VANCOUVER, B.C. – British Columbia’s horse racing industry has been thrown into “immediate jeopardy” following the provincial government’s decision to end all slot-machine revenue that supports the sector, effective January 31, 2026.
The announcement, delivered in a letter from the provincial government on Tuesday, November 25, has sent shockwaves through the industry. The severity of the decision was immediately evident on Friday, December 5, when Hastings Racecourse announced the end of live thoroughbred racing at the Vancouver oval, effective immediately.
Loss of Revenue Threatens Thousands of Jobs
Harness Racing British Columbia (HRBC) has launched an urgent, province-wide letter-writing campaign, urging all members and supporters to contact their respective Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
HRBC stresses that this decision places the future of B.C.’s entire racing and equine sector in immediate jeopardy. Thousands of workers, families, farms, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related agricultural businesses stand to be directly affected.
The industry emphasizes that the slot-revenue commitment was established by the Province when gaming was expanded, intended to ensure the horse racing industry would remain viable. HRBC argues that this was not a subsidy, but a “structural commitment” that the industry relied on in good faith.
The consequences of the sudden withdrawal are far-reaching:
- Loss of hundreds of B.C. agricultural jobs.
- Significant impacts on rural economies and small businesses.
- Uncertainty for breeders committed to multi-year cycles.
- Loss of an iconic sport and cultural tradition in our province.
Sudden Notice Blindsides Industry
The two-month notice is seen as devastating, as many workers are self-employed and may not qualify for Employment Insurance if racing collapses. Furthermore, multi-year breeding investments made as recently as 2025 are now at risk.
The Standardbred sector was working to relocate racing to the Southern Interior through engagement with municipal and agricultural partners, but the sudden announcement has cast serious doubt on whether B.C. can sustain any form of racing at all.
HRBC is asking MLAs to support discussions toward a responsible transition plan that reflects the scale and importance of the 133-year-old industry, arguing that B.C.’s horse racing industry deserves a fair solution, not a sudden, destabilizing decision.
