The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LSCD) today announced a new measure to combat the unauthorised transfer of leisure and sports facility bookings, commonly known as touting.
Starting July 7, SmartPLAY users who log in to the mobile app via “iAM Smart” will enjoy priority booking for facilities available within seven days, starting from 7am daily.
The measure leverages the authentication function of “iAM Smart” to strengthen identity verification for facility hirers.
The LCSD said that the period from 7am to 7.15am is the peak booking window for ordinary users and also the most active booking time for touters using computer programmes or automated tools. Implementing the new measure during this specific window will more effectively prevent touting activities.
SmartPLAY users who do not wish to use “iAM Smart” can continue to book from 7.15am daily through the mobile app, the official website, smart self-service stations or service counters at various leisure venues.
As “iAM Smart” is available only to persons aged 11 or above, SmartPLAY users under the age of 11 can continue to make bookings through the mobile app from 7am daily.
To facilitate the system upgrade, the LCSD will temporarily suspend the My SmartPLAY mobile app and website services from 10.30am to 1.30pm on June 22.