The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) commissioned Forum Research to conduct a poll of Ottawa residents on the topic of the expansion of gaming. The poll, taken September 6, 2012 shows residents clearly supportive of Ontario’s horse racing industry, supportive of gaming expansion at racetracks, but generally opposed to the government’s plan to build more casinos in Ontario.
According to the poll, six in 10 Ottawa residents believe it is important the government not threaten the 60,000 horse racing jobs in Ontario that have benefited from the Slots at Racetracks Program. Further, 59 per cent of Ottawa residents disapprove of the government’s plans to build more casinos in Ontario, while 61 percent approve of expanding gaming at racetracks by adding gaming tables such as roulette, blackjack and poker.
Ottawa residents overwhelmingly believe that the most appropriate place for slot machines is at horse racing tracks (54%), followed by airports (8%), retail districts (4%), movie theatre complexes (4%), shopping malls (3%), bus or train stations (2%), while 21 per cent felt slot machines are most appropriate somewhere other than these options.
“The results of this survey make it clear that the government of Ontario’s best bet for expanded gaming is with established racetracks, as opposed to building new casinos. Ottawa residents understand the economic impacts horse racing has and support protecting those jobs,” said Mr. Gordon McDonald, President of the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association.
This Forum Poll™ was conducted September 6 among a randomly selected sample of 1086 Ottawa residents 18 years of age and older. The poll was conducted by Interactive Voice Response (IVR), has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%, 19 times out of 20 and was conducted for the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association.
(NCRHHA)
MY QUESTION IS WHY DOES THE
MY QUESTION IS WHY DOES THE ORC NOT SPEAK TO THERE BOSSES ABOUT ALL THESE SURVEYS
Mr. Gradini By the same
Mr. Gradini
By the same token, I guess since the Liberal government pays the OMAFRA panel, they would never publish anything against the decision to end the SARP either.
Since the government did NOT do a thorough study of the industry before cancelling the SARP and the effects of their "modernization plan" on Ontario host communities, it seems to be the responsibility of the industry themselves to pursue the impact and opinions the Liberals and OLG would rather sweep under the rug. The NCRHHA is fighting the battle here in Ottawa to keep Rideau Carleton Raceway as a host for the slots and racing.
Is there any way or place to
Is there any way or place to see the actual poll itself?
Most people living in Ottawa
Most people living in Ottawa who want to gamble go to Lac-Leamy in Quebec to gamble instead of at Rideau-Carleton Raceway, because Lac-Leamy is closer and more easily accessible. This should be addressed somehow. I wish RCR were located closer to downtown Ottawa somehow.
You know I guess the citizens
You know I guess the citizens aren't that stupid ? I mean just across the river is Lac Leamy and some other gambling stuff. Why duplicate it at the expense of the race track. Doesn't make any real sense, eh?
The NCRHHA is asking for
The NCRHHA is asking for letters from participants at Rideau directed to Mayor Jim Watson explaining the impact ending the SARP will have on them. This is another step in the NCRHHA and Rideau's battle to save racing and the slots program here. I may be speaking out of place here, but I would imagine that the results of this survey are now or soon will be sitting on the mayor's desk. We must continue to let politicians and the public in the horse racing towns and cities throughout Ontario know what the impact of the Liberal and OLG's misinformed decision will have on their communities.
It is my opinion that Forum
It is my opinion that Forum Research being paid by NCRHHA would not publish anything negative against the horse racing industry.
Fully agree Howard - those
Fully agree Howard - those who support Ontario's Horse Racing Industry should be sending this kind of info directly to the Premier and the opposition leaders.
I just recently sent them the articles regarding the success (and expansion) of racinos in NY State and Ohio ... I'm sure they will be ignored ... but if they're bombarded with this kind of info, they may eventually be forced to LISTEN !
Well this is all well and
Well this is all well and good but nowhere in this story does it say that you have sent to results of this poll to the government or the OLG.We all know how the majority of people feel because we talk to them everyday but those who are in a postion of power are the ones who need to know how the majority of citizens feel.SEND THIS INFO TO MCGUINTY.
Boy, oh, boy!! It's getting
Boy, oh, boy!! It's getting pretty close to home for Premier Dalton --to see people in Ottawa do a survey, the results of which go against DAD even more so than in the past.
This latest survey was done with bad results for Premier Dalton.
There is just one thing I can't understand. Every day I read a paper or investigate the latest surveys on the horsemen, I see the public pulling away from our Premier. Why does he not understand that he is on the short end of each survey?
To make it even worse is the fact that his brother is in politics and his riding is in Ottawa. Suddenly we see that his brother is now affected with these negative surveys.
Now, a lot of people will think I want to see the Premier run into the ground. Nothing could be further from the truth. I would like to see the Premier pay attention to what the public wants.
He may be damaged goods already. I hope not. Can you see how now is not too late to reverse the negative actions against the horsemen (and women)?
The sulky sitters and their loved ones would even now forget about how they were treated by the Government. It's not too late, Premier.Do the right think and help these people keep some dignity in their disrupted lives.( and you can save some money at the same time.)