Hong Kong iGaming-Linked Racing Turnover Hits HK$138.85bn

Total racing turnover for the 2024/25 season in Hong Kong reached HK$138.85 billion, marking a 3% year-on-year increase and signalling a return to growth following a 4.5% decline the previous year. The season featured 88 race meetings, including a summer series, and included 847 domestic races and 393 overseas simulcast events.

A key contributor to this growth was record commingling turnover from international partners, which rose 10.1% to HK$31.76 billion. A notable spike occurred during the Chinese New Year Raceday, where commingling turnover exceeded HK$500 million for the first time. In total, simulcast wagering grew by 2.3% to HK$13.11 billion, supported by an expanded schedule of internationally recognised Group 1 races and new World Pool partnerships.

Total attendance across the season surpassed 1.7 million, including a 110% increase in Mainland Chinese visitors. Major race days such as the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day attracted record tourism figures, underscoring the rising appeal of Hong Kong racing as a leisure and entertainment destination.

Performance on the track also contributed to global interest, with locally trained horses such as Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble securing 11 Group 1 victories. Ka Ying Rising extended his winning streak to 12 races, while Romantic Warrior became the first Hong Kong horse to win Group 1 races in four separate jurisdictions. Voyage Bubble completed a local Triple Crown, a feat last achieved in 1994.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has confirmed an increase in total Group 1 prize money to HK$208 million for the 2025/26 season, with specific boosts for the FWD QEII Cup, Chairman’s Sprint Prize, LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, and LONGINES Hong Kong Vase. Overall prize money for the season reached a record HK$1.74 billion.

Looking ahead, the Club plans to begin hosting full race meetings at Conghua Racecourse in October 2026, further integrating it alongside Sha Tin and Happy Valley into a tri-venue circuit. The development aligns with the Club’s contribution to China’s National Equine Industry Development Plan and its broader strategy to promote the Greater Bay Area as a hub for sport and tourism.

Acknowledging these achievements, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said: “It’s been an amazing season, with outstanding performances by top horses that have truly captured the imagination of fans not just in Hong Kong but around the world. Since the Policy Address of HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, we have been able to attract even more Mainland and overseas tourists, who have come to our racecourses in record numbers to experience our city’s signature sport for themselves. These achievements strengthen the position of Hong Kong racing as a world-class sport and entertainment experience. They have also made an important contribution to Hong Kong tourism as well as underlining Hong Kong’s vital role as a centre for East-West exchange.”

“Hong Kong racing is truly world class and I am immensely proud of the performances of our champion horses, jockeys and trainers. The achievements of amazing horses such as Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble reflect the expertise, dedication and passion of our trainers and jockeys as well as the strong commitment of our owners, who continue to make significant investments to secure the best available equine talent,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

“The contribution of Conghua Racecourse to horse training and care has been nothing short of remarkable. But with the start of international-standard racing in October 2026, Conghua, and the Club, will enter a whole new era. Our aim is to make Conghua a truly iconic and must-go destination, a place not only to enjoy the best racing but also to be truly inspired about all forms of horse sports. There will be an experience centre featuring cutting-edge audio-visuals to engage visitors with an appreciation of the horse and there will be retail, dining and online experiences, all integrated with our racing. We want to make Conghua a truly memorable day out for everyone who visits,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.