The one-way betting arrangement for qualified bets on Hong Kong horse races to be accepted in Macau will continue. Approval has been given for the Hong Kong Jockey Club to enter into a new agreement with the Macau Horse Racing Company.

The Home Affairs Bureau today said the acceptance of qualified bets will benefit Hong Kong in terms of additional betting duty receivable.

The bureau reiterated that acceptance of overseas bets on local races will not encourage gambling in Hong Kong as it explored overseas markets rather than expanding local gambling.

The one-way betting arrangement was approved in January 2005 following the signing of a Deed for Telecast & Placing of Bets on Horse Races between the two companies.

Since then, people in Macau have been able to place bets on Hong Kong horse races at Macau Horse Racing Company venues.

Following the enactment of the Betting Duty (Amendment) Ordinance 2006 in July, the two parties have agreed to terminate the old deed and sign a new one to reflect the changes in the horse race betting duty system.