About OLG

OLG Releases New Horse Racing Economic Impact Study

OLG has collaborated with Ontario’s horse racing industry to produce a new study that will enhance knowledge and understanding of the sector’s significant contributions to communities across the province. It also provides important information to the industry as it makes decisions about its future sustainability.

The study is the first of its kind in Ontario and contains data that describes the economic impact of the entire horse racing industry, across key economic performance indicators. Racetracks, horsepeople, industry associations and the government were surveyed to gather data and the results of the study were independently verified against two reputable outside sources, StatsCan and Econometric Research Limited.

The study provides a baseline of validated information about the industry and the survey can be repeated in the future to provide updated data.

Horse racing has a rich, impactful history in Ontario. OLG is proud to be working with our valued horse racing partners to help foster the industry’s long-term sustainability.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Economic Impact Team at [email protected].

Economic Impact of Horse Racing in Ontario

Supporting live sport for Ontarians, by Ontarians

OLG works in close partnership with Ontario Racing to help strengthen the industry and promote Horse Racing as a unique entertainment experience. If you’re looking for information about upcoming races, racetrack locations, how to place a bet, or seeking the legal online betting options in Ontario, visit www.Ontarioracing.com. With three breeds of racing available, action-packed excitement is available all year round.

How OLG supports horse racing

OLG’s Horse Racing division supports the industry by administering funding for purses and operational costs as set out in the Funding Agreement.

OLG also provides support that puts a focus on horse racing to grow the customer base and ensure the industry has a strong future in Ontario by:

Creating effective stakeholder relationships to support the needs of the horse racing industry
Contributing to the efficient and effective management of funding through performance measurements.
Sharing expertise to help the industry adopt its own Responsible Gambling program
Developing a strong brand and marketing strategy with the industry

CANCELLATION FEE

Effective October 1, 2022, OLG assumed oversight of the cancellation fees policy from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Also, effective October 1, 2022, is OLG Policy Directive No. 1 – 2022 replacing all previous cancellation fees directives. This updated policy sets out the amount, how the fee will be distributed, and under the conditions it will be applied.

Administration Directive No. 1 – 2022: Transfer of Cancellation Fee Oversight

OLG Policy Directive No. 1 – 2022: Cancellation Fees

For more information, visit OntarioRacing.com

ONTARIO HORSE RACING INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE RESULTS

OLG’s horse racing division is contributing to the efficient and effective management of funding through performance measurements. To support this objective, OLG established a working group in early 2016 called the Performance Management Excellence Group (PMEG). The PMEG is led by OLG and includes representation from:

the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation;
the Ministry of Finance;
the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
Ontario Racing; and
the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

The PMEG is proud to release quarterly fiscal industry performance results using well-established key performance indicators. This effort is part of a broader integrated performance management system that provides up-to-date facts and information related to the horse racing sector in Ontario.