Sha Tin Racecourse on July 14: The Hong Kong Jockey Club has to compete for the attention of locals now keen to spend their time and money in Shenzhen or beyond. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)

Hong Kong Jockey Club sprints to success beyond horse racing

Soccer betting and alignment with government priorities secure status

GRACE LI, Nikkei staff writer

July 24, 2024 06:00 JST

HONG KONG -- On July 14, thousands of serious-looking gamblers filled the vast betting halls of Sha Tin Racecourse, a riverfront horse track in northern Hong Kong.

Most were middle-aged men who diligently studied racing forms, reviewed the changing odds displayed on a row of video screens and then placed bets at the counter or an automated terminal.