Ontario Horse Racing Coverage
Trot Insider has gathered all of the news stories regarding the Ontario horse racing industry's transition from the Slots-At-Racetracks program (SARP).
Some of the major stories since the Ontario Liberal Party announced that it would be terminating the program and the most recent developments appear below.
To access Trot Insider's complete comprehensive list of all of the stories, click here.
Purse Monies Moving To OLG
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) issued a Notice of Decision to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) on Wednesday, March 15 regarding the transfer of standardbred purse monies…read on
Longer Deal For Ontario Racing?
The 2016 Ontario Budget released on Thursday (February 25) by Finance Minister Charles Sousa would give the province's horse racing industry two more years of government partnership and support…read on
London Hosts First Info Session
The first of two information sessions hosted by the new Ontario Racing Association (ORA) was held on Tuesday afternoon at Western Fair in London…read on
Ont. East Gaming Bundle Deal Official
On Tuesday, January 12 it was announced by the Great Canadian Gaming Corp. and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. that the ‘Ontario Gaming East Limited Partnership’ has completed its previously announced acquisition of the OLG's ‘Gaming Bundle 2’ (which is also known as the ‘East Gaming Bundle’). The OLG and the partnership has also signed a 20-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement…read on
Ottawa-Area Bundle Issues
On Monday, December 21, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. announced that it is cancelling the Request for Pre-Qualification for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle…read on
More On Mohawk Expansion, Racing
It was less than two weeks ago when Woodbine Entertainment Group CEO Jim Lawson made statements in the media regarding the idea of expansion at Mohawk Racetrack. Lawson has now gone into more detail on the topic, stating that he has been discussing the idea with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. “almost daily.”…read on
Ontario Passes Bill 144
On Thursday, December 10, the Ontario Government passed Bill 144 (the Budget Measures Act, 2015), an omnibus bill that contains two particular pieces of legislation that directly affect the province’s racing landscape…read on
Liberals Vote Down Racing Amendments
Today Bill 144, Budget Measures Act, 2015 was considered in detail by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Bill 144 establishes a new Act, the Horse Racing Industry Act, 2015, which will govern the horse racing industry upon dissolution of the Ontario Racing Commission…read on
Tropea On Amendments To Acts
OLG Launches Horse-Themed Game
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced on Wednesday, Dec. 2 that it is launching a new horse-themed product called Fire Horse on PlayOLG.ca…read on
Lawson Eyes Mohawk Expansion
There has been a good amount of discussion over the past few years in regard to expanding the casino offerings at Woodbine Racetrack, yet not so much when it comes to Mohawk Racetrack. Jim Lawson, the new chief executive office that oversees both facilities, has now commented on expansion at Mohawk…read on
On ‘Life Support,’ But Not Dead Yet
Trot Insider has spoken with Northern Horsemen's Association President Bob Bodkin for an update in regard to the potential of live Standardbred racing returning to the Sudbury area…read on
Sousa Introduces Bill In Legislature
On Wednesday, November 18, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa introduced Bill 144, the Budget Measures Act, 2015 in the Ontario legislature. If passed, the proposed act would implement measures contained in the 2015 Ontario Budget, enact five new statutes and amend other statutes…read on
OLG To Seek Input On Financial Model
The horse racing industry in Ontario is being asked to provide input on a long-term financial model with respect to the ongoing integration and modernization of gaming in Ontario…read on
Major’s Road Map For Racing
There will be big changes, but not many surprises when responsibility for regulating horse racing in the province transfers to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) over the next four or five months…read on
Progress On Integration In Ontario
The Board of Directors at the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) feel some optimism that progress is being made after meeting with two government agencies tasked with integrating horse racing into the Province’s overall gaming strategy…read on
OLG Meets With Horse Racing
In a release issued Thursday, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) has confirmed meeting with new Senior Vice President of Horse Racing for Ontario Lottery & Gaming, Cal Bricker…read on
Great Canadian Chosen As East Gaming Bundle Operator
On Wednesday, September 9, the Great Canadian Gaming Corp. announced that its ‘Ontario Gaming East Limited Partnership,’ an entity in which it owns a 50.1 per cent share, has been chosen to operate gaming facilities in the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s ‘Gaming Bundle 2,’ which is also referred to as the ‘East Gaming Bundle.’…read on
OLG Pens Letter To Horse Racing
