HKJC sets Asian record with fifth consecutive top-level responsible gambling accreditation

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has earned the prestigious Level 4 accreditation from the World Lottery Association (WLA) for responsible gambling, marking the fifth consecutive time it has achieved this highest standard. 

This milestone makes the Club the first organization in Asia to receive this honor five times in a row, starting from its initial accreditation in 2011 and followed by successful renewals in 2015, 2018, 2021, and now in 2025.

This achievement highlights the Club’s dedication to promoting responsible gambling, aligning with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s policies. 

By channeling gambling demand into legal and regulated avenues, the Club protects the community from the risks of illegal betting while supporting significant tax contributions, charitable initiatives, and job creation. 

The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Framework requires operators to integrate responsible gambling into daily operations across ten key areas, including research, employee and retailer programs, game design, player education, and ongoing improvement efforts.

The WLA’s independent assessment panel praised the Club for its comprehensive approach, noting its robust internal governance, including a dedicated Responsible Gambling Committee. 

The panel also recognized the club’s efforts to prevent gambling-related harm among young people through targeted programs across various age groups. Additionally, the Club’s collaborative research and enhanced employee policies were commended for exceeding the rigorous Level 4 standards.

To further its commitment, the Club has implemented measures like the Off-course Betting Branch Counselling Outreach Programme, launched in 2017 and expanded to all branches by 2022, which identifies and supports individuals at risk of problem gambling. 

The Club also partners with non-governmental organizations to deliver these initiatives. 

Financially, it has contributed HK$631 million to the Ping Wo Fund by 2024/25, with plans to increase its annual contribution from HK$45 million to HK$50 million starting in July 2025 to bolster public education on responsible gambling.

Beyond gambling, the Club has always sought to maximize its contribution to the community. 

This includes strong support for sports development at both elite and community levels, with HK$6.69 billion donated in the last ten years alone. 

This includes the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, which rewards the achievements of top athletes, and most recently HK$450 million to support the Hong Kong Competition Region in the upcoming 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and 9th National Special Olympic Games.

The Club has also committed over HK$70 million to fund a basketball development project in the community, enabling more people to participate in the game and nurturing the basketball stars of the future. Details will be announced soon.

For younger audiences, the Club has collaborated with non-governmental organizations to engage primary, secondary, and, since 2024, tertiary students in programs fostering healthy online habits and financial planning skills. 

These initiatives aim to protect youth from online risks such as data leaks, cyberbullying, and addiction.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Hong Kong Jockey Club continues to prioritize community welfare, using its integrated business model to support both responsible gambling and broader societal benefits, including sports and youth development.