Hong Kong Casinos – Are There Any?

Today, we’re answering a question from Mike in Los Angeles. He’s heading to HK on a business trip and wants to know about the top Hong Kong casinos.

This is Mike’s original email:

Hey guys,

I’m heading to Hong Kong for a business trip next month, and I’ll have a few days to explore the city. I’ve heard a lot about Macau being the place to go for gambling in Asia, but I was wondering if there are any casinos in Hong Kong itself? I might not have time to visit Macau, so any local options would be great.

Thanks!
Mike

Hong Kong Casinos

Hi Mike,

Hong Kong is an incredible city with tons to see and do, but when it comes to gambling, you’re right to have heard about Macau—it’s the true casino capital of Asia. Unfortunately, Hong Kong itself has very strict gambling laws, and casinos are not allowed to operate within the city. So, if you’re looking for a traditional casino experience with games like poker, roulette, and blackjack, Macau is your best bet.

However, there are still a few ways to enjoy some gaming action while you’re in Hong Kong. Here’s what you can expect:

Horse Racing

Hong Kong is famous for its horse racing, and it’s one of the few legal forms of gambling allowed in the city. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the place to be, with races taking place at two iconic tracks—Happy Valley Racecourse and Sha Tin Racecourse. Both venues offer an incredible atmosphere, and betting on the horses is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.

  1. Happy Valley Racecourse: 2 Sports Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong.
  2. Sha Tin Racecourse: 10 Sha Tin Racecourse Rd, Sha Tin, Hong Kong.

If you’re in town during the racing season, attending a race night at Happy Valley is an absolute must—it’s a truly unique experience with its electric atmosphere and skyline views.

Lottery and Mark Six

The Mark Six Lottery is another legal gambling option in Hong Kong, run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. It’s pretty straightforward, with draws happening several times a week, and you can buy tickets at various retail locations across the city. While it’s not the same as sitting at a poker table, it’s a fun way to try your luck while in Hong Kong.

Macau Day Trip

Since you mentioned Macau, if you do find yourself with some extra time, it’s just a short ferry or helicopter ride away from Hong Kong. In about an hour, you could be walking into some of the biggest and most luxurious casinos in the world, like The Venetian Macau, Wynn Macau, or City of Dreams. These spots have everything from poker to slots and everything in between.

If you can squeeze it in, a quick trip to Macau would definitely be worth it. But if your schedule doesn’t allow, Hong Kong’s horse racing and lottery are solid alternatives to scratch that gambling itch.

Hong Kong Casinos Summary

  • Casinos: None in Hong Kong; you’ll need to go to Macau for that.
  • Legal Gambling Options: Horse racing (Happy Valley and Sha Tin), Mark Six Lottery.
  • Best Bet: Catch a race night at Happy Valley if you’re in town!

Cheers,
The Gamblerspro Team