Regulatory Framework

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC)

The process for licensing racetracks in the Province is under the authority of the Ontario Racing Commission, the industry’s regulatory body. Any new racetrack applicant in the province must meet the licensing requirements of the ORC in order to be granted a racetrack license. This independent process is effective, is supported by the industry and must remain in place. It would be detrimental to the progress the industry has made, if new racetracks were licensed if there were not a sound business plan based on horse racing, including evidence of an adequate horse supply for the additional race dates. Field size (or number of horses entered) is a key factor to competitive racing which pari-mutuel customers will bet on.

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA)

The CPMA seeks to bring together the interests of stakeholders that include the betting public, provincial racing commissions, racing associations and horsemen. In this regard, the CPMA has achieved international recognition for its contribution to the racing industry. The Agency’s work is financed through a federal levy of eight tenths of one percent (0.8%) collected from each dollar bet in Canada. This levy is used to deliver the Agency’s programs. There is no cost for the Canadian taxpayer.

The supervision activities provided by the CPMA ensure the integrity of pari-mutuel betting and contribute to the positive image of horse racing.

Pari-Mutuel Supervision:

testing of all computerized betting systems, verification of bets and pay-out prices, and establishment of betting policies.

Photo Finish:

helps judges accurately determine the exact order of a race finish within 45 seconds of the race's completion.

Video Race Surveillance:

assists judges in detecting racing rule violations and any other irregularities during a race through the use of instant playback videotape.

Drug Control:

tests for prohibited drugs using blood and urine samples obtained from selected horses.

Research Program:

improves analytical methods for the detection of drugs, and information on veterinary drugs. Research on the evolution of new betting technology and methods is done for possible regulatory or policy changes.

Quality Assurance Program:

complements research activities by regulating laboratory equipment, performing site inspections, and laboratory monitoring, including the analytical process applied to drug samples.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

The mandate of the AGCO is to regulate the sale, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, to promote moderation and responsible use, and to ensure that casino and charitable gaming is conducted in the public interest, by people with integrity, and in a manner that is socially and financially responsible.