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Hong Kong’s record prize money increase includes world’s richest Group 1 turf sprint

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Hong Kong Sprint raised to £2.2m as HKJC boosts prize pot for 2020/21 to over £143m

Hong Kong racing will offer record prize money of HK$1.4 billion (£143.5m) for the 2020/21 season, with the Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint and BMW Hong Kong Derby featuring prominently among the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s upward adjustments.

The LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (6f) will regain its position as the world’s most richly-endowed Group 1 turf sprint with a value this year of HK$22 million (£2.2m), an increase of HK$2 million (£205,000). Five other Group 1 races – Centenary Sprint Cup (6f), Stewards’ Cup (1m), Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (7f), Hong Kong Gold Cup (1m2f) and Champions & Chater Cup (1m4f) – will receive HK$2 million (£205,000) increases, taking their value to HK$12 million (£1.2m).

The historic BMW Hong Kong Derby is Hong Kong’s most important domestic contest and will be worth HK$24 million (£2.4m), a HK$4 million (£400,000) increase on the 2020 renewal. The 1m2f contest is a key race each year, being a vital springboard for the next crop of Hong Kong’s stars, and regains its position as the second-richest Derby in the world, behind only Japan’s equivalent and ahead of the Kentucky Derby, the UAE Derby and the original Derby at Epsom.

The Hong Kong Derby is the final leg in the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series and the Club has also taken the decision to up prize money for first two legs: the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Hong Kong Classic Cup will both be worth HK$12 million (£1.2m) in 2021, an increase of HK$2 million (£200,000) to each race.

 

Race 2019/20 (HK$) 2020/21  (HK$) Increase (HK$) % Increase
Hong Kong Sprint 20,000,000 22,000,000 2,000,000 10
Centenary Sprint Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Stewards’ Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Hong Kong Gold Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Champions & Chater Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Hong Kong Derby 20,000,000 24,000,000 4,000,000 20
Hong Kong Classic Mile 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Hong Kong Classic Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20

 

All Group 2 and Group 3 races will also rise in value. Group 2 purses will increase by 5.9% from HK$4.25 million (£435,000) to HK$4.5 million (£460,000), while the prize funds for Group 3 races will rise by 7.7% from HK$3.25 million (£333,000) to HK$3.5 million (£359,000).

Total prize money for the 2020/21 season’s 88 meetings at Sha Tin and Happy Valley is up by approximately 4.9% on the 2019/20 season. This year’s lucrative purse increases span all handicap races from Class 1 down to Class 5.

 

Class 2019/20 (HK$) 2020/21 (HK$) Increase (HK$) % Increase
Group 2 4,250,000 4,500,000 250,000 5.9%
Group 3 3,250,000 3,500,000 250,000 7.7%
1 2,800,000 3,000,000 200,000 7.1%
2 2,100,000 2,200,000 100,000 4.8%
3 1,450,000 1,500,000 50,000 3.4%
4 967,000 1,000,000 33,000 3.4%
5 725,000 750,000 25,000 3.4%

 

Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association President Mr. Chew Fook Aun said: “At a time when prize money levels are being cut worldwide, the prize money increases announced today by the Hong Kong Jockey Club are very welcome news, and a testament to the strength, resilience and buoyancy of Hong Kong racing, even in these very difficult times”.

Mr. Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club said: “Hong Kong racing is among the best in the world and part of what makes it such a competitive sports environment is the excellent prize money available from Class 5 right up to Group 1. Despite the issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty in world economies, we will continue our successful strategy of recent years to increase purse levels as necessary in order to reward and encourage our owners and to ensure Hong Kong’s elite races are attractive to overseas competitors. This approach has been a core element in Hong Kong being able to maintain its position as a world leader in providing quality horseracing and has enabled us to achieve between 20 and 26 horses in the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for each of the past seven years.

“For next season, the Club has increased prize money to a record overall sum, including a significant injection across all Class 1 to Class 5 handicap races and Group 2 and Group 3 contests. We believe this will help to enhance competition and assist our owners in their attempts to purchase and import the best possible horses in a difficult economic climate.”

Mr. Harding noted the importance of ensuring Hong Kong’s elite races, including the BMW Hong Kong Derby, continue to offer purse money which is among the best in the world.

“Hong Kong is already home to the world’s richest turf races at 2000 metres (1m2f), a mile and 1400 metres (7f), and, while our Group 1 prize money is strong, we have nonetheless identified a specific need to increase the prize funds for six of our Group 1 races, notably the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (6f), which regains its status as the world’s richest Group 1 turf sprint,” he said.

“We have also increased purses for each of our three Four-Year-Old Classic Series races, notably the BMW Hong Kong Derby, which regains its position as the second richest Derby in the world. The investment from our owners in high quality young stock for our Four-Year-Old Classic Series each year brings a vital replenishment of our elite cohort of runners, which in turn maintains the very high standard of racing here in Hong Kong.”

