British Columbia to claw back casino subsidies from Hastings

The provincial government of British Columbia has informed horseman at Hastings Park in Vancouver that purse accounts will no longer receive subsidies from slot machines in an adjacent casino starting next year, according to a letter distributed by the track’s horsemen group.

The letter, signed by Nina Krieger, the province’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, cites the "current fiscal and economic climate” for the decision. Krieger wrote that the climate has created a "challenging time for many sectors, individuals, and families across” the province, and that a review of Hastings' racing operation determined that the subsidies could be better used elsewhere.

"This decision has been made after careful analysis of the current economic impact and long-term projections for the industry, which have shown that even with significant and ongoing government investment from casino-generated revenue, the industry is not sustainable because of a range of factors, primarily declining revenues and public participation and attendance at horse racing events,” Krieger wrote.

The British Columbia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association called an emergency meeting for Thursday night to discuss the implications of the decision, which it called "as serious as it was unexpected.”

"We know this announcement will cause shock, anger, and uncertainty,” said a letter distributed to horsemen on Thursday. "We share those feelings. But we also know the strength and resilience of the people who make up this industry and we will keep you informed frequently as we assess next steps and chart a course forward.”

Hastings Park has in recent years held 45 days of live racing a year, stretched over six months from May to October, with racing generally held on weekdays.

https://www.drf.com/news/british-columbia-claw-back-casino-subsidies-hastings