In a letter dated Thursday (June 25), representatives from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) provided an update on the process of integrating horse racing with the province's gaming strategy…read on
OLG Rebranding Not In The Cards
Spokesman Tony Bitonti has said that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming is collaborating with the provincial horse racing industry in an effort to come up with branding options in conjunction with racing’s integration into the OLG’s gaming modernization process…read on
Positive Step For Integration
On June 1, John Snobelen penned an open letter to Minister John Leal and Minister Charles Sousa that explains the Horse Racing Interim Governance Committee’s mandate in regard to the integration of the provincial horse racing industry into the current gaming modernization that is taking place in Ontario…read on
2015 Ontario Budget Passes
The 2015 Ontario Budget was passed in the Legislature on Wednesday, June 3 with the government's stance on the provincial horse racing industry briefly reiterated in the bill…read on
Windsor Grandstand Demo Underway
Monday, June 1 marked a sad day for harness racing fans in the Windsor, Ont. area, as demolition of Windsor Raceway’s grandstand got underway.…read on
Sudbury Season In Doubt
Reports indicate that hopes for a 2015 harness racing season at Sudbury Downs are becoming slimmer by the second…read on
Slots Could Leave Flamboro
According to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp., three to five companies could be selected to submit a Request For Proposal to run the slot-machine gaming operations at Flamboro Downs. Although, there is no guarantee as to how long the machines will stay in operation at the track…read on
Horse Racing Is Meeting With OLG
On Monday, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) issued a media release with an update on how "a group of key stakeholder organizations has been meeting regularly" in order to "envision, agree upon and provide ongoing support" for a strategic long-term plan for the province's horse racing industry…read on
Racing In Ontario's 2015 Budget
On Thursday, Ontario's Finance Minister Charles Souza released the 2015 Budget. While the province's horse racing industry wasn't referenced in terms of an increase or decrease to funding, the Budget did hint to other proposed changes…read on
Expanded Gaming Closer For Woodbine
After receiving approval from the Toronto Executive committee last week, the Toronto City Council formally passed a motion on Tuesday to study expanded gaming at Woodbine Racetrack…read on
Kawartha Discussed At Queen's Park
On Wednesday, March 25, Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, asked the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Jeff Leal, to make a commitment to Kawartha Downs and finalize a long-term transfer payment agreement…read on
Hardy Looking For Answers
The Sarnia Observer has run an article highlighting the upcoming season of live racing at the Hiawatha Horse Park. In the piece, Ontario Harness Horse Association President Ken Hardy rhetorically asks how horsepeople will benefit from racing’s integration into the province’s gaming modernization…read on
Update On Integration With OLG
Sue Leslie, President of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, recently spoke on the process of integrating horse racing with the province's gaming arm -- the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp…read on
Ont. Breeders Win Document Access
The group of Ontario's Standardbred breeders currently engaged in legal proceedings against the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp. (OLG) recently received a decision in their favour from the province's Superior Court…read on
Standardbred Improvement Program Approved
Ontario’s Standardbred Improvement Program is confirmed for 2015, following the Ontario Racing Commission’s Board of Directors approval of both the 2015 budget and Program elements as developed by the Standardbred Advisory Group…read on
$12 Million More For Breeders
The Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association (SBOA) is pleased to announce that it has officially signed an agreement with the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) for a $12 million enhancement of the current breeders rewards program…read on
Leslie Calls For Patience
Sue Leslie said this week that she is encouraged by discussions conducted between an Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association subcommittee and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. regarding the establishment of a new gambling product that will ingrate horse racing into the province’s gaming modernization…read on
ORC Update On Standardbred HIP
On Friday (November 21), Ontario Racing Commission Executive Director Steven Lehman offered Trot Insider an update on the previously-announced five-year enhanced Horse Improvement Program (HIP) for Ontario Standardbreds…read on
Delay In Northern Bundle Process
It has been reported that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. is delaying its Request For Proposal for the province’s northern bundle, which includes Sudbury, home to the half-mile Sudbury Downs oval…read on
Delay To Help Integrate Racing
The OLG has announced via release that the previous deadline for the RFPQ was November 6, 2014, but that applicants now have until April 30, 2015 to provide the provincial lottery corporation with RFPQ submissions…read on
Ontario Getting $12 Million Bonus?
