Story perspectives

Bots Exploit Hong Kong Sports Booking After Touting Ban

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hong Kong authorities detected robot-operated accounts booking public indoor sports venues shortly after implementing a new anti-touting policy.
A spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said bots used the SmartPlay app to book.
The department did not disclose how many accounts were identified to prevent evasion.
Since January 21, the LCSD has imposed a 360-day booking ban on accounts using automated tools for indoor basketball and volleyball courts.

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Story summary

Hong Kong authorities detected robot-operated accounts booking public indoor sports venues shortly after implementing a new anti-touting policy.
A spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said bots used the SmartPlay app to book.
The department did not disclose how many accounts were identified to prevent evasion.
Since January 21, the LCSD has imposed a 360-day booking ban on accounts using automated tools for indoor basketball and volleyball courts.