Quebec Horserace Betting Back on Track
For horserace betting fans in the Canadian province of Quebec, the last five
months have been pretty harrowing to say the least, after Quebec's only
racecourse shut down in October 2009 leaving racing fans without any legal
betting outlets. However, to their relief that has now all changed.
After an agreement was reached recently between Woodbine Entertainment Group
(WEG) and Le Club Jockey du Quebec (CJQ), horseracing fans in the
province can once again resume betting after WEG made its online
account-wagering platform, HorsePlayer Interactive (HPI), available to
Quebecians.
Under the terms of the five-year agreement, Le Club Jockey du Quebec made
substantial cuts to racing takeouts in the province, resulting in more money -
in terms of winnings - being returned to betting fans. In fact, Le Club agreed
to match takeouts from other successful horseracing venue across Canada.
In addition, the organization has agreed to emulate Ontario horseracing
strategies in terms of takeouts at offshore tracks and, as part of the HPI
Rewards program, regular betting fans in Quebec will now also be able to enjoy
weekly cash backs, which will give them an added incentive to wager in the
province.
Said WEG spokesperson, Sean Pinsonneault, 'Some of Canada's most enthusiastic racing fans live in Quebec, so we're thrilled to offer HorsePlayer Interactive to them. We are also delighted to partner with Le Club Jockey du Quebec, which is committed to rebuilding the Quebec racing business from the ground up with a strong focus on the customer.'
Equally pleased with the new agreement is CJQ, which was launched in June 2009 as a none profit organization aimed at ensuring the survival of the struggling horseracing industry in Quebec. It was formed by a group consisting of many of Quebec's most passionate and committed racehorse owners.
Said CJO spokesperson, Jocelyn Faucher, 'This is the start of a new beginning for Quebec racing fans and horsemen. The significant cuts we made to the takeouts will be recognized by the customer immediately and strengthen our foundation as we take a conservative approach to returning racing to the province.'