A letter issued by the Ontario Racing Commission on Tuesday states that the province's Standardbred racing industry is about to get a substantial infusion to its program…read on
OLG Bidders Revealed?
According to a report, three bidders are in the running to become the service provider to operate specific areas of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s lucrative lottery business…read on
Report On Sudbury Due In December
Could Sudbury Downs race in 2015? The group behind resurrecting Kawartha Downs could answer that question later this year....read on
Racing-Gaming Integration Update
"I look forward to the future. I think the right people are sitting at the table to move this forward now, and the cooperation is there."....read on
Decision In Favour Of Breeders
Lawyers representing a group of Ontario Standardbred breeders and lawyers for the Ontario Government were in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Guelph on Tuesday, September 23....read on
OLG Comments On Integration
“One of the goals is to have something that works for both groups. But it is important to develop a firm revenue stream for horse racing, so that it does not (only have) government funding. We want to develop and integrate a product between the OLG and horse racing that helps promote growth in racing, increase purses and ensures its survival”...read on
Racing & Gaming Integration Update
Trot Insider has learned that a five-year deal for live harness racing at Leamington Raceway has been finalized...read on
Handle Increase At Alliance Tracks
It’s been over four months since the launch of the Standardbred Alliance in Ontario on April 1 and wagering on Standardbred horse races at these tracks is already seeing a sharp increase compared to the same period last year...read on
Industry Info Meeting Follow-Up
On July 24, 2014 close to 120 industry stakeholders, including breeders, drivers, OLG representatives and racetrack officials, gathered at Country Heritage Park in Milton, ON to participate in an open Industry Information Meeting hosted by Ontario Horse Racing (OHR)...read on
Fort Erie Race Track Sold
According to a report in Wednesday’s Toronto Star, Canada’s famed thoroughbred facility Fort Erie Race Track has been sold...read on
Tax Reduction Allocations Revised
On Monday, July 28, the Ontario Racing Commission announced the approval of revised allocations of the Pari-Mutuel Tax Reduction (PMTR) to support and encourage the horse racing industry in Ontario...read on
Industry Info Session Coverage
On Thursday afternoon, Trot Insider provided live coverage from the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Information Meeting Session which took place at the Country Heritage Park outside Milton, Ont...read on
Industry Meeting Set For Thursday
On today's edition of Trot Radio we speak to John Snobelen for more information regarding next Thursday's Industry Information Session in Milton, Ont. and get an update on what's happening behind the scenes with Ontario Horse Racing...read on
Pettapiece Named PC Critic For Racing
Progressive Conservative MPP Randy Pettapiece has announced that Ontario PC Leader Jim Wilson has re-appointed him as the caucus critic responsible for the horse racing industry...read on
Sudbury Downs Cancels ORC licence
In accordance with Section 25 of the Racing Commission Act, 2000, the Director of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has conditionally cancelled Sudbury Downs’ ORC licence effective June 30, 2014 at 11:59 p.m...read on
ORC To Hold Sudbury Purse Monies
On Thursday, July 3, the Ontario Racing Commission announced that, as one of the conditions set by the ORC director regarding the cancellation of Sudbury Downs’ ORC licence, the director has ordered that all Sudbury purse monies be forwarded to the ORC to be held in trust for the Standardbred horsepeople...read on
Update: Five-Year Deal For Leamington
After a series of constructive conversations, representatives of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association are ready to sit down to decide the specifics of how horse racing can best be integrated into the province’s overall gaming strategy...read on
Leal Named Ag Minister
The Ontario Horse Racing Association has issued a release stating that it is pleased with the announcement that Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has named Jeff Leal as Minister of Agriculture and Food, taking over those duties from Wynne...read on
Reports: Deals For Hiawatha, KD
Although there has yet to be official announcement from the Ontario Government, key players surrounding live Standardbred racing at Sarnia’s Hiawatha Horse Park and Kawartha Downs in the Peterborough area have stated that live horse racing will be staying at the respective tracks for at least the next five years... read on
MacDonald's Statement On Election
Driver Anthony MacDonald has issued a statement following Thursday's provincial election. To view and comment on MacDonald's statement... read on
OHRIA Congratulates Wynne
The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association has issued a congratulatory message to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, whose Ontario Liberal Party was voted to a majority government Thursday night in Ontario's 2014 Provincial Election.... read on
Wynne, Liberals Win Majority
The results are now in, and as they say in horse racing, the results have been made official. The Ontario Liberal Party has won a majority government in Ontario's 2014 Provincial Election...read on
Ontario Votes 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014 marks the date of Ontario's General Election, with the province's horse racing industry classified by mainstream media as a campaign issue...read on
Ontario Breeders' Lawsuit Update
Late Friday afternoon, Trot Insider received the Statements of Defence from both Ontario and the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp. in regards to the lawsuit initiated against them by a group of Standardbred breeders... read on
Hiawatha To Race, Sudbury Will Not
Within minutes on Monday afternoon, announcements were made that signified good news for horsemen awaiting race dates in the Sarnia area and a bombshell of disappointment for Northern Ontario's harness racing season...read on
Kawartha Downs To Race In 2014
After months of uncertainty regarding the future of horse racing at Kawartha Downs, owner Skip Ambrose has announced that live harness racing will take place at the Fraserville five-eighths mile track this summer...read on
Snobelen On Sudbury Impasse
John Snobelen of Ontario Horse Racing has provided a brief comment regarding the status of negotiations between the province and the operators of Sudbury Downs...read on
Ontario Headed To An Election
Both the Ontario NDP and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party have said that they will be rejecting the minority Ontario Liberal Party’s 2014 provincial budget, thus Ontarians will be heading to the polls for an upcoming election...read on
Hudak Fields Questions On Racing
In March, PC Leader Tim Hudak was a featured speaker at a Q&A session with Jeff Gural at Granite Ridge Golf Course in Milton, Ont...read on
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OHRIA Responds To AG Report
On Wednesday, April 30, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association released its response to the Auditor General’s special report on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s gaming modernization and the cancellation of the Slots-at-Racetracks program...read on
More Response To AG Report
On Tuesday, April 29, response to the Auditor General’s special report on the OLG Modernization Plan and cancellation of the Slots-at-Racetracks program continued...read on
Reaction To Auditor General Report
On Monday, April 28, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp., the Ontario PC Party and the Ontario NDP issued responses in regard to the Auditor General’s report on the cancellation of the Slots at Racetracks Program and the OLG’s Gaming Modernization Plan...read on
Auditor General Report Released
A 2012 plan to modernize the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and generate higher profits for the province was “overly ambitious” and “overly optimistic,” Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk said in a Special Report released today...read on
OLG Status Update Regarding Integration
On Friday, April 25, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation issued an update in regard to the status of the Ontario horse racing industry’s integration into the provincial gaming strategy...read on
The Future Of Off-Track Wagering
"It's about convenience, it's about distribution, it's about going to the customer and trying to deliver that. And it's really become a big part of our business"...read on
Auditor General's Report Ready
Trot Insider has learned that the Auditor General's special report on the OLG's Modernization Plan will be tabled in the Legislature on Monday, April 28, 2014...read on
Bodkin On Sudbury Negotiations
Northern Horsemen's Association President Bob Bodkin has commented in regard to the 2014 season of racing at Sudbury Downs...read on
Breeders File Statements Of Claim
On Wednesday, April 16, a group of Standardbred breeders from across the province issued a Statement Of Claim against the Province of Ontario and a Statement Of Claim against the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for damages arising from the manner in which the Slots at Racetracks Program was cancelled...read on
Kawartha Downs Not Done Yet
When the Ontario Racing Commission issued race dates for 2014 earlier this month, one track that raced in 2013 was not on this year's list: Kawartha Downs...read on
Bain’s Update On Date Negotiations
Tom Bain of the Lakeshore Horse Raceway Group has offered comments regarding 2014 race date negotiations with Ontario Horse Racing...read on
Eaves Opens Up
Woodbine Entertainment Group President and CEO Nick Eaves has opened up in regard to the cancellation of the Slots-at-Racetracks program, the Province’s new funding agreement, and the future of the Ontario horse racing industry...read on
2014 OSS Schedule Released
The 2014 Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) schedule of races is now available....read on
OHRIA Wants Integration Discussion
On Friday, April 4, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association issued a press release stating that the future of the provincial horse racing industry beyond the recently announced five-year plan hinges on racing’s integration into the OLG gaming modernization plans...read on
Horse Racing Experience Required
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has announced an addendum to the GTA Gaming Bundle Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) stating that GTA RFPQ submissions now require details related to applicants’ experience with horse racing activities...read on
MacIsaac On Sudbury Negotiations
Sudbury Downs Owner Pat MacIsaac has said that talks with the Province are still ongoing in regard to a 2014 racing season for the northern Ontario raceway....read on
Alliance Tracks Applaud Racing Plan
The Ontario Standardbred Alliance (Alliance) today expressed its strong support for the Horse Racing Partnership Plan announced by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF)...read on
2014 Approved Ontario Race Dates
On Tuesday, April 1, the Ontario Racing Commission announced its decision in regard to the race-date applications for nine standardbred racetracks...read on
OMAF Announces $500 Million To Ontario Horse Racing
On Monday, March 31, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food issued a news release which states that the Province’s five-year plan will provide up to $500 million in support to Ontario’s world-class horse racing industry...read on
Tracks Reach Race Date Pact
According to a report, officials from Hiawatha Horse Park, Dresden Raceway and the Lakeshore Horse Raceway Group have agreed on a proposed schedule of live racing for the 2014 season...read on
