After being removed in 2012, slot machines will return to Hiawatha Horse Park, Kawartha Downs and Ajax Downs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said the government of Premier Doug Ford had reached an agreement in principle to reestablish slot machines at the racetracks and to provide additional funding to continue horseracing.
Hiawatha, in Point Edward, offered 450 slots before the Slots at Racetracks program was cancelled by the Liberal government six years ago. During the election campaign last June, the Progressive Conservatives promised to reinstate the program.
About 150 slots soon will be installed at Hiawatha. Owner Jim Henderson said before the slots program ended, the racetrack averaged 2,000 to 4,000 visitors per day. More recently about 1,000 daily visitors have attended. “We had full buffets running and the place was packed. It will be a big win for everybody, including the city,” Henderson said.
Bailey said, “I know a number of local businesses along London Line that were really hurt when the slots left here because Jim had people come here overnight, buy gas, plus a couple of restaurants that catered to the people before or after the races.”
Sarnia will earn 5.25 per cent of the first $65 million in slot revenue, 2.5-3.5 percent on the next $435 million and 0.5 per cent once revenue reaches $500 million.
