The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) commissioned Forum Research to conduct a poll of Ottawa residents on the topic of the expansion of gaming. The poll, taken September 6, 2012 shows residents clearly supportive of Ontario’s horse racing industry, supportive of gaming expansion at racetracks, but generally opposed to the government’s plan to build more casinos in Ontario.
According to the poll, six in 10 Ottawa residents believe it is important the government not threaten the 60,000 horse racing jobs in Ontario that have benefited from the Slots at Racetracks Program. Further, 59 per cent of Ottawa residents disapprove of the government’s plans to build more casinos in Ontario, while 61 percent approve of expanding gaming at racetracks by adding gaming tables such as roulette, blackjack and poker.
Ottawa residents overwhelmingly believe that the most appropriate place for slot machines is at horse racing tracks (54%), followed by airports (8%), retail districts (4%), movie theatre complexes (4%), shopping malls (3%), bus or train stations (2%), while 21 per cent felt slot machines are most appropriate somewhere other than these options.
“The results of this survey make it clear that the government of Ontario’s best bet for expanded gaming is with established racetracks, as opposed to building new casinos. Ottawa residents understand the economic impacts horse racing has and support protecting those jobs,” said Mr. Gordon McDonald, President of the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association.
This Forum Poll™ was conducted September 6 among a randomly selected sample of 1086 Ottawa residents 18 years of age and older. The poll was conducted by Interactive Voice Response (IVR), has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%, 19 times out of 20 and was conducted for the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association.