Asia
Hong Kong’s record prize money increase includes world’s richest Group 1 turf sprint
Hong Kong Sprint raised to £2.2m as HKJC boosts prize pot for 2020/21 to over £143m
Hong Kong racing will offer record prize money of HK$1.4 billion (£143.5m) for the 2020/21 season, with the Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint and BMW Hong Kong Derby featuring prominently among the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s upward adjustments.
The LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (6f) will regain its position as the world’s most richly-endowed Group 1 turf sprint with a value this year of HK$22 million (£2.2m), an increase of HK$2 million (£205,000). Five other Group 1 races – Centenary Sprint Cup (6f), Stewards’ Cup (1m), Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (7f), Hong Kong Gold Cup (1m2f) and Champions & Chater Cup (1m4f) – will receive HK$2 million (£205,000) increases, taking their value to HK$12 million (£1.2m).
The historic BMW Hong Kong Derby is Hong Kong’s most important domestic contest and will be worth HK$24 million (£2.4m), a HK$4 million (£400,000) increase on the 2020 renewal. The 1m2f contest is a key race each year, being a vital springboard for the next crop of Hong Kong’s stars, and regains its position as the second-richest Derby in the world, behind only Japan’s equivalent and ahead of the Kentucky Derby, the UAE Derby and the original Derby at Epsom.
The Hong Kong Derby is the final leg in the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series and the Club has also taken the decision to up prize money for first two legs: the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Hong Kong Classic Cup will both be worth HK$12 million (£1.2m) in 2021, an increase of HK$2 million (£200,000) to each race.
| Race | 2019/20 (HK$) | 2020/21 (HK$) | Increase (HK$) | % Increase |
| Hong Kong Sprint | 20,000,000 | 22,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 10 |
| Centenary Sprint Cup | 10,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 20 |
| Stewards’ Cup | 10,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 20 |
| Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup | 10,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 20 |
| Hong Kong Gold Cup | 10,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 20 |
| Champions & Chater Cup | 10,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 20 |
| Hong Kong Derby | 20,000,000 | 24,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 20 |
| Hong Kong Classic Mile | 10,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 20 |
| Hong Kong Classic Cup | 10,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 20 |
All Group 2 and Group 3 races will also rise in value. Group 2 purses will increase by 5.9% from HK$4.25 million (£435,000) to HK$4.5 million (£460,000), while the prize funds for Group 3 races will rise by 7.7% from HK$3.25 million (£333,000) to HK$3.5 million (£359,000).
Total prize money for the 2020/21 season’s 88 meetings at Sha Tin and Happy Valley is up by approximately 4.9% on the 2019/20 season. This year’s lucrative purse increases span all handicap races from Class 1 down to Class 5.
| Class | 2019/20 (HK$) | 2020/21 (HK$) | Increase (HK$) | % Increase |
| Group 2 | 4,250,000 | 4,500,000 | 250,000 | 5.9% |
| Group 3 | 3,250,000 | 3,500,000 | 250,000 | 7.7% |
| 1 | 2,800,000 | 3,000,000 | 200,000 | 7.1% |
| 2 | 2,100,000 | 2,200,000 | 100,000 | 4.8% |
| 3 | 1,450,000 | 1,500,000 | 50,000 | 3.4% |
| 4 | 967,000 | 1,000,000 | 33,000 | 3.4% |
| 5 | 725,000 | 750,000 | 25,000 | 3.4% |
Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association President Mr. Chew Fook Aun said: “At a time when prize money levels are being cut worldwide, the prize money increases announced today by the Hong Kong Jockey Club are very welcome news, and a testament to the strength, resilience and buoyancy of Hong Kong racing, even in these very difficult times”.
Mr. Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club said: “Hong Kong racing is among the best in the world and part of what makes it such a competitive sports environment is the excellent prize money available from Class 5 right up to Group 1. Despite the issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty in world economies, we will continue our successful strategy of recent years to increase purse levels as necessary in order to reward and encourage our owners and to ensure Hong Kong’s elite races are attractive to overseas competitors. This approach has been a core element in Hong Kong being able to maintain its position as a world leader in providing quality horseracing and has enabled us to achieve between 20 and 26 horses in the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for each of the past seven years.
“For next season, the Club has increased prize money to a record overall sum, including a significant injection across all Class 1 to Class 5 handicap races and Group 2 and Group 3 contests. We believe this will help to enhance competition and assist our owners in their attempts to purchase and import the best possible horses in a difficult economic climate.”
Mr. Harding noted the importance of ensuring Hong Kong’s elite races, including the BMW Hong Kong Derby, continue to offer purse money which is among the best in the world.
