Australian betting solutions firm Racing and Sports (RAS) has significantly expanded its international reach with the launch of a new Asia-facing division, focused on Hong Kong.

Racing and Sports Asia (RASA) has been set up with the Hong Kong horse racing markets in mind, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) being one of the biggest racing organisers in Asia.

RASA has hit the ground running by acquiring six Hong Kong horse racing media outlets, including the popular HDKN, WQ Booklet and Sun Racing, which have a combined circulation of 2.7 million via distribution at over 420 vendors.

The acquisition also includes the HKDNForm.com online outlet. The move marks a significant stepping up of RAS’ efforts in direct media publication, with the group’s operational focus being on horse racing data and content.

The firm states that it wants to better connect Hong Kong horse racing followers with other World Pool events – the HKJC being one of the main partners in the World Pool global tote – and will publish global simulcast publications on non-Hong Kong racedays.

“These titles have been at the heart of Hong Kong’s racing culture for decades,” an RAS statement read. “Under RASA, they are being revitalised for a new era that combines trusted heritage with innovation.”

Hong Kong next stop for international RAS

RAS’ corporate journey saw the company established in 1999 with a focus on data and content, as outlined above. It secured an ASX listing in 2021 as RAS Technology Holdings, and since then has been embarking on international expansion efforts.

This has seen launches in markets like the UK, where horse racing is the second most bet on sport, via a deal with Stakemate, a relatively new sportsbook in the British betting space which counts RAS as a racing feed provider.

In Hong Kong, horse racing is, at least for now, one of only two legal betting sports, the other being football, and legal betting on basketball in the pipeline. As such, it is hugely popular, with the HKJC serving as the regulator and operator of horse racing betting in the autonomous city, having been set up 140 years ago.

RAS’ statement concluded: “Racing and Sports Asia continue to drive innovation and growth, enhancing how racing content, data, and insights are delivered to Asia’s most passionate and informed racing audiences.
“Racing and Sports Asia is bridging global racing with Asia’s next generation of fans.”