Hong Kong Jockey Club response to Betfair offering betting exchange wagering on Hong Kong racing

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is committed to upholding uncompromising integrity as a world-class racing club. Without prior consultation with the Club and in the absence of the Club’s permission and license, Betfair Pty Limited (“Betfair”) unilaterally announced on 21 August 2019 that it would be offering betting exchange wagering on Hong Kong racing. In line with its announcement, Betfair commenced offering wagering on Hong Kong, with the Sha Tin race meeting on 1 September 2019.

The Club takes this matter seriously as it represents a serious integrity issue and an equally serious infringement of its intellectual property rights. In addition, creating the opportunity for people to back horses to lose is against what we all believe in.

The Club has expressed, in writing, its grave concerns and opposition to Betfair’s actions to the Australian government and relevant racing authorities, including Northern Territory Racing Commission which licenses Betfair, the Australian Communications and Media Authority which administers the Interactive Gambling Act, and Racing Australia which is the national racing authority and makes the Australian Rules of Racing. The Club has also sent formal letters to Betfair and its parent company, Crown Resorts, demanding them to immediately cease and desist from offering wagering via its betting exchange platform (including in-play betting) on Hong Kong racing, and any related promotion or advertising for the purpose.

Betfair made their announcement via Twitter and Youtube without prior notice to the Club, and we were first made aware of it by the media. The Club is making public the enclosed letter to Betfair to let the media and the public understand the Club’s zero-tolerance towards issues relating to integrity and intellectual property rights.