2014 Race Dates To Be Finalized?
Race dates for the 2014 harness racing season at Dresden Raceway, Hiawatha Horse Park and Leamington Raceway are expected to be finalized on Tuesday, according to a report...read on
Ontario Track Alliance Announced
The Ontario Horse Racing division of the Ontario Racing Commission has provided the Premier of Ontario and the province's Minister of Agriculture & Food, Kathleen Wynne with this update on the progress in implementing the five-year Horse Racing Partnership Plan...read on
$25 Million Deal For Rideau?
The Ontario government is expected to announce a $25 million five-year deal with Ottawa's Rideau Carleton Raceway, according to a report published on Friday evening...read on
Parkinson: Second Lawsuit Coming
Walter Parkinson of Seelster Farms has announced that a second lawsuit will soon be filed in relation to the scrapping of Ontario’s Slots at Racetracks Program...read on
OHR Announces Breeder Support
In a letter issued to Premier Kathleen Wynne on March 11, 2014, John Snobelen of Ontario Horse Racing announced support programs for thoroughbred and quarter-horse breeders...read on
Ontario Breeders Sue OLG
Standardbred breeders from across the province of Ontario issued a Notice of Action on Monday against the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for damages arising out of the manner in which the Slots at Racetracks Program was cancelled...read on
More On Ontario Funding Model
Ontario Horse Racing (OHR) today released more details related to the $80 million annual funding under the Horse Racing Partnership Funding Program (HRPFP)....read on
2014 OSS, HIP Program Details
At its meeting of January 30, 2014, the Board of the Ontario Racing Commission approved the 2014 Horse Improvement Program (HIP) as recommended by the industry stakeholders and Program staff....read on
Ontario's 2014 Race Date Schedule
The Director of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) announced on Friday the decision on a number of additional applications seeking variances to the assigned dates for 2014....read on
One-On-One With Kathleen Wynne
In an exclusive interview with Trot Magazine Editor Darryl Kaplan, the Premier of Ontario and Minister of Agriculture & Food Kathleen Wynne discussed the state of the province's horse racing industry and imminent re-integration with the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp....read on
New Funding Programs Announced
To prepare for the implementation of the new five-year Horse Racing Partnership Plan to help Ontario’s horse racing industry, the government of Ontario is making available new funding that will assist the industry to develop business plans and marketing strategies...read on
Motion To Reinstate SARP Carried
The Ontario New Democratic Party's motion calling for the reinstatement of the Slots-At-Racetracks Program was carried in a 45-38 vote by the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, November 20...read on
Hudak, Pettapiece Comment On PC's Five-Part Plan For Racing
Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak and MPP Randy Pettapiece addressed the media on Friday after the Party unveiled its five-point plan to save Ontario's horse racing industry...read on
Horwath: NDP Would Reinstate SARP
On Wednesday, October 30, Ontario New Democratic Party Leader Andrea Horwath stated that her party would reinstate the Slots-at-Racetracks Program if it wins the next election...read on
OLG Research On Integrating Racing
While the details on how the province of Ontario's five-year plan with horse racing will integrate with the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp. are far from solidified, the province's gaming regulator has published preliminary research into its strategy for horse racing and gaming...read on
Five-Year Plan For Ontario Racing
Ontario has released a five-year plan for a "sustainable horse racing industry in the province" based on the final Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel report....read on
Concerns For Ontario's Breeders
On Thursday, September 26, the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association sent out a release which stated that even though Standardbred Canada’s recent 2013 Canadian Yearling Sale showed an average increase of nearly 22 per cent over the 2012 sale, participants in all facets of the industry still face more questions than answers regarding the future of the provincial industry...read on
OHRIA: Horse Racing Industry Job Losses Double That Of Blackberry
On Tuesday, September 24, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association issued a press release which states that the job losses caused by the cancellation of the Slots-at-Racetracks Program are more than double the expected worldwide job losses of Blackberry...read on
Wynne Sends Letter To Panel
