Hong Kong Racing Secures Continued Broadcast on Australia’s Racing.com After Betting Ad Dispute

Hong Kong Racing has secured continued broadcast rights on Australia’s Racing.com platform through to the end of the current racing season, though under revised and unspecified terms. The decision came after tense discussions, particularly over the presence of fixed-odds betting promotions during Hong Kong race coverage, a concern raised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). HKJC’s executive director Richard Cheung confirmed the club’s position: their races will now be aired without promotion of fixed-odds operators like CrownBet.

One of the key sticking points in the earlier arrangement was the fact that Racing.com had allowed CrownBet, a fixed-odds operator, to advertise during broadcasts of Hong Kong racing, which HKJC viewed as a breach of the spirit if not the letter of their agreement. HKJC does not receive revenue from bets placed with CrownBet; instead, its income comes from commingled bets through TABCorp, which relay into Hong Kong’s totalisator pools. The club insisted on a “clean feed” — broadcasts free of fixed-odds promotions — which was eventually clarified in negotiations. 

The resolution allows both sides to preserve a mutually beneficial relationship: Hong Kong can maintain its international visibility and audience reach, while Racing.com can continue to offer Hong Kong racing to Australian viewers. For the HKJC, the deal is particularly important for turnover in commingled betting, which supports its totalisator revenue. Ensuring the broadcasts align with HKJC’s strict standards about how betting and promotion are handled safeguards the club’s regulatory integrity while tapping into the Australian market.

Moving forward, both the HKJC and Racing.com will likely need to formalise clearer terms around advertising restrictions, broadcast content, and promotional materials. This incident underscores how sensitive international broadcasting of racing events has become, especially where different legal frameworks govern betting and marketing. For Racing.com, adhering to these tighter rules may add complexity but is necessary for maintaining trust and long-term partnerships. And for HKJC, this outcome reinforces the importance of protecting its brand and integrity in global markets.