Jockey Club embarks on comprehensive upgrade to meet digital-era business and customer needs

In this era of rapid technological advancement, many large enterprises are re-evaluating their IT and other business systems to stay ahead of the curve. Innovation is constant, impacting everything from aviation and railway signalling systems to the banking and payment systems we use every day.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has experienced significant business growth and made remarkable achievements over the past two decades. However, its IT and betting systems were not originally designed to cater to the current huge scale of its business or customers’ demands for 24/7 digital services. This is an issue that Gary Delooze, the Club’s Executive Director, Information Technology, has been giving a lot of thought to.

In June, the Club launched a comprehensive three-to-five-year technology transformation plan, according to Delooze. The goal is to fully support its current and future corporate and business development, while providing customers, members and employees with faster and more convenient 24/7 digital services. The technology transformation plan covers four areas: upgrading the critical systems infrastructure; replacing outdated IT hardware and software; strengthening network security; and further enhancing the resilience, stability and platform performance of the Club’s betting system to address long-standing limitations and improve efficiency.

Delooze acknowledged that during the transition, which involves multiple core systems and networks, there may be temporary service disruptions. However, the Club will implement all necessary measures to address this comprehensively. This includes enhancing system resilience to reduce the likelihood of disruptions. In the event of such an occurrence, stakeholders will be notified promptly so they can be prepared and use alternative platforms to continue enjoying betting and other services. Delooze emphasised that the Club’s comprehensive IT systems overhaul is crucial for the Club’s future development, and hopes for the understanding and support of all stakeholders.

This comprehensive IT transformation aligns with current industry trends and is essential for the Jockey Club’s continued future success as an internationally renowned Hong Kong brand.