Illegal betting markets in Hong Kong and mainland China generated large sums, according to a report summarised in the report. Illegal basketball betting in Hong Kong was estimated at HK$70bn to HK$90bn in 2024, while a Chinese investigation identified more than 200 illegal platforms handling ¥2.7bn.
The figures show the scale of illegal betting activity in two markets with sharply different gambling policies.
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Hong Kong's Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said the government had paused preparations for basketball betting while it studies prediction markets. The Hong Kong Jockey Club said it would comply and await further guidance on its licence application; the government said it considered sports betting through prediction markets illegal gambling. Officials cited global trading volume rising from US$16bn in 2024 to US$64bn in 2025.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is reviewing a drop in local betting turnover across five of the first six meetings of the 2026/27 racing season, the report says. At Sha Tin on 27 September, local wagering on an 11-race card fell 11.5% year on year to HKD1.359bn. Chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges cited smaller fields and competition from overseas simulcast racing as possible factors.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is reviewing a decline in local betting turnover at five of the first six meetings of the 2026/27 racing season, the club said. At Sha Tin on 27 September, local wagering on the 11-race card fell 11.5% year on year to HKD1.359bn, according to a report attributed to the South China Morning Post.
Reportedly, UK Tote Group has named James Coxon as its next chief executive. He will replace chief executive Alex Frost, who steps down at the end of 2026. Frost will serve as an executive director in 2027 before becoming a non-executive director.
James Coxon is to become the next chief executive officer of the UK Tote Group. He takes over from Alex Frost, whose departure comes at the close of this year. Frost is to remain involved with the business as an executive director during 2027, after which he will move into a non-executive director post.
Reportedly, Hong Kong Jockey Club has appointed Mark Hedges as digital platforms director. Hedges previously served as HSBC’s global head of digital platforms and spent 22 years at the bank. The appointment accompanies increased technology investment by the club.
Hong Kong Jockey Club recorded 3.6% year-on-year turnover growth in both racing and football betting. Mark Six lottery turnover increased 4.2% during its 50th anniversary year.