January 25, 2012

Throughout 2011, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) has been working with the Government through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) in an effort to ensure that expanded gaming is included with the highly successful Slots at Racetracks Program.  This Program has effectively reversed the decline of the horse racing industry and stabilized the rural economies in Ontario securing more than 60,000 jobs.

With more than $2 billion in accruing annual expenditures, 80% of which are in rural Ontario, horseracing is the second largest agricultural sector in the Province of Ontario.

As recent as January 19, 2012, Government MPPs, Ministers and Municipal Mayors have received a highlight sheet from OHRIA outlining the positive impacts of The Ontario Horse Racing Industry.  The highlight sheet along with the comprehensive 2010 Economic Impact study is available on the OHRIA website at www.ohria.com.

Armed with this highlighted information, OHRIA is encouraging all participants in horse racing in Ontario to contact their municipal, provincial and federal leaders in support of the Slots at Racetracks Program and directing any future expansion of gaming to the racetracks.

For more information contact your OHRIA Board Representative or call 416-679-0741 or email ohria@ohria.com

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