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.

The release states, ’Racetracks with OLG slot facilities, live race dates and five-year funding under the Horse Racing Partnership Plan (HRPP), will have the option for leases with a guaranteed term to 2019. This aligns with the government's commitment for stable funding to the horse racing industry over the next five years under the HRPP.’

The release also makes it clear that the OLG has added a requirement for horse racing expertise in its upcoming Requests for Proposals for gaming site operators throughout Ontario.

The contents of the OLG release appear below.

Ontario's Horse Racing Industry On Track

TORONTO, April 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Ontario, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC), through its newly formed Ontario Horse Racing (OHR) division, are partnering to build a sustainable future for the Ontario horse racing industry.

"OLG is pleased to partner with the government, ORC and OHR to build stability in the horse racing industry," said Philip Olsson, OLG's Chair of the Board. "Together, we are making progress bringing horse racing into the provincial gaming strategy."

John Snobelen, a member of the province's former Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel and the Interim Director of OHR said, "The government's five year Horse Racing Partnership Plan lays a foundation for growth opportunities in the horse racing industry across Ontario." He continued, "The work we are doing with the provincial government and OLG will build a sustainable industry and off-track network."

5-Year OLG Lease Agreements for Racetracks

Race tracks with OLG slot facilities, live race dates and five-year funding under the Horse Racing Partnership Plan (HRPP), will have the option for leases with a guaranteed term to 2019. This aligns with the government's commitment for stable funding to the horse racing industry over the next five years under the HRPP.

OLG Modernization & Horse Racing Integration

OLG has added a requirement for horse racing expertise in its upcoming Requests for Proposals for gaming site operators throughout Ontario.

OLG is increasing support to Ontario's horse racing industry through various marketing initiatives, research and responsible gambling programs. Working with gaming sites, OLG will advertise and cross-promote with race tracks to publicize horse racing across the province.

To further benefit the industry, OLG and OHR are working within current provincial and federal laws to explore new horse-themed lottery/gaming and wagering products. Details will be announced at a later date.