The signatories to the agreement stated that its purpose was to show their unity in the cracking down on illegal, unlicenced or unauthorised offshore bookmakers on horse racing, in order to protect the revenue of the signatories.
It is viewed by some informed and interested observers as documenting an international cartel to defend the signatories from competition from commercial bookmakers and bet exchanges so as to maintain higher profits for themselves.
Initially signed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Japan Racing Association in 2002. On September 1, 2003, representatives from the Australian Racing Board, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Turf Authorities of India, the Japan Racing Association, the Korea Racing Association, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, the Singapore Turf Club and the Jockey Club of Turkey signed the multilateral agreement in Hong Kong on September 1, 2003. The Asian Racing Federation also endorsed the agreement.