The Betting & Lotteries Commission today said it is inviting the public to comment on the Jockey Club's proposals to increase the number of horse race betting activities.

Currently, the Jockey Club is allowed to conduct betting on no more than 88 local race days, 25 non-local races falling on local race days and 37 simulcast occasions on non-local race days, which are known as simulcast days, every year.

No betting on local races is allowed during the summer break from July 17 to August 31. The number of non-local races per simulcast day should not be more than 12.

The Jockey Club proposes to increase the maximum number of simulcast races per season from the existing 25 to 40 races from the 2025-26 racing season; and from 40 to 55 races from the 2026-27 racing season.

It also proposes to increase the maximum number of simulcast days per season from the existing 37 to 53 days from the 2025-26 racing season; and from 53 to 70 days from the 2026-27 racing season.

The Jockey Club is required to obtain prior approval from the Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs before taking forward the proposals.

Before making a recommendation to the secretary, the commission would like to gauge public views on the matter.

People may submit their views on the proposals to the commission's secretariat by post, by fax or by email on or before February 21.