Is a Hong Kong betting boom on the way? Latest news says next season will see Australian punters co-mingling into the gigantic local Hong Kong betting pools for race meetings at Sha Tin and Happy Valley. Previously banned under Hong Kong Government regulations, the decision was reversed by the HK Home Affairs Bureau yesterday. It opens the way for the two-way combining of betting pools with foreign jurisdictions. The South China Morning Post HK reports that the Hong Kong Government assesses the

Is a Hong Kong betting boom on the way? Latest news says next season will see Australian punters co-mingling into the gigantic local Hong Kong betting pools for race meetings at Sha Tin and Happy Valley. Previously banned under Hong Kong Government regulations, the decision was reversed by the HK Home Affairs Bureau yesterday. It opens the way for the two-way combining of betting pools with foreign jurisdictions. The South China Morning Post HK reports that the Hong Kong Government assesses the co-mingling arrangement will benefit it by more than $HK200 million a year, while the Hong Kong Jockey Club estimates the localised holdings from foreign jurisdictions could double to $HK8 billion a year. One of the key reasons why the Home Affairs Office agreed to the HKJC request was its belief the co-mingling arrangement would help in the fight against illegal bookmakers. The new rules will pass through the Hong Kong Legislative Council in the second quarter of 2013, with the new arrangement ready to start in September.

This year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe will receive a stakes increase to 4.8 million euros, approximately $A6.2 million. The cash boost makes the great race the equal richest race on earth, run on turf, alongside the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup. It's all part of a unique 10-year agreement between Qatar's Racing and Equestrian Club and France Galop, the controlling body of racing in France.

TAB Fixed Odds market on the upcoming Grp 1 BMW 2400m:

THE BMW (6/4/2013) (ALL IN)
GLENCADAM GOLD $7.00
FIORENTE $8.50
MANIGHAR $11.00
ITS A DUNDEEL $13.00
GATEWOOD $13.00
PIERRO $15.00
LASER HAWK $15.00
MALUCKYDAY $15.00
SILENT ACHIEVER $15.00
KELINNI $17.00
PROISIR $17.00
MAWINGO $17.00
PUISSANCE DE LUNE $17.00
FIVEANDAHALFSTAR $17.00
FORETELLER $21.00
MR MOET $21.00
GLASS HARMONIUM $26.00
PRINCE CHERI $26.00
PRAIRIE STAR $26.00
Others from $31.00