The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is doing record business as pandemic travel restrictions deter gamblers from spending their money in Macau casinos.

The HKJC is setting records for betting turnover in the early days of its current season and CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says COVID-19’s impact on local punters’ willingness to travel to Macau casinos is a key factor in the racing operator’s wagering surge.

The HKJC is coming off one of the worst seasons in its lengthy history but its initial meeting at the Sha Tin Racecourse earlier this month set an opening day record and the good times haven’t let up. Betting turnover over the HKJC’s first five meetings is nearly 5.9% higher from the same period last year. Sunday’s meeting saw local turnover rise 7% while international commingling shot up 20%

The South China Morning Post quoted Engelbrecht-Bresges saying the public’s ongoing skittishness about traveling to Macau casinos “definitely has an impact” on the HKJC’s action, as “money which would have gone to Macau stays in Hong Kong.” Engelbrecht-Bresges added that the HKJC would “keep looking at our takeout rate, etc.” to ensure the public continues to view local race betting in a favorable light.