IJC Trainer Bonus

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has also introduced a new bonus for the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship held at Happy Valley in December.

To encourage a higher quality of horses in the four IJC races, the new bonus scheme will offer prizes of HK$200,000 (£20,500) to the most successful trainer in the contest’s four races, HK$100,000 (£10,250) to the runner-up and HK$50,000 (£5,125) to the third-placed trainer, with points awarded in a similar fashion to the jockeys’ competition.

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SEGA SAMMY CREATION Launches “Prosperity Peaks™” in Macau

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SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC. proudly announces the first installation of Prosperity Peaks™, the latest addition to their successful Dice series, now live on casino floors in Macau. Building on the proven success of its earlier Dice games, this new title continues the legacy with powerful features and a design tailored for Asian players.

The Asian themed Prosperity Peaks™ retains the fan-favorite Dice Wild and Wild Reels features that have defined the series, while introducing an enhanced Jackpot Bonus that delivers more frequent and rewarding win opportunities. Players will experience the thrill of hitting Jackpots more often, adding extra excitement to every spin.

The company stated today that “The Prosperity Peaks™ Link game is designed uniquely for Asia and it’s highly anticipated when we first showcased in recent gaming shows. We deliberately brings all the elements fun and excitement to promote better entertainment on the gaming floor altogether.”

The initial launch in Macau is just the beginning. Prosperity Peaks™ will also be coming soon to additional properties throughout Macau and extended to other key markets.

The post SEGA SAMMY CREATION Launches “Prosperity Peaks™” in Macau appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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12BET Goes Crypto with Big Rewards

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As cryptocurrency adoption surges worldwide—driven by landmark legislation and growing investor confidence—12BET, continues to lead in embracing digital innovation. Recent U.S. Congressional moves to pass crypto-focused legislation, alongside India’s evolving regulatory stance, mark a global shift towards mainstream acceptance of digital assets.

12BET, a pioneering name in the igaming world since 2007, invites crypto users to experience fast, secure and flexible transactions through its wide range of supported cryptocurrencies. Players can choose from the widely used USD-pegged stablecoin USDT (Tether), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and the community-favourite Dogecoin (DOGE). These crypto-friendly payment options ensure seamless access to 12BET’s full entertainment portfolio—meeting the expectations of a new generation of tech-forward players.

“As cryptocurrency continues to reshape how people handle money, we’re proud to give our players modern payment options that reflect our values of fairness and transparency. We’re building a platform that moves in step with global innovation and player-first features,” said Rory Anderson, spokesperson for 12BET.

To celebrate this growing momentum, 12BET is offering all eligible users a spin on their Lucky Wheel, with prizes including an iPhone 16 Pro Max, a 2.5g 999 gold bar and a DJI Osmo Pocket 3—available for a limited time.

This move comes amid growing global crypto adoption, with recent legislative efforts like the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act in the US, and increased regulatory clarity in markets like India. As the global crypto market surpasses $4 trillion, 12BET is doubling down on its mission to deliver a future-ready, player-first gaming experience.

The post 12BET Goes Crypto with Big Rewards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Enforcement Directorate of India Issues Fresh Summons to Meta, Google in Online Betting Probe

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Executives of tech giants Meta and Google did not depose before the Enforcement Directorate of India (ED) on Monday and have now been given fresh summons for July 28 in a money laundering case linked to promotion of illegal online betting and gambling platforms.

The representatives of the two companies sought deferment of the July 21 summons, saying they need time to collect relevant information and documents before they present themselves for questioning and recording of their statements at the federal probe agency.

The executives have been given a one-week extension and asked to depose on July 28. Once they depose, their statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

A Google spokesperson said that the company was “committed to keeping our platforms safe and secure, prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads.”

“We are extending our full support and cooperation to investigating agencies to hold bad actors responsible and keep users safe,” the spokesperson said.

There was no response from Meta.

The federal agency is probing several platforms allegedly hosting illegal betting and gambling links, including instances of advertisements placed for them on various social media outlets and app stores.

The tech giants are understood to have been called by the ED to know how such illegal platforms can place ads on their portals.

Some actors, celebrities and sports persons are also under the scanner of the agency in these cases, and are expected to depose.

The ED has claimed illegal online betting and gambling platforms cheated people of their hard-earned money, and also laundered and evaded paying taxes of up to several crores of rupees.

Google said its “continuous AI advancements, complemented by human expertise, ensure all ads on our surfaces comply with local laws and our strict ad policies, and protect users from evolving threats.”

“Last year alone, we removed 247.4 million ads and suspended 2.9 million advertiser accounts in India,” the firm said.

The ED is investigating more than a dozen cases linked to illegal gambling and betting platforms across the country, including the Mahadev Online Book (MOB) app, whose main promoters hail from Chhattisgarh.

The post Enforcement Directorate of India Issues Fresh Summons to Meta, Google in Online Betting Probe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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