TORONTO – 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. About the Ontario Racing Commission   The Ontario Racing Commission acts in the public interest to govern, direct, control and regulate the horse racing industry in Ontario, including racing in all its forms, the operation of race tracks, licensing of racetracks and racing participants. The ORC must exercise its powers and perform its duties in the public interest and in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and social responsibility. The role and authorities of the ORC are established by the Racing Commission Act, 2000 (Statutes of Ontario 2000, c.20) and its regulations. The ORC reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and assists the ministry in its strategic priorities. OHR, the newly formed industry development division of the ORC, is the main delivery agent for government’s five-year Horse Racing Partnership Plan which came into effect April 1, 2014. About the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $38 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the Province have helped support health care; education, research, prevention and treatment of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities.