Betting on the World Cup has likely slashed Jockey Club revenue by 10 per cent, the club's chief executive says.
Lawrence Wong Chi-kwong said that while the exact loss in turnover had yet to be calculated, the figure would not be less than 10 per cent.
'I suspect [that level] is possible, although the club won't be exactly certain about the impact until after the racing season ends in two weeks,' Mr Wong said. 'However, there's bound to be direct impact [on turnover]. We have been feeling the pressure.'
During the past two weeks, the club has boosted the Triple Trio pool in an attempt to lure punters who might be tempted to bet illegally on the World Cup.
At the race meeting on Sunday, the Triple Trio pool will shoot up to $80 million after being topped up by the club from its reserve fund.
The Jockey Club's betting turnover was down $1.55 billion halfway through the season. In February club officials warned illegal betting on the World Cup would cut into second-half revenue.