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The Hong Kong Jockey Club had impressive figures for its World Pool platform, which posted a nearly 20 percent turnover jump in non-Hong Kong races for the year 2025. Such large-scale growth was covered by an expansion that included more racedays and new additions of jurisdictions to the blended betting network. According to the data cited by the Racing Post, the overall turnover on these overseas fixtures rose to HK$9.3 billion (US$1.19 billion), compared to the substantial rise from HK$7.8 billion (US$1.00 billion) recorded the previous year.
The increased number of international meetings available through the World Pool positively affected this upward trajectory. The World Pool hosted 57 meetings from overseas in 2025, growing from 48 meetings in 2024, an 18.75 percent increase in the amount of content year-on-year. By expanding its reach to more markets, the HKJC has been able to grow its number of liquidity pools, increasing betting volume across multiple markets and expanding its development as a centre for international betting.
Smashing Single-Race Records
A highlight of the year took place at The Everest in Randwick Racecourse with record betting turnover. The appearance of Ka Ying Rising, one of the most popular thoroughbreds in Hong Kong, fired up the enthusiasm of punters for a single race turnover of HK$83 million (US$10.65 million). The amount was easily a record, beating the previous mark of HK$66.2 million (US$8.50 million) set during the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes with Hong Kong sprinter Wellington.
Andrew Harding, the HKJC’s executive director of racing, welcomed the strong performance as evidence of the platform’s increasing popularity. Looking back at the year’s success, Harding said that the addition of more racedays and jurisdictions created a dynamic ecosystem where turnover records were not only hit but smashed. He said the World Pool is at the heart of the globalization of the sport, driving key revenue streams for partner racecourses and rights holders, enabling prize money levels to be sustained and improved.
A Year of Firsts and Expansion
For the first time, all of Hong Kong’s Group 1 races were part of the World Pool in 2025, which contributed HK$1.6 billion (US$205 million) on its own. Teamed with the overseas figures, the overall World Pool turnover across all 329 races run under the banner reached HK$10.9 billion (US$1.40 billion) for the year. The truly international calendar surrounded ten different jurisdictions and provided bettors with a seamless experience across time zones and racing cultures.
Looking ahead, the HKJC has indicated a desire to sustain the pace through 2026. Harding suggested that the club intends to further build on the fixture list in pursuit of connecting with more racing fans around the world. Continuously adding more quality international events to the commingled pool will contribute toward deeper liquidity and provide a much stronger product for customers all over the world.
Sustaining Global Momentum
The World Pool has continued to thrive, proving that combined betting can catalyze growth. By pooling resources globally, there is no doubt that it has given the sector access to stability and scale that no individual market may achieve on its own. With regards to next year, trends continue to show that its goal to extend its influence will continue to rely on using its system to enhance the financial condition of race calendars globally.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief (AGB)
