Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 50 Week of 2 February 2026
(1) HKJC-supported HK int’l horse show concludes
The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show concluded successfully with HKJC support, engaging youth through new challenges and reinforcing the Club’s long-standing role in equestrian development.
(2) Kazakhstan Expands New Casino Zones to Double Foreign Gamblers
Kazakhstan will open three foreign-only casino zones in East Kazakhstan, Almaty City, and Zhetysu Oblast to leverage regional attractions for tourism, create 5,000 jobs and generate US$4-8 million in annual taxes per site
(3) From racing to moving to music, Jockey Club gives retired racehorses new lease of life
The Hong Kong Jockey Club showcases their Restart Programme that helps thoroughbreds transition from racer to dressage.
(4) Li Tie among 73 banned for life from football
The Chinese Football Association banned 73 individuals, including ex-president Chen Xuyuan and coach Li Tie, for life over gambling and match-fixing.
(1) HKJC-supported HK int’l horse show concludes
(Photo Credit: The Standards)
The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show wrapped up successfully at AsiaWorld-Expo after three days of elite showjumping featuring top international riders, Asian talents, and local competitors. The event gained added prestige with its “M” Mark status, highlighting its cultural significance.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club served as strategic partner for the second straight year, offering expert support in horse transport, stables, veterinary care, farriery, and biosecurity. It also launched the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign, celebrating the deep human-horse connection and Hong Kong’s values of perseverance and excellence.
HKJC boosted accessibility by inviting youth and underprivileged groups, while introducing the first The Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge to spotlight emerging equestrians. An interactive booth lets visitors discover disciplines and meet jockeys, reinforcing the Club’s long-term commitment to equestrian development, from retired racehorse retraining to backing major events like the Olympics and Asian Games.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/323300/HKJC-supported-HK-intl-horse-show-concludes
(2) Kazakhstan Expands New Casino Zones to Double Foreign Gamblers
(Photo Credit: FFPAPA)
Kazakhstan plans to open three new casino zones exclusively for foreign gamblers in East Kazakhstan, Almaty City, and Zhetysu Oblast, aiming to boost tourism by leveraging the regions’ natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor attractions alongside gaming.
The government expects these casinos to create around 5,000 jobs in tourism and hospitality while generating 2-4 billion Tenge (US$4-8 million) in annual tax revenue per site, with additional upgrades to existing casino areas at Kapchigay and Borovoye to draw high-stakes international visitors and double foreign gambler numbers.
By restricting play to foreigners, concentrating development in diverse regions, and tying casinos to broader tourism packages like festivals and adventures, Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its economy, spread benefits evenly, and position itself as a top Central Asian gaming destination without exposing locals to gambling risks.
News Source: https://www.igamingtoday.com/kazakhstan-expands-new-casino-zones-to-double-foreign-gamblers
(3) From racing to moving to music, Jockey Club gives retired racehorses new lease of life
(Photo Credit: Eugene Lee/SCMP)
At the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, eight retired racehorses from a Hong Kong Jockey Club retraining programme stole the spotlight by performing to music instead of racing.
These thoroughbreds, including former winners like Prawn BaBa and Bo Duke, showcased their intelligence and athleticism in equestrian disciplines such as dressage. HKJC executive Natasha Rose explained that their post-racing age aligns perfectly with starting equestrian training, keeping them active, fit and mentally engaged in second careers.
One standout, New Elegance (“Tom”), transitioned through the Club’s Restart programme from racer to exhibition horse, highlighting how the initiative gives elite equine athletes meaningful new roles after track retirement.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3341999/racing-moving-music-jockey-club-gives-retired-racehorses-new-lease-life
(4) Li Tie among 73 banned for life from football
(Photo Credit: AFP)
The Chinese Football Association has imposed lifetime bans on 73 individuals involved in gambling and match-fixing, including former Chinese Football Association president Chen Xuyuan and ex-national team coach Li Tie, as announced at a joint press conference in Beijing with sports and public security authorities.
Among those banned are former General Administration of Sport deputy director Du Zhaocai, ex-women’s team coach Hao Wei, and ex-international Qin Sheng. Li Tie, already serving a 20-year bribery sentence from December 2024, faces ongoing criminal probes into football gambling alongside others.
Thirteen clubs received 2026 season points deductions and fines up to 1 million yuan, with Chinese Super League sides like Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tigers hit hardest, alongside Qingdao Hainiu, Wuhan Three Towns and others, plus four China League One teams.
News Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1841903-20260129.htm
