Ontario Racing emphasizes the importance of wagering on local horse races to support the province’s horse racing industry, which sustains approximately 30,000 jobs. Betting on Ontario races, known as Home Market Area (HMA) wagering, is crucial as it directly funds essential horse breeding programs, including the Ontario Sires Stakes and breeder rewards for Thoroughbreds. HMA wagering is defined as any bet made while physically in Ontario, whether at racetracks or online platforms.
However, HMA wagering has seen a significant decline of 12.6% over the past two fiscal years, largely due to competition from the rise of online casino and sports betting platforms. This downturn has resulted in reduced funding for the Horse Improvement Program, which supports various horse breeds and related initiatives. The loss of income from HMA wagering has led to budget cuts in these programs, creating a cycle that threatens the sustainability of horse breeding and racing in Ontario.
To counteract this trend, Ontario Racing is launching an educational campaign to promote HMA wagering and encourage local betting. They are urging supporters to use the hashtag #betontario on social media to raise awareness and foster community support for the industry. Engaging new fans at racetracks and promoting local betting options are key strategies to revitalize the Ontario horse racing sector.
