Bets on Hong Kong horse races will be accepted in Macau, the first overseas betting arrangement approved under the Betting Duty Ordinance since the relevant provisions were enacted.

Effective for three years, the approval is made in accordance with a Deed for Telecast & Placing of Bets on Horse Races relating to a one-way betting arrangement between the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Macau Horse Racing Company.

Bets can be placed on the club's races at the company's authorised venues in Macau. Specifically, only-win bets, place bets, double bets, quinella bets, forecast bets and quinella-place bets will be accepted.

Betting duty on overseas bets will be at half the rate of those received in Hong Kong, which will be set at 6% of the total betting turnover.

Charity aid

The Home Affairs Bureau said the acceptance of overseas bets will benefit Hong Kong in terms of additional betting duty receivable and an increase in the allocation to local charities. The establishment of closer ties with the international racing community will also enhance the image of Hong Kong's racing industry.

The approved one-way betting arrangement does not authorise the Macau Horse Racing Company to accept bets in Hong Kong, nor does it authorise any person in Hong Kong to place bets with any bookmaker outside Hong Kong. These activities are forbidden under the Gambling Ordinance.

The Government feels the new arrangement will not encourage gambling in Hong Kong as it explores overseas markets. Approval is also subject to a series of other conditions ensuring the arrangement operates in the overall interests of the public.

For revenue protection purposes, the Government has separately signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jockey Club, whereby it undertakes to pay the Government half of the royalties it receives from the Macau Horse Racing Company under the one-way betting arrangement.