On September 10, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture and Food -- as well as the province's Premier -- Kathleen Wynne issued a letter to the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel asking for a five-year-plan for Ontario's horse racing industry...read on
Wynne Addresses Ontario Horse Racing
In her capacity as Ontario's Minister of Agriculture and Food, Kathleen Wynne issued a letter addressed to Ontario's horse racing industry late Monday afternoon (June 17)...read on
OFA: Wynne Must Pick Up The Pace
Stating that the provincial government needs "to step up and take action instead of producing reports," the President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has called on Premier Kathleen Wynne to take action now to help sustain Ontario's horse-racing industry, an "important industry that supports farmers, businesses and rural communities, and returns substantial revenue and tax dollars to Queen’s Park"...read on
Track Funding Details Released
The government of Ontario has signed agreements for transition funding with 12 racetracks for the 2013-2014 racing season...read on
Premier Wynne Attends Cup Night
Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne was on hand at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday night for the 30th edition of the North America Cup, and made two special presentations...read on
HIP Program Extended; Consultations To Begin
On Friday, June 14, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced that the Ontario Government is extending its support of the Horse Improvement Program into 2015 to encourage the breeding of quality Ontario racehorses...read on
Can WEG Still Get A Casino?
After last week's surprising turn of events that placed Rideau Carleton Raceway back into the race as the preferred spot for casino expansion in Ottawa, questions continue to swirl around whether Woodbine Racetrack is completely out of the race for full casino expansion in Toronto...read on
Ottawa Mayor Backs RCR Casino
In a startling about-face on his position regarding casino expansion, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson issued a statement on Monday supporting Rideau Carleton Raceway as his preferred location for casino development in the nation's capital...read on
Ford To Introduce Woodbine Motion
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has announced that he plans to introduce a motion which would see City Council revisit the idea of allowing Woodbine Racetrack to expand to a full casino...read on
OLG Responds To OHRIA
On Monday afternoon, Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp. President & CEO Rod Phillips issued a letter to the horse racing industry addressing the concerns presented by the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association late last week....read on
OHRIA Sounds Alarm Over RFPQ, Sole Bundle Operators
OHRIA has voiced its concern with the OLG's recent RFPQ announcement. OHRIA stated that "integrating the [horse-racing industry into OLG modernization] will be meaningless if racetracks in Northern, Eastern and Southwestern Ontario lose their zones to other gaming operators due to OLG decisions before integration has occurred.”...read on
OLG Issues RFPQ For Southwest Bundle
On Wednesday, May 29, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. announced details for its RFPQ for southwestern Ontario...read on
Bringing Racing Back Into OLG
While the interview was taped just hours prior to Thursday's bombshell announcement that Paul Godfrey had been fired as the Chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the discussion between host Norm Borg and John Snobelen is just as relevant. In fact, the argument could be made that horse racing's chances to access different revenue streams within a re-integration plan with the OLG as outlined by the OMAFRA Panel and mandated by the Premier are now better than ever...read on
WEG Shocked And Disappointed
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is disappointed with today’s vote by Toronto City Council against expanded gaming at Woodbine, which threatens the province’s entire horse racing industry. Now, WEG is looking forward to working with the Premier, her staff, the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel and the new Acting Chair of the OLG to seek a solution...read on
Council Votes Against Woodbine Casino Expansion; Eaves Reacts
On Tuesday, May 21, Toronto City Council voted by a count of 24-20 to support a motion introduced by Councillor Mike Layton to oppose expanding the current gaming offerings at Woodbine Racetrack...read on
Natyshak: OLG Modernization Is "A Complete Disaster"
On Monday, May 13, Ontario New Democratic Party MPP Taras Natyshak took aim at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.'s gaming modernization plan, and called on Kathleen Wynne's reigning Ontario Liberals to halt the process. “Will this government admit that its privatization plan is a complete disaster, and end this sorry spectacle once and for all?” Natyshak asked...read on
McNaughton Responds To OMAFRA Announcement
Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Monte McNaughton was quick to respond to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food announcement on Monday, May 13 in regard to integrating the Ontario horse-racing industry into the province's gaming modernization plan. “After causing complete and total chaos throughout the industry and throughout rural Ontario, it has taken 14 months for the Premier to accept our calls and begin to rebuild Ontario’s horse racing industry," McNaughton said...read on
Long-Term Plan Coming for Ontario’s Horse Racing Industry
On Monday, May 13, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced that its horse-racing transitional panel will work with industry partners, the Ontario Ministry of Finance and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. on integrating horse racing into the province’s gaming strategy to offer new gaming products and generate additional revenue...read on
Report: Panel To Take Lead In Integrating Racing Into OLG Modernization Plan
It has been reported that the government of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is compiling a shortlist of individuals to replace Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. Chair Paul Godfrey. It has also been reported that an update regarding the Ontario horse-racing industry's integration into the OLG's gaming modernization plan is to be announced this week...read on
Leslie On Auditor General Review
"It's going to be very difficult from all the facts I have for the Auditor General to be able to support the decision of the McGuinty government."...read on
Auditor General To Review OLG Modernization, OHRIA Responds
It was announced on Wednesday that Ontario's Auditor General will review the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.'s gaming modernization plans...read on
$14 Million For ON-Sired Horses
In a release issued late Tuesday by the Ontario Racing Commission, a total purse amount available for Ontario-sired horses was projected for the upcoming harness racing season...read on
Update On Unsigned Tracks
OMAFRA's Elmer Buchanan offered Trot Insider an update on the tracks that have not yet to come to terms with the Ontario government's transition panel….read on
Deal Keeps Kawartha Downs Alive
A deal was reached late Friday night that will keep Kawartha Downs open for live harness racing through 2014….read on
Horse Racing Motion Carried
On Thursday, March 28, the Ontario Legislature carried the motion of Essex's New Democratic Party MPP Taras Natyshak. The pro-horse-racing motion calls for, among other things, the suspension of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.'s gaming modernization plan, and for changes to the current slots-at-racetracks program to be put on hold….read on
McNaughton Wants Auditor General To Investigate SARP Cancellation
On Wednesday, March 27, Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Monte McNaughton called on the Auditor General to investigate the Ontario Liberal Party's decision to terminate the slots-at-racetracks program….read on
Updated: More Ontario Tracks Ink Transitional Funding Deals
On Tuesday, March 26 it was announced by both the Ontario Liberal Party and the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation that transitional funding agreements have been reached which will ensure the continuation of live racing at Flamboro Downs and Georgian Downs beyond March 31, 2013. The Province of Ontario has also announced that it has reached a transitional funding agreement for the Fort Erie Race Track….read on
Ombudsman Will Not Formally Investigate SARP Cancellation
On Tuesday, March 19, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin announced that he will not conduct an investigation into the province’s decision to end its slots-at-racetracks program….read on
Hudak Presents PC Path For Ontario Horse Racing; OHRIA Responds
On Thursday, March 14, PC Leader Tim Hudak will formally present his white paper on agriculture and rural Ontario in Guelph, Ont., with part of that paper outlining his party's vision for the future of horse racing in the province….read on
Reactions To Wynne's Gaming Announcement
After Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne promised on Friday, March 8 to incorporate Ontario horse racing into the province's gaming modernization plans, a trio of provincial racing groups and Essex MPP Taras Natyshak issued releases to address Friday's announcement….read on
More Track Deals Announced; Wynne Promises To Incorporate Horse Racing Into OLG Modernization
Ontario's horse racing industry waited with bated breath on Friday, March 8 for Premier Kathleen Wynne to make her much-anticipated announcement regarding the future of racing in the province….read on
CTV Goes Off To The Races
With the end of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.'s Slots-At-Racetracks program looming March 31, Kitchener's CTV News has taken an in-depth look at the state of Ontario's horse racing industry in a special four-part series….read on