“Hong Kong is already home to the world’s richest turf races at 2000 metres (1m2f), a mile and 1400 metres (7f), and, while our Group 1 prize money is strong, we have nonetheless identified a specific need to increase the prize funds for six of our Group 1 races, notably the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (6f), which regains its status as the world’s richest Group 1 turf sprint,” he said.
“We have also increased purses for each of our three Four-Year-Old Classic Series races, notably the BMW Hong Kong Derby, which regains its position as the second richest Derby in the world. The investment from our owners in high quality young stock for our Four-Year-Old Classic Series each year brings a vital replenishment of our elite cohort of runners, which in turn maintains the very high standard of racing here in Hong Kong.”
IJC Trainer Bonus
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has also introduced a new bonus for the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship held at Happy Valley in December.
To encourage a higher quality of horses in the four IJC races, the new bonus scheme will offer prizes of HK$200,000 (£20,500) to the most successful trainer in the contest’s four races, HK$100,000 (£10,250) to the runner-up and HK$50,000 (£5,125) to the third-placed trainer, with points awarded in a similar fashion to the jockeys’ competition.
Powered by WPeMatico
Asia
NODWIN Gaming joins forces with ICONiQ White to headline NH7 Weekender 2026 as Title Sponsor; to be ‘Powered By’ Mastercard
NODWIN Gaming, a leader in youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, has announced ICONiQ White as the Title Sponsor and Mastercard as the ‘Powered By’ Sponsor for NH7 Weekender 2026, reinforcing the festival’s status as one of India’s most influential live music events.
Scheduled from March 13–15, 2026, at Mahalakshmi Lawns, Pune, this year’s edition promises a vibrant celebration of music and culture, featuring an eclectic lineup including Talwiinder, Prateek Kuhad, Aditya Gadhvi, Raftaar x Kr$na, Faheem Abdullah, Aditya Rikhari, KING, Indian Ocean, Nucleya & Friends, among others. Comedy highlights will include performances by Aaditya Kulshreshth, Rahul Subramanian, Varun Thakur, Rohan Joshi, and Urooj Ashfaq, ensuring plenty of laughs alongside the music.
Representing Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited, India’s largest domestic spirits company by volume, ICONiQ White resonates with a generation that values individuality, confidence, and self-expression. As Title Sponsor, ICONiQ White will curate a social and experiential hub at the festival, offering attendees a space to pause, reset, and reconnect with art, community, and the festival experience.
Alok Gupta, Managing Director at Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited, said:
“Today’s generation creates the culture they consume. ICONiQ White celebrates individuality and bold self-expression – values that define NH7 Weekender. This partnership is about being present where our consumers discover new voices and create unforgettable memories. We look forward to fuelling these experiences and inviting everyone to ‘Be ICONiQ’ this March.”
Mastercard joins as the ‘Powered By’ Sponsor, supporting music and entertainment experiences globally. The festival will feature HDFC Bank Mastercard Credit Card presales followed by general Mastercard presales, providing exclusive access and curated benefits to enhance the live event experience.
Lavani Agarwal, VP Marketing & Communications, South Asia at Mastercard, said:
“NH7 Weekender embodies creativity, inclusivity, and self-expression—values at the heart of Mastercard. We are thrilled to connect with youth and Gen Z through exclusive presales and on-ground engagements. As India’s live entertainment scene grows, Mastercard remains committed to creating culturally resonant and unforgettable experiences.”
The partnerships coincide with a period of strong growth in India’s live events industry. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the organised live events segment grew by 15% in 2024, generating an incremental INR 13 billion, as India aims to be among the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome ICONiQ White and Mastercard as partners for NH7 Weekender 2026. What began as a platform for independent talent has evolved into one of India’s most recognised cultural properties. As the sector grows, building partnerships that enhance the audience journey and support sustainable expansion is essential. Together, these collaborations strengthen Weekender’s identity and propel the festival into its next chapter.”
Leading up to the festival, the Road to Weekender campaign will activate across Mumbai and Pune, extending the festival experience through interactive, community-driven events. Participants will have opportunities to win passes and access exclusive on-ground experiences.
Tickets are available via the District by Zomato app, the festival’s official ticketing partner. NH7 Weekender is a NODWIN IP, curated by Big Bad Wolf, with Exceed Entertainment as the revenue partner and EVA Live as the event partner.
The post NODWIN Gaming joins forces with ICONiQ White to headline NH7 Weekender 2026 as Title Sponsor; to be ‘Powered By’ Mastercard appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
CreedRoomz Expands Localized Portfolio with “Lucky Colors”: A High-Volatility Digital Reimagining of Philippine Gaming Culture
CreedRoomz, a global leader in live casino solutions, has officially launched Lucky Colors, a premium game designed to appeal to the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market. Drawing inspiration from a beloved part of Philippine street culture and game show history, the title transforms the familiar energy of local carnivals into a high-performance digital experience, giving operators a winning combination of recognizable gameplay and engaging payouts.
