World Pool Year-On-Year Turnover Increases By 24 Percent To HK$7.4 Billion

The World Pool season has ended with a 24% year-on-year turnover increase to HK$7.4 billion, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced on Tuesday.

The largest globally commingled horse racing pools created and powered by the HKJC, the World Pool started and finished the year at Flemington Racecourse in Australia. In total, there were 222 races–up from 154 races in 2022–in eight countries. World Pool was active in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Australia for the first time and expanded its imprint with extra races from the UK and Ireland. Cox Plate Day in Australia amassed HK$60 million in bets and was one of the top five World Pool highest single-race turnovers. The G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot, set a new single race turnover record at HK$66.2m. King George Day at Ascot saw the biggest jump in turnover for a UK or Irish raceday, rising from HK$253m to a new record of HK$287m, an increase of over 13%, while 2,000 Guineas Day as well as days one and three of Royal Ascot also posted year-on-year increases. Dubai World Cup night saw the second highest growth, with turnover up from HK$280m to HK$315m this term.

Michael Fitzsimons, executive director, wagering products of the HKJC, said, “World Pool was created to unite the world's best racing events and provide racing fans with a value product that has never been seen before.

“We are absolutely delighted with how World Pool has performed in 2023. We've not only seen records broken and growth in countries where World Pool was already in operation, but a very promising reception in new jurisdictions too.

“We'd like to thank all of our partners around the world for their commitment and passion in helping us to grow World Pool. This is just the beginning.”