The figures were announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, who also revealed fears that the city is losing around us$ 2.82 billion a year to casinos in neighbouring Macau.
Casinos are illegal in Hong Kong and the only forms of gambling allowed are those placed on horse racing, football and a weekly lottery, all of which is controlled by the Jockey Club. Illegal gambling is prominent however and underground syndicates make billions of dollars a year.