Calls for stricter rules after bot bookers detected on Hong Kong sports app

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Jess MaFebruary 1, 2026 at 02:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Hong Kong authorities detected bot-operated accounts booking public indoor sports venues on the SmartPlay app, just a week after a new anti-touting policy was implemented on January 21. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department identified accounts using computer programs and automated tools to make bookings and disrupt normal operations. While the department did not disclose the number of accounts or methods used to identify them, they are proactively handling these cases. The anti-touting measures include a 360-day booking ban for accounts found using automated tools. Experts are calling for even stricter measures to combat scalping of indoor basketball and volleyball court bookings.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South China Morning Post 50% SmartPlay ×270% Leisure and Cultural Services Department ×380% Hong Kong ×290%

Keywords

bot bookers 90% anti-touting policy 80% public indoor sports venues 80% smartplay app 70% scalping 70% sports app 70% leisure and cultural services department 60% automated tools 60% booking ban 50%