Published:
September 11, 2009 02:14 pm EDT
Today's Trot Radio episode goes into detail with the recent proposal from Jim Thibert of the Fort Erie Economic Development and Tourism Corporation on a new model for how Fort Erie feels slot revenues should be handled on a provincial level
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Thibert's proposal states that instead of the track and horsemen being given 10 per cent of slots revenues, $15 million per year -- with $6 million going toward race purses -- could come from the Ontario government.
Episode 53 - Jim Thibert on the future of Fort Erie
Running Time: 11:27
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
The opinions expressed in the segment and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the organization.
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While I am definitely not
While I am definitely not against necessary, constructive change there are a few things in Mr. Thibert's proposal that may cause a lot more harm than good to the Horse Racing industry in Ontario.
Now perhaps his formal proposal covers this point while his Trot Radio segment makes no mention of it, I wonder how his revenue sharing proposal will be viewed by all the Municipalities that had to vote to allow the Slots in their community? I hardly think voters in Rexdale or Pickering or Hamilton will accept any of their revenue going to Fort Erie or Woodstock or Dresden or Sudbury!
Secondly, with the present set up, the Racinos are perceived by the public to be part of the Racetrack operation and the percentages to the Tracks and Horsemen as part of the Racetrack revenue stream. If the Slot money is deposited into the General Government funds the money returned to the tracks will be perceived by the public as a Government subsidy of the Racing Industry. And I can very easily see and hear screams from the anti-gambling and right wing religious groups that our Government is subsidizing horse racing. This could well become an Election issue and could conceivably stop ALL Slot money from being delivered to the Racing Industry.
And this is not a new proposal as it, or something very similar, has been bandied about in various Harness Racing venues for quite a few years!
Great interview Norm with a
Great interview Norm with a man who has a plan. Something this sport has lacked, and one that makes sense. Good luck to Jim. If it works, we all benefit.
If you need me to pound on Mr. Duncans door (lightly), he's just down the road from me.
Yours for integrity and transparency,
Marty Adler
Amherstburg
[email protected]