LCSD imposes 360-day ban on booking bots to curb touting at public sports facilities

To ensure fair access to public sports facilities, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will introduce new anti-touting measures in the SmartPLAY booking system starting Wednesday.

Under the new conditions introduced in the SmartPLAY booking system, the use of computer programs or bots to book venues is explicitly prohibited. 

Notably, violators will face account suspensions for 360 days without prior notice.

The LCSD also stresses that all bookings must be made manually via official channels—the SmartPLAY website, mobile app, or designated self-service kiosks. Any attempt to bypass or disrupt the system is considered a breach.

Additionally, the public are strongly advised against providing account information to third-party scalpers or engaging their booking services. 

To ensure genuine usage, hirers booking indoor basketball or volleyball courts must provide details of two other users starting tomorrow.

Furthermore, the hirer must be present at check-in, accompanied by at least one of the two named users.

Full details of the new measures are available on the LCSD webpage.