The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) contributed a record HK$39.3 billion (US$5 billion) to the community during the financial year ended June 30, 2026, despite growing competition from illegal gambling and regulatory challenges in the sports betting market.
Record Turnover Drives Community Support
The Club reported record combined wagering and lottery turnover of HK$331.7 billion, up 3.6% year on year. This generated HK$29.3 billion in betting duty and profits tax, representing 6.4% of all taxes collected by Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department during the 2025/26 assessment year.
The HKJC also contributed HK$1.4 billion to the Lotteries Fund, while its Charities Trust approved HK$8.6 billion in donations for 191 charities and community projects.
Racing turnover increased 3.6% to HK$143.3 billion, supported by stronger international activity. Wagering on Hong Kong racing from 26 overseas markets rose 9% to HK$34.3 billion, while simulcast turnover increased 21.4% and World Pool turnover grew 23%.
Football remained the Club’s largest betting segment, with turnover reaching a record HK$179 billion, up 3.6%. Mark Six turnover also increased 4.2% to HK$9.4 billion during its 50th anniversary year.
Racing Tourism Reaches New High
The 2025/26 season also delivered strong results for Hong Kong racing tourism. HKJC racecourses recorded 401,259 tourist visits, more than double the previous year and four times the level recorded in 2023/24.
The Club’s major racing events also attracted significant crowds, with the BMW Derby Raceday drawing more than 72,000 spectators.
However, the planned October launch of international racing at Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou has been postponed. Following a risk assessment by relevant Mainland authorities, the HKJC said it would develop additional mitigation measures before rescheduling the event.
Illegal Gambling Remains a Major Challenge
Despite record results, HKJC leadership highlighted the growing threat from illegal gambling. High betting taxes remain a structural disadvantage, with racing duty reaching up to 75% and football taxed at 50% of gross margin.
The Club also noted that legal betting in Hong Kong currently covers only two sports, while illegal operators may offer betting across as many as 60 sports, including basketball.
The government’s decision to pause the planned regulated basketball betting licence has added further pressure. HKJC had already invested significantly in a new sports wagering platform ahead of the expected launch and has now shifted its focus towards football.
HKJC Plans Cost Controls and New Revenue Streams
With operating surpluses expected to decline over the coming years, the Club said it is cutting costs while exploring additional non-wagering revenue opportunities.
The results highlight the continued importance of regulated betting to Hong Kong’s public finances and charitable sector, while also showing the growing pressure licensed operators face from illegal gambling, taxation and restrictions on regulated sports betting markets.
