The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has become the first operator in Asia to attain the highest level of responsible gambling accreditation five times in succession, following its latest recertification under the World Lottery Association (WLA) Responsible Gaming Framework.
The Club first achieved Level 4 accreditation in 2011, and has since been successfully re-certified in 2015, 2018, 2021 and now in 2025.
Level 4 is the WLA's most stringent standard, requiring operators to demonstrate robust responsible gambling policies and measurable improvements across their operations.
According to the WLA, accreditation is based on 10 framework elements, including research, employee and retailer training, game design, remote gaming channels, advertising and marketing, player education, treatment referral, stakeholder engagement and reporting.
To achieve Level 4, operators must show that these principles are embedded in daily practice and subject to continuous review.
According to the independent review panel, HKJC showed a "mature and deeply embedded" approach to responsible gambling, with particular recognition given to its governance structures, youth protection efforts and research contributions.
HKJC positions its responsible gambling work as part of its wider social role within Hong Kong, aligning with the Government's regulated gambling model. Recent initiatives include expanding its counselling outreach programme across all Off-course Betting Branches and increasing its annual contribution to the Ping Wo Fund - which supports education and treatment services - from HK$45m ($5.8m) to HK$50m ($6.4m).
School-based programmes on digital literacy and financial planning have also been broadened to reach tertiary students.
The recent accreditation comes at a time when HKJC is making broader operational changes, ranging from digital product upgrades to infrastructure investment and leadership transition.
Earlier this month, for example, the Club introduced new features across its digital betting platforms to coincide with the start of the 2025/26 racing season. Updates to the HKJC Classic 3-in-1 app include faster live streaming for local and simulcast races, expanded tipping and analysis content, and new betting functions such as the All-Up Builder for football.
The public website has also been redesigned to improve navigation and mobile responsiveness.
These changes reflect the Club's ongoing investment in digital betting channels, which remain a core part of its customer offering.
At the same time, HKJC announced an increase in monthly membership fees, effective from October 2025. Full member rates will rise by 12.5% to HK$3,150, with the Club citing inflation, wage growth and higher operating costs as the main reasons. The adjustment is expected to generate approximately HK$84m in additional annual revenue.
The Club stated that membership operations are self-financing and that higher fees are necessary to maintain service quality and support infrastructure upgrades, such as renovations at Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses.
Alongside these changes, the Club has been positioning its racecourses as lifestyle destinations. The opening of the new season saw the launch of "Champions Connection," a digital arrival hub at Sha Tin, and "Gensō Eki," a four-storey racing and dining venue featuring immersive technology and gamified experiences.
These projects are part of a HK$14bn Racecourse Master Plan aimed at attracting new audiences, including younger visitors and tourists from Mainland China.
