Horse breeders and the horse racing industry in British Columbia are facing a dire future after the provincial government announced it will stop sharing slot machine revenue from two casinos adjacent to racetracks—Vancouver’s Hastings Casino and Surrey’s Elements Casino—starting January 31, 2026. This funding cut follows a government review that deemed the industry unsustainable without significant additional spending, which is not feasible amid the province’s record deficit. The closure of the Fraser Downs racetrack earlier this year has already left Hastings Racecourse as the only operational track in B.C., and industry leaders warn the loss of slot revenue, estimated at around $8 million, threatens the survival of horse racing, breeding operations, and related jobs.

Industry representatives, including Thoroughbred Racing B.C. chair Gary Johnson, expressed shock and concern, emphasizing the need for government support or transition plans to mitigate the impact on families and businesses tied to the sport. While Solicitor General Nina Krieger acknowledged the historic significance of horse racing in B.C. and sympathized with those affected, she maintained that the government cannot sustain the industry financially. Conservative MLA Ian Paton criticized the decision, warning that the equine industry is dying due to racetrack closures. The industry now faces uncertainty, with potential losses of family farms and horses being relocated, underscoring calls for an off-ramp or alternative support from the province.