The Ontario horse racing industry represents the oldest form of legalized gaming in the province. Horse racing is an integral part of community life throughout the province and provides a recreational product for the enjoyment of customers.
The industry strongly supports responsible gambling and has developed policies and programs to assist problem gamblers. In conjunction with the Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario), the Ontario horse racing industry has developed an awareness program specific to pari-mutuel customers called Know When to Take the Reins.
The industry is supportive of the Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario) which is a non-profit organization established in 1983. The Council helps individuals and communities address gambling in a healthy and responsible way. RGC(O) offers a full range of information, prevention and research programs.
For more information you can contact:
Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario)
www.responsiblegambling.org
Other Resources
Ontario Problem Gambling Hotline
www.opgh.on.ca
The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (OPGH), which opened in the fall of 1997, is an information and referral service available to members of the public, including problem gamblers, family/friends of problem gamblers, and service providers working with clients experiencing problems related to gambling.
The OPGH is designed to link callers with problem gambling treatment resources within the province of Ontario. As a dedicated, toll-free, 1-888 province-wide telephone service, the OPGH provides immediate access to information about problem gambling treatment services, credit and debt counseling services, family services, self-help groups and other resources related to problem gambling.
Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre
www.gamblingresearch.org
In April 2000, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced the creation of the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre as an arms length funding agency.
The Ontario Government dedicates 2% of the gross revenue from slot operations at the province's charity casinos and racetracks to a Problem Gambling Strategy. The strategy funds three key components: treatment services delivered at 45 designated agencies across Ontario, prevention programs and services provided through funded agencies and research funded through the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre.