kong public betting demands on overseas races, particularly during the summer breaks between Hong Kong’s racing seasons every year, and assists the Government in achieving its goal of combating illegal betting activities.
“During the summer break of Hong Kong’s racing, it is the peak season of overseas racing particularly in Europe, and the illegal and offshore bookmakers have taken advantage of this time gap to lure Hong Kong people to place bets on overseas races,” said a club spokesperson.
“As such, 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.”
