The Macau Jockey Club admitted yesterday its move to take bets on Hong Kong races was a direct assault on Hong Kong's gambling revenues, but claimed it had no choice.
'This confrontation has been forced on us,' director of racing Ian Paterson said. He added the club wanted to draw revenue from Hong Kong and believed it could offer more attractive odds.
'We didn't set out to have a war with Hong Kong but we are fighting for survival,' he said.
Mr Paterson was speaking after the Macau Jockey Club lodged an application to its government to take bets on Hong Kong races, a move to counter Hong Kong gaming laws that have eaten into its revenue.
'We will be looking at offering commissions to punters who prefer to come and have their bets on Hong Kong racing in Macau,' he said.
The Macau Jockey Club recently has offered travel packages to attract punters to its meetings and Mr Paterson said further incentives were being considered.
The club's bid to operate on Hong Kong races signals the gloves are off in the battle that began with amendments to the Hong Kong Gambling Ordinance in May, making it illegal for SAR punters to place a bet with an offshore operator.
