Is the Hong Kong Jockey Club Reinventing the Ultimate Sports Bar Experience and what’s next?
By HK Lawyer AJ Halkes Barrister-at-Law
Walking down Stanley Street in Central recently, I noticed a remarkable transformation: a Jockey Club off-course betting outlet now resembling a sports bar or local restaurant chain more than a traditional gambling venue. The revitalisation, complete with a food licenses, was stunning. This isn’t just a betting hub anymore; it’s a multi-brand Food & Beverage destination building.
I feel that a well-financed entrant boosting street-level activity that’s merging sports betting with dining is a fresh and welcome addition to Hong Kong’s landscape; perhaps independent operators will now build into their offerings more permitted gambling related activity or live sports feeds; let’s see.
Beyond aesthetic upgrades and culinary offerings, lets also recognise the HK Jockey Club’s pivotal role in financing public benefit initiatives in Hong Kong, from healthcare and community outreach to heritage. A thriving modernised HK Jockey Club is basically good news for us economically and socially.
This evolution raises an intriguing bigger question. Can horse racing and sports betting spearheaded by the HK Jockey Club attract far more global attention and revitalise Hong Kong as a destination for that and other world-class competitions?
Hong Kong’s Jockey Club has the facilities and expertise not just for horse racing but potentially many athletic or sports events. This could be a future growth avenue, positioning Hong Kong as a hub for international sporting excellence; making use of the facilities for competitive multisport events, running, cycling and far much more. I’d love to see speedway motorcycles or cars roar around Happy Valley : but fear that on wouldn’t fly.
So what about this easy to implement idea:
How about the HK Jockey Club brings keirin bicycle racing from Japan to Hong Kong and gives keirin a test at our wonderful new velodrome? It could be televised live for a fun bet, via the Jockey Club of course, in coordination with the Japan Keirin Association.
For now though I applaud the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s latest innovations, which are blending heritage, modernity and community impact with something fun and dynamic.
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