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Vision
A customer-focused leader in horse racing and breeding,gaming and entertainment.
Mandate
To further the interests of horse racing in the province by being the driving force and champion; to develop positions that are supported industry-wide; and act as the industry advocate on these positions for activities impacting the entire industry.
Objectives
To further promote the horse racing industry as a vital part of Ontario's lifestyle,heritage, and agricultural economy.
- To educate the public and stakeholders about the benefits of the horse racing industry
- Develop activities beneficial to the horse racing industry through cooperation and broad participation
- Guide the creation and implementation of strategic plans
- Promote information sharing among all industry participants
- Encourage innovation
- Maintain productive relations with government
- Provide a forum to discuss differences between industry sectors, upon request
- Administer provincial programs under the MOU and the Addendum to the Letter of Intent, the largest being the Horse Improvement Program
Accomplishments
OHRIA was a catalyst for negotiating two significant government agreements, which will sustain the long-term viability of horse breeding and racing in the province. The pari-mutuel tax reduction, which the industry had sought for years, was achieved through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the government. It took effect on September 30, 1996 and saw all segments of the industry benefit through additional revenues plus a higher return to the racing customer.
More importantly, in 1998 the industry negotiated the Letter of Intent with the government to allow for the implementation of slots at racetracks. This was a milestone agreement for the industry. The racetrack slot program provided the industry with a diversified revenue base and transformed the tracks into gaming/entertainment centres. The industry slot revenue is shared on a 50/50 basis between the racetracks and horse people. The industry committed to reinvest its slot income back into its core business. As a result, the program has revitalized breedingand racing and enhanced the rural economy.
In our community
The horse racing industry has taken a proactive role in promoting responsible gaming. OHRIA is a member of the Ontario Partners for Responsible Gaming, and has partnered with the Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario) in developing public awareness programs. OHRIA has also recognized its leadership role in rural Ontario, as a major donor to the Ontario 4-H Foundation, and the Equine Research Centre, and are strengthening these partnerships throughnew programs. | | 
"We aim to further the interests of horse racing in the province by being the driving force and champion."
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