Many in the city were left frustrated after they were unable to cash in their winning tickets or access jockey club services since the city’s off-course betting branches closed in January at the start of the city’s fifth wave of Covid outbreak.

This will change starting Thursday.

In view of the city’s gradual relaxation of social distancing measures, the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Tuesday that it will re-open all off-course betting branches from April 21, while Telebet services will gradually resume from April 24.

The branches will only provide services of betting account deposits and withdrawals, cashing-in of vouchers and winning tickets, and betting accounts maintenance.

“Betting services, Self-Vending Terminals, and the display of odds and wagering information will not be available,” the club said in a statement.

All branches will open from 12pm to 6pm on the days of non-day race meeting and will be closed on the days of day race meeting.

The statement also noted that people who take the opportunity to attend any of the branches will be required to register themselves via the LeaveHomeSafe mobile application and present vaccination records in accordance with the Vaccine Pass requirements.

They will also be required to wear masks and have their temperature taken before entering the premises.