NDP Labour Critic and Essex MPP Taras Natyshak says looming layoffs at Woodbine and Mohawk racetracks demonstrate how inadequate government transition plans were following the end of the Slots At Racetracks Program. “Once again, we’re reminded just how short sighted the SARP cancellation really was,” said Natyshak. “By pulling the rug out from under the […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has announced a significant restructuring of its operating model. While the company recently announced new transitional agreements with the Ontario government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), the revenue from those agreements will be significantly less than WEG earned through the Slots-at-Racetracks partnership. As a result, WEG has had […]
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) will be reporting to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), effective immediately. The announcement of the ministry change was included in a news release which indicated that an agreement in principle has been made between the Government of Ontario and Woodbine Entertainment Group. ORC Chair Rod […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) today confirmed that it has reached an agreement in principle with the Province which ensures the continuation of live horse racing at Woodbine and Mohawk Racetracks for the next two years. “This long-awaited agreement offers stability while WEG and our partners in horse racing work with government towards a long-term sustainability […]
Deloitte Touche LLP is still in the process of conducting their audit of Woodbine Entertainment Group’s finances. In the interim, the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) continue to negotiate a lease agreement for floor space for the slots at Woodbine Racetrack. As a result of the status of the […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has announced that handle on Woodbine’s 2012 live Thoroughbred meet, which concluded on December 16, showed impressive growth over the 2011 season. The 156-day meet saw an “all-sources” wagering total of $453,865,564, up 7.2% over the $423,209,365 wagered on the 165 dates offered in 2011. The numbers are even more impressive […]
There is an added bonus for Canadian horseplayers when Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs kick off their winter meets this Saturday, December 1. Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is now able to add fractional betting to the wagering menu for the popular wintertime Thoroughbred meetings. Fractional betting, which allows bettors to play the races in […]
James J. Lawson, Chairman of Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) released the following statement upon WEG reviewing the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel Report and discussing it at its Board of Directors meeting today. “Woodbine Entertainment Group is pleased that the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel has reaffirmed that a vibrant, world class horse racing industry […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) today announced it was adding 20-cent triactors to its live fractional betting menu through to the end of the year. Beginning Thursday, November 1, racing fans can wager a minimum of 20 cents on triactors during Woodbine’s live Standardbred and Thoroughbred cards. Racing customers are already able to play 20-cent minimums […]
A good day has arrived for local horse race handicappers. Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has announced that fractional betting on US racing, something that WEG has been pursuing for an extended time, will be available on the Keeneland races for the start of their meet in Lexington, Kentucky, this Friday, October 5th. Fractional betting, which […]
The 14th annual Woodbine ‘Turf Races,’ in support of the 2012 United Way Campaign, was a winning one all-round, as employees of Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), along with business partners and community sponsors raised a record $85,000 on Sunday’s five-race card. The popular fundraising event has continued to grow in size and participation over time. […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has received Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) approval to remove 11 Thursday afternoon cards from its 2012 live Thoroughbred Racing calendar. The Thursdays no longer on the schedule are as follows: September 13, 20, 27 October 11, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Live Thoroughbred racing is now conducted from […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) today announced the retirement of David S. Willmot as the Company’s Chairman of the Board. James J. Lawson has been elected Chairman. Mr. Willmot was first elected to the WEG Board in 1984. He served as President & CEO of the Company from 1995 to 2010 and had been Chairman since […]
The spectacular saddlecloths worn by all 2012 Queen’s Plate participants and signed by their respective jockeys are now available for bidding on eBay. Generously donated by Woodbine Entertainment Group, the saddlecloths are being offered to raise funds for LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, a registered charity currently fostering, rehabilitating and retraining over 45 retired racehorses. The […]
In a speech to launch the 153rd running of the Queen’s Plate, Nick Eaves, President and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) announced that this may be the last year for this iconic Canadian horse race. The Queen’s Plate is the oldest annual sporting event in Canada. “Earlier this year the Ontario Government made the […]
