“Our locations provide that extensive network, and our research shows the appeal of the sportsbook is related to location. We’ve learned that horse racing is naturally a partner with betting on other sports.”

As Woodbine Entertainment prepares for the 162nd running of the Queen's Plate on Sunday (August 22), officials with the racetrack and wagering operator have confirmed that they are looking into the possibility of adding sports betting to its network of brick-and-mortar locations.

“We have to look at alternative sources of revenue, [so] we need to play a role in the new sports betting sector,” said Woodbine's CEO Jim Lawson during the Queen's Plate post-position draw on Wednesday.

According to an article in the Toronto Star, Woodbine Entertainment is "well-positioned to provide destinations for sports fans wishing to watch games and place a bet" with two racetracks, WEGZ stadium bar in Vaughan and a number of Champions off-track betting locations. For those that prefer a different setting, there's the recently relaunched Dark Horse Bets app.

“It will allow a person to place a bet in a way that takes away any sense of intimidation,” said Michael Copeland, Woodbine chief commercial officer. “They can very easily make a wager whether they’re at the track or at home.

“Having an app on their phone is far more conducive to a younger demographic. (You could) get a push notification saying ... your favourite number, your favourite silks, your favourite horse, your favourite trainer is about to race. ‘Do you want to place a bet?’”