Betting shops closed as Hong Kong battles to contain spread of coronavirus

Betting shops in Hong Kong have been closed with immediate effect in the latest move to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which claimed its first victim in the territory on Monday.

Two more cases of residents, who had not left Hong Kong, being infected has brought tougher measures from the government and the Jockey Club was quick to follow suit in the battle against the disease which has claimed more than 400 lives.

Racing's rulers had already limited attendance at both its racecourses at Sha Tin and Happy Valley, including the Chinese New Year meeting that usually attracts 100,000 but saw less than a tenth of that crowd this year.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has now closed all 101 off-course betting shops and, from Thursday, is also suspending many of its telebetting services, which will hit its revenue stream from betting turnover.

Its customers can continue to place bets on racing and football via 1886 Telebet Automated System, mobile betting app, Racing Touch or eWin.

The HKJC issued a statement which read: "We understand from the government that the next two weeks will be critical in terms of containing the disease and preventing a community outbreak.

Restrictions: all attendees at race meetings are being temperature screened on arrival and advised to wear medical masks

"The government has also advised that companies should consider further measures to avoid the congregation of crowds during this critical period.

"Regarding the racecourses at Happy Valley and Sha Tin, the Club is critically considering a further reduction of on-site participation by our customers starting from this Saturday."

The HKJC has suspended all new bookings at both racecourses and is strongly advising all who have returned from any part of mainland China in the last 14 days not to visit the racecourses and any HKJC premises.

The restrictions, including all attendees being temperature screened on arrival and advised to wear medical masks, have seen crowds fall drastically with the knock-on effect of reduced HKJC staff, down from 11,000 to 3,000 at Sha Tin last week.

Racing continues with these restrictions at Happy Valley on Wednesday but the HKJC has admitted its revenue has already suffered as the Chinese new year attendance at both tracks was down a total of 95,980 and betting turnover dropped from HK$1.7418billion to HK$1.4596bn.

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