Game Concept
Lucky Colors brings the traditional “Perya” to life using a realistic, smart engine. Players watch three multi-colored cubes tumble down a sloped path, delivering the dynamic action that has made these carnival games so popular. CreedRoomz has enhanced the experience for digital casino audiences, creating an engaging, fast-paced gameplay environment.
Key Features
-
Dual-Mode Gameplay – Designed to maximize Player Lifetime Value (PLV) by catering to two distinct player types within a single interface:
-
Classic Mode (Acquisition Tool): A 6-spot layout focused on single-color outcomes, optimized for high-frequency rounds. Perfect for casual players entering the game.
-
Advanced Mode (Revenue Driver): An 18-spot strategic layout for experienced players, offering complex betting and higher stakes to boost spending and retention.
-
-
Proprietary Multiplier Dynamics: The Dynamic Multiplier Engine assigns random multipliers to betting spots in real-time, enhancing big-win potential for marketing campaigns.
-
Scalable Volatility: Advanced mathematical modeling allows payouts of up to 1111x a player’s stake.
-
Special Round Trigger: All 18 advanced spots can simultaneously receive multipliers, creating “hero moments” and powerful promotional opportunities.
Arturs Fjodorovs, Chief Product Officer at CreedRoomz, said:
“Lucky Colors connects traditional fun with modern gaming tech by keeping the real energy of Philippine game shows alive. By combining big multipliers with two ways to play, we give partners a powerful tool to attract more players and keep them coming back.”
CreedRoomz delivers cutting-edge casino entertainment and online gaming solutions, helping operators stay competitive and appeal to diverse audiences. All solutions are fully customizable to align with a business’s scale, region, and player preferences.
With 30+ engaging games in 12+ languages, 1000+ strong partnerships, and 200+ dynamic tables, CreedRoomz provides the infrastructure for seamless, high-impact player experiences across the globe.
The post CreedRoomz Expands Localized Portfolio with “Lucky Colors”: A High-Volatility Digital Reimagining of Philippine Gaming Culture appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
PG Soft, the world-class digital mobile games company, has been confirmed as the Title Sponsor of Global Game Connect 2026 (GGC), which will take place from 16–17 March 2026 at the prestigious Cinnamon Life venue in Sri Lanka.
Organised by HUIDU, Global Game Connect has quickly established itself as a key event within the iGaming industry. The conference brings together global leaders from across the sector, including platforms, operators, API integration providers, payment solution suppliers, and compliance specialists.
The sponsorship highlights PG Soft’s ongoing investment in emerging markets and its commitment to supporting the development of the industry at a regional level. With Sri Lanka identified as a strategic expansion market in 2026, the partnership strengthens the company’s brand presence while contributing to the continued growth of the country’s iGaming ecosystem.
As part of the agreement, PG Soft will receive prominent brand visibility throughout the event, including across promotional materials, exhibition entrance archway displays, and the registration area. The sponsorship also includes a comprehensive HUIDU advertising package, covering membership promotion, press exposure, and targeted digital marketing support.
Spanning two days, Global Game Connect 2026 will feature a forward-looking conference agenda covering a range of key industry topics. Discussions will explore emerging market trends, growth strategies, player data and analytics, regulatory compliance, as well as the evolving role of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence within modern gaming ecosystems.
A PG Soft spokesperson said:
“Global Game Connect 2026 provides an ideal platform to encourage meaningful discussions around innovation, regulation, and the future of the iGaming industry. Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly important as a regional iGaming hub, and we’re proud to support the event alongside HUIDU.”
The post PG Soft revealed as Title Sponsor for Global Game Connect 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Australia6 days agoRegulating the Game Global Awards: First-Ever Winners Announced
-
AGCO5 days ago
Canada’s Ontario iGaming Market in 2026: Advertising Rules, Self-Exclusion and the Next Phase of Regulation
-
Asia7 days ago
GodLike Esports’ gaming creator Sharkshe unveils upgraded gaming room powered by Red Bull
-
Asia6 days ago
PG Soft revealed as Title Sponsor for Global Game Connect 2026
-
Asia5 days ago
NODWIN Gaming joins forces with ICONiQ White to headline NH7 Weekender 2026 as Title Sponsor; to be ‘Powered By’ Mastercard
-
Bonus Cards5 days ago
CasinoCanada.com introduces redesigned Bonus Cards
-
Belatra5 days ago
Belatra celebrates 33rd anniversary at SiGMA South America
-
Arizona5 days ago
BETER secures supplier licence in Arizona
