78 arrested in crackdown on illegal gambling, including racecourse syndicate

Hong Kong police have arrested 78 people, with the youngest aged 16, in a crackdown on illegal gambling activities, including a syndicate operating at the Happy Valley racecourse.

Lo Kin-pong, chief inspector from the regional anti-triad unit on Hong Kong Island, said on Tuesday that the force conducted enforcement efforts between July 7 and Monday against illicit drug, gambling, prostitution and triad activities.

A total of 42 men and 36 women, aged between 16 and 68, were arrested, including some with triad backgrounds. They were suspected of offences including operating an unlawful gambling establishment, illegal bookmaking, betting and criminal intimidation.

One operation targeted a criminal syndicate engaged in illegal horse racing gambling at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Happy Valley racecourse. The club is the only operator authorised by the government to provide horse racing and football betting services.

Officers arrested seven men, including a local and six mainland Chinese residents, at the racecourse on July 8 on suspicion of illegal bookmaking and betting. They had no triad background.

“Police investigations found that the syndicate reserved some remote spots in the public gallery and openly engaged in illegal gambling activities at the racecourse on race days since 2025. They used mobile phones to engage in live betting through illegal gambling websites,” Lo said.

“Preliminary findings show the syndicate received over HK$100,000 [US$12,750] in bets in the first five races on the day of arrest.”