Woodbine Entertainment, Ontario’s horse racing leader, announced last week that it is considering offering on-site sportsbooks and one-stop shopping for sports bettors. Jim Lawson, the company’s CEO, announced the plans last week. In this way, the corporation will be preparing to increase its presence in Canada’s growing gaming industry.
Mr. Lawson and the company’s current chief commercial officer, Michael Copeland, will ensure that the company has new revenue sources. This will aid the company in recovering from the effects of the unprecedented situation, as well as attract some new and younger people to the live harness industry.
New Source of Income
Mr. Lawson said last Wednesday at the post-position draw for the 162nd Queen’s Plate that the company needs to discover new sources of revenue and play a new role in the growing sports wagering industry. According to the CEO, if big-name sportsbooks enter the Canadian market and provide fixed-odds betting, the business may be completely cannibalized because they would take all revenue.
Mr. Lawson also noted that he sees the pros of partnering with a sportsbook to bring the focus and attention to the Canadian live harness racing sector. According to him, additional amendments to the Criminal Code would be required, but fixed odds betting will finally be implemented. He claims that the company and the industry as a whole deserve and have the right to offer sports wagering.
Meanwhile, in order to attract new bettors, the company is focusing on its technology and innovations. It’s the Dark Horse Mobile App, which has been reworked and relaunched for the Queen’s Plate, and will include offerings for casual bettors as well as the option for artificial intelligence to generate a wager automatically.
Wagering on the app, according to Mr. Copeland, is a great way to place bets while at home, as well as a catalyst for attracting a younger demographic. According to him, having an app on their phone appeals to the younger generation, and they may even receive notifications when their favorite horse or trainer participates in an event.
162nd Edition of the Queen’s Plate
The Queen’s Plate annual race, which is always exciting, took place on Sunday. In-person and online spectators witnessed the debuting at the CA$1 million even – Safe Conduct emerged victorious. Riptide Rock was defeated by Bodemeister’s son. The horse trained by Phillip Serpe and owned by WellSpring Stables won by a head and recorded a time of 2:02.85.
Special Guest Stars
Swimming medalists Penny Oleksiak and Kayla Sanchez have been chosen as celebrity ambassadors for the 162nd edition of the highly-anticipated Queen’s Plate stakes. The company has shown its support and gratitude for the athletes’ performances at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in this way. Also, the annual event had a special breakfast hosted by Jason Partuondo.
