The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has confirmed the forthcoming appointment of James Bidlake, who will assume the role of Executive Director, Legal and Compliance (EDLC).
Effective from 24 February, Bidlake will succeed Shella Ng as EDLC of Hong Kong’s exclusive racebook and pari-mutuel betting firm.
As previously announced, Shella Ng will leave the company on 5 May 2025, having completed her contract as legal officer.
Leading HKJC’s legal affairs, Bidlake will be a member of the Board of Management and report directly to the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
James Bidlake
The HKJC board highlighted Bidlake as the best candidate, with more than 25 years of legal and regulatory compliance experience in Asia.
Prior to joining the Club, Bidlake was the Group General Counsel and Executive Vice President for DFS Group, responsible for managing legal and compliance risks across the global business.
He previously held legal leadership positions at Morgan Stanley and also worked at Citigroup Investment Banking Division in Hong Kong and Simmons & Simmons in London and Hong Kong.
Bidlake will lead the Legal and Compliance Division, overseeing the Club and its subsidiaries’ legal and compliance activities and helping to protect the Club’s rights, brand, and reputation. He will also act as the Company Secretary of the Club.
In 2025, HKJC will enter negotiations with the Hong Kong government regarding taxes generated from its wagering contracts.
The HKJC board maintains that no tax increases should be applied to its services, which are already taxed at peak rates, including: Horseracing revenues at 75%, Football betting at 50% on net proceeds and the Mark Six lottery at taxed at 25% of turnover
Further tax hikes on betting duties could reduce dividends and weaken HKJC’s position against illegal gambling operators.
