In 2006 the horse industry of New Brunswick, Canada was hopeful that a new Premier would bring better days for racing and allow additional forms of gaming. Yesterday marked the deadline for the submission of ‘Request For Proposals’ for the operation of a new gaming facility to be submitted to the provincial government. A decision, seen as vital for the industry, is due within the next three months.

Other places in Canada already have slot machines at racetracks. Two years ago Nova Scotia was providing racing purses of C$1 million compared to the C$100,000 in New Brunswick. Consequently the local industry was losing horsemen to other provinces with better opportunities. Premier Shawn Graham is known to still support the industry and the government has invested in it, but longer term financing is needed.

At the end of last year the New Brunswick government released details of a new responsible gaming policy. Video lottery terminals (VLTs) are to be cut by 25% to 2,000 and the government will increase funding for addiction services. In order to make New Brunswick a destination of choice for visitors, the new policy presents the possibility of introducing one or more casinos or racinos.

The Saint John Exhibition Association has already unveiled a plan to build a C$20 million complex with racino, hockey rinks and soccer fields. New Brunswick First Nations have projects for a casino in Saint John and a racino near Moncton. Exhibition Park Raceway is hoping that private investors will build a new facility with restaurant, conference rooms, Off Track Betting and a casino or at least a slots room with 125 gaming machines. (E-03.12.08)

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