Hong Kong Jockey Club Makes History with Fifth Straight WLA Honor

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has secured the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) highest Responsible Gaming Framework certification (Level 4) for a record fifth consecutive time. This win reinforces its regional leadership in ethical gaming practices. The Club was first awarded the distinction in 2011 as Asia’s first recipient, and it has maintained its elite status through recertifications in 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2025.

This milestone underscores its alignment with Hong Kong government policies to combat gambling-related harm while using racing and sports wagering to fuel tax revenue, charitable initiatives, and job creation. It also reinforces the organization’s focus on sustaining community welfare by mitigating the risk of illegal gambling through regulated entertainment.

Exceeding Set Benchmarks

The Jockey Club’s fifth WLA Level 4 certification reflects its mastery of the Association’s rigorous 10-pillar framework. It mandates integration of commitments spanning research, youth protection, stakeholder collaboration, and impact measurement in operations.

An independent WLA review panel noted the Club’s “mature, strategically aligned” systems, especially praising its cross-departmental Responsible Gambling Committee and multilayered security measures for minors. The assessment highlighted exceptional performance in employee training protocols and data-driven policy enhancements, exceeding baseline accreditation requirements.

Collaborative academic partnerships and pioneering age-specific prevention campaigns further distinguished the Club’s submission. These validated efforts solidify its selection as the bearer of Asia’s responsible gambling and societal protection standards.

Working Through Partnerships

The Jockey Club reinforces its Responsible Gambling Policy by collaborating with NGOs and government bodies to align with Hong Kong regulations. A major initiative, the Off-course Betting Branch Counselling Outreach Programme, launched in 2017 and expanded to several branches in 2022, deploys counselors to identify at-risk players and provide early intervention. This proactive approach was developed with treatment centers and targets problem gambling before the risks are too high.

Investing in Prevention

The Jockey Club’s HK$631 million cumulative contribution to the Ping Wo Fund in 2024/25 supports public education campaigns aimed at addressing gambling-related risks. The contribution is set to rise by HK$50 million annually from July 2025. Youth initiatives, expanded to universities in 2024, equip students with digital and financial literacy, addressing cyber threats like data breaches and online gambling addiction.

Aligned with the World Lottery Association’s principles (representing over 80 nations), the Club integrates responsible gambling messaging into major sports events, promoting legal platforms to undermine illegal betting networks.