"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."

The reality of wagering on horse racing in this day and age is that the majority of it is done off-track. Earlier this month, the Ontario Racing Commission established a single Home Market Area (HMA) for Telephone Account Betting (TAB) as well as teletheatre wagering in Ontario. The revenue flowing from the single HMA will be used for the benefit of the Centralized Racetracks, which includes Woodbine, Mohawk, Flamboro, Georgian, Western Fair, Grand River, Clinton, Hanover and Ajax Downs.

Woodbine Entertainment Group will roll out its Champions brand of teletheatres across the province, with the newest location -- Blazin BBQ Ribhouse -- celebrating its Grand Opening this Saturday in Chatham. On this edition of Trot Radio, Norm Borg goes one-on-one with Sean Pinsonneault, Chief Operating Officer at Woodbine Entertainment Group to discuss the future of off-track wagering in Ontario.

"From a customer experience standpoint, they're going to know what to expect at each of these sites as far as equipment goes, and the integration that we have there," said Pinsonneault. "There's not going to be any issues with customers coming from one teletheatre or track and going to another one and not being able to cash tickets. We're trying to make that much easier than it's been in the past."

Pinsonneault notes that some areas in Ontario may currently be over-serviced with off-track locations while others are under-serviced, and that's something that will be addressed in short order.

Borg and Pinsonneault also the future of instant/historical racing in Ontario and the backlash that Churchill Downs faced when it recently announced a takeout increase. To hear the full interview, click the play button below.

Trot Radio - Episode 321 - Sean Pinsonneault

Audio Format: MP3 audio

Host: Norm Borg

The opinions expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of Standardbred Canada.

(photo courtesy RTIP)