Majority of Ontarians Support OLG Slots at Racetracks Program and Horse Racing Jobs

During a legislative debate on March 27, 2007, Liberal MPP Vic Dhillon rose in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and said:

"Our government understands the horse racing industry and the vital role it plays in Ontario. It's a $2-billion industry which is generating 65,000 jobs. Horse racing is an important part of our agricultural sector. The industry supports significant employment and economic benefits to our province." The MPP for Brampton West continued by assuring the Legislature "The McGuinty government will continue to work with the ORC and all industry stakeholders to ensure continued strength, growth and long-term prosperity of the horse racing industry in Ontario."

Just last week Finance Minister Dwight Duncan claimed 'nobody' believes there are approximately 60,000 Ontarians employed because of horse racing and breeding in Ontario, despite four independent reports validating the 60,000 job number and the 2004 Liberal Budget stating the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program supports more than 60,000 jobs. A poll conducted by Forum Research on behalf of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association found considerable support for horse racing and the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program:

• 74% of Ontarians approve of the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program.
• 70% approve of 20% of slot revenue being re-invested in horse racing.
• 84% of Ontarians believe it is important that the 60,000 horse racing and breeding jobs stay in Ontario.
• 43% of Ontarians felt the 20% of slot revenue was about the right amount to re-invest in horse racing.
• 30% felt that horse racing deserved more than 20%.
• 13% of Ontarians agreed with Dwight Duncan that 20% is too much.
• 58% of Ontarians opposed new casinos.
• 57% opposed a new casino being built in their municipality.

This poll was conducted by Forum Research for OHRIA between March 17 and March 22, 2012, on a sample of 1006 randomly selected respondents. Interviews were conducted by telephone using an RDD sample. The margin of error for a sample this size is plus or minus 3%, 19 times out of 20.

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