In a significant move to uphold sports integrity and tackle illegal gambling, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) hosted a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Wednesday, May 22. The delegation, led by Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly, engaged in discussions with HKJC officials about the pervasive nature of illegal gambling in Hong Kong and broader efforts across the region.
During the meeting, HKJC representatives provided an in-depth briefing to Waly and her delegation, outlining the extensive scale of illegal gambling operations within the city. They also highlighted the Club’s active role in supporting the Asian Racing Federation’s Council, which spearheads initiatives to combat illegal gambling across Asia.
The UNODC delegation’s visit included a tour of the renowned Happy Valley Racecourse, offering Waly a firsthand look at the Club’s operations and its measures to maintain the integrity of horse racing.
Waly commended the HKJC for its robust procedures aimed at safeguarding sports from corruption. “The Hong Kong Jockey Club has implemented significant measures to protect the integrity of sports,” she remarked. “The UNODC is committed to collaborating with the Club to ensure that sports remain a bastion of fairness and integrity.”
Andrew Harding, the Club’s Executive Director of Racing, expressed optimism about the strengthened partnership. “We are greatly encouraged by the support from the UNODC,” Harding stated. “The visit not only fortifies the ties between our organizations but also underscores our mutual dedication to eradicating corruption and illegal gambling.”
The collaboration between HKJC and UNODC marks a pivotal step in the global fight against illegal gambling, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining the integrity of sports in Hong Kong and beyond.