Ontario's Big Gamble
Sun News Network has examined the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp.'s controversial gaming plan in a special three-part series, and what could be the most contentious strategy item is still yet to hit the province….read on
ORC: $30 Million For Ontario's Horse Improvement Program
Rod Seiling, Chair of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) announced today that planning and implementation of the 2013 Horse Improvement Program (HIP) is moving forward….read on
Expanded WEG Announcement Coverage
At a press conference on Jan. 24 at Woodbine Racetrack, more details were revealed surrounding the future of horse racing at Woodbine and Mohawk, and the greater future for the sport in Ontario, and Trot Insider has quotes from Ted McMeekin, Jim Lawson and Nick Eaves….read on
OHRIA On OMAFRA-WEG Deal
The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) issued a press release on Wednesday evening commenting on the Ontario Government and Woodbine Entertainment Group's announcement that a deal has been reached to ensure racing continues at Woodbine and Mohawk Racetracks for the next two years….read on
OLG Reaches Agreements With 10 Tracks
On Wednesday, January 23, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. issued a press release which stated that it has reached lease agreements in principle for its slots operations at a total of 10 provincial racetracks….read on
OMAFRA-WEG Deal Reached; ORC Moves To OMAFRA
According to releases sent out by both the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Woodbine Entertainment Group, a deal has been reached between the two parties pertaining to live racing at Woodbine Racetrack and Mohawk Racetrack….read on
Exclusive: The Ugly Truth Behind The OLG Bingo Expansion
Trot Magazine editor Darryl Kaplan offers his take on the truth behind the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's Modernization strategy and bingo expansion plan….read on
OHRIA Response To OMAFRA Report
On Tuesday, October 30, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association issued a release regarding the OMAFRA Panel's report to provincial government on the transition from the slots-at-racetracks program….read on
OMAFRA Report Released
On Tuesday, October 30, the long-anticipated OMAFRA Panel Report on the transition of the Ontario horse racing industry from the Slots-at-Racetracks program was released to the horse racing industry….read on
OMAFRA Interim Report Released; OHRIA Issues Response
On August 24, Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, released the following statement on the status of consultations being led by the horse racing transition panel….read on
Ontarians Tell Government To Rethink Ending Slots At Racetracks Partnership
In a significant rebuff to Premier Dalton McGuinty and Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, a new Abacus Data Poll conducted for Racing Future finds that most Ontarians think the provincial government should rethink its decision to shut down the Slots at Racetracks program at Ontario's racetracks….read on
Pettapiece, Arnott: Liberal 'Impact Study' A Sham
Citing the Ontario Liberal Party's official advice to cabinet regarding scrapping the slots-at-racetracks program, which is attached in this note, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece has accused the McGuinty Government's impact study as being a sham, adding that the McGuinty Liberals had made up their minds to 'kill' the horse-racing industry before receiving an economic analysis….read on
The Ontario Government's "Biggest Boondoggle In A Decade"
Calling it the "biggest boondoggle in a decade", Ottawa Life Magazine has published a tremendous story in its July/August issue on the Ontario government's decision to end the slots-at-racetracks program as of March 31, 2013….read on
Value Of Ontario Horse Racing
The Ontario Horse Racing Industry is part of a highly competitive global market. The industry contributes 60,000 jobs, $1.1 billion to the provincial government and $2 billion in recurring expenditures – all of which would be lost if the Slots at Racetracks Programs is cancelled in Ontario….read on
You could sit down with Mr
You could sit down with Mr Dwight Duncan if you thought you could explain the situation to him. Have you considered his track record as Minister of Finance for the province of Ontario? This man falls far short of brilliance considering his track record. His job performance leaves a lot to be desired. Good Luck on this point. Bruce T. Winning
It was just a few weeks ago
It was just a few weeks ago that Mr. Duncan and company said that Georgian Downs would not be touched in the ongoing dispute. Now Georgian is going to be made weaker by Mr. Duncan.
I still maintain that Mr. Duncan is not 100% aware of how the Slots at Racetrack program works.
Has anyone sat down with him yet??