The Hong Kong Jockey Club poured HK$39.3 billion ($5 billion) into the community in FY2025/26, achieving record wagering turnover of HK$331.7 billion despite an illegal gambling surge and the suspension of its basketball betting platform.
HKJC community contribution reached HK$39.3 billion ($5 billion) for FY2025/26, driven by record turnover of HK$331.7 billion ($42.3 billion). While racing and football betting surged, the Club faces fiscal pressure from high taxes and the government’s pause on basketball betting licensing.
- Record Turnover and Tax Contribution
- Racing and Football Betting Growth
- Conghua Delay and Basketball Betting Pause
- Illegal Gambling Challenges and Board Updates
HK$39.3 billion. This is the total amount the Hong Kong Jockey Club committed to community projects and charities for the financial year ended June 30, 2026. The payout includes HK$1.4 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$8.6 billion in approved donations. It represents a massive return to society despite a difficult operating environment. The Club navigated an expanding illegal gambling market and a government halt on basketball betting. Chairman Martin Liao acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the Club’s commitment. The announcement followed the Annual General Meeting held on September 2.
Record Turnover and Tax Contribution
The Club posted record wagering and lottery turnover of HK$331.7 billion ($42.3 billion). This figure community is up 3.6 percent year on year. The growth generated HK$29.3 billion ($3.7 billion) in betting duty and profits tax. Consequently, the Club accounted for 6.4 percent of total taxes collected by the Inland Revenue Department in the 2025/26 assessment year. This tax contribution underscores the Club’s role as a major revenue generator for the region. The Club also contributed HK$8.6 billion ($1.1 billion) in donations through its Charities Trust. Total revenue from community gaming and non-gaming sources rose 3.1 percent to HK$50.8 billion ($6.5 billion). The financial strength allows for continued investment in infrastructure and community support.
The surge in revenue highlights a robust market despite regulatory headwinds. The Club’s ability to grow turnover indicates strong consumer demand. However, the tax burden remains significant. The high rate of betting duty squeezes margins. This pressure forces the Club to balance community contributions with operational sustainability. The Charities Trust has grown into the largest charity donor in Asia. It has approved HK$98 billion ($12.5 billion) in donations community since 1997. This long-term commitment reflects the Club’s social license to operate.
Racing and Football Betting Growth
Total racing wagering turnover rose 3.6 percent to HK$143.3 billion ($18.3 billion). This generated gaming revenue of HK$19.9 billion ($2.5 billion). Commingling was the primary driver of this growth. Wagering on Hong Kong racing from 26 countries and jurisdictions jumped 9.0 percent to HK$34.3 billion ($4.4 billion). This international betting represents 23.9 percent of total racing turnover. Simulcast turnover climbed 21.4 percent following additional government support. World Pool turnover also increased by 23.0 percent. The data points to a diversification of betting channels beyond traditional track visits.
Football betting reached a record HK$179 billion ($22.8 billion). The sector generated gaming revenue of HK$22.6 billion ($2.9 billion). Government community support for new bet types and league competitions fueled this expansion. The global football tournament this summer also drove traffic. Mark Six lottery turnover rose 4.2 percent to HK$9.4 billion ($1.2 billion). This occurred during the lottery’s 50th anniversary year. The Club’s diverse portfolio mitigates risks associated with single-game volatility. The success of international wagering suggests a strong global fan base. This trend aligns with broader digitalization efforts in the Asian iGaming sector.
Conghua Delay and Basketball Betting Pause
The Club postponed the planned October launch of world-class racing at Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou. It received a risk assessment from relevant Mainland departments. Following discussions, the Club agreed to devise mitigation measures and move the event. This delay impacts the Guangzhou-Hong Kong equine industry value chain plans. Conghua currently trains more than 600 horses. The facility has enabled the Club to expand its horse population to over 1,300. The expansion underpins long-term strategic goals for the region. The Club must now wait for a clearer regulatory path forward.
Simultaneously, the government paused the granting of a regulated basketball betting license. The Club had invested substantially ahead of a planned 2026 launch. Its new sports wagering platform was initially built for basketball betting. The platform has now pivoted toward football. Heavy investment in Conghua further strains the budget. As a result, the Club’s operating surplus is set to drop further. The Club is cutting operating costs to manage this deficit. It is also seeking additional non-wagering revenue sources. This strategic shift reflects the uncertainty surrounding sports betting regulation.
Illegal Gambling Challenges and Board Updates
The Club flagged an ever-expanding threat of illegal gambling. It noted two structural disadvantages for Hong Kong. First, betting duty on racing is up to 75 percent, while football is taxed at 50 percent of gross margin. These rates erode the competitiveness of licensed products. Second, Hong Kong offers just two sports for licensed betting. Illegal operators offer up to 60 sports, including basketball. This disparity drives customers to unregulated markets. The Club maintains its support for the community despite these challenges. Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges praised the Club’s outstanding results. However, the fast-changing environment poses ongoing risks.
At the AGM, voting members elected The Honourable Kenneth Fok Kai Kong as a new Steward. He fills the vacancy left by Nicholas D Hunsworth, who retired at 70. Lester G Huang, Bernard Charnwut Chan, Anita Fung Yuen Mei, and Philip K W Lo were re-elected to three-year terms. The new Board re-elected Martin Liao as Chairman. Lester G Huang was re-elected as Deputy Chairman for 2026/27. The Board will oversee the Club’s response to the fiscal pressures. It will also guide the Club through the regulatory changes. The Club’s focus remains on maintaining its social mandate. According to AGBrief, regional regulators are increasingly scrutinizing tax structures. The HKJC’s experience may influence future policy discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the HKJC contribute to the community in FY2025/26?
The Hong Kong Jockey Club contributed HK$39.3 billion ($5 billion) to the community. This includes HK$1.4 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$8.6 billion in charity donations.
What was the total wagering turnover for the Club in FY2025/26?
Total wagering and lottery turnover reached a record HK$331.7 billion ($42.3 billion). This represents a 3.6 percent increase year on year compared to the prior fiscal year.
Why was the Conghua Racecourse launch postponed?
The Club received a risk assessment from Mainland departments regarding the Guangzhou project. Following community discussions, they agreed to devise mitigation measures and move the event to a later date.
What challenges does the HKJC face regarding illegal gambling?
The Club cites high betting duties and limited sport offerings as structural disadvantages. Hong Kong offers only two sports for licensed betting compared to up to 60 for illegal operators.
Who was elected as the new Steward at the AGM?
The Honourable Kenneth Fok Kai Kong was elected as a new Steward for a one-year term. He fills the vacancy left by Nicholas D Hunsworth, who retired upon reaching age 70.
This article has been thoroughly researched and reviewed by the CasinoBait editorial team to ensure accuracy and relevance for Asian casino players.
