In off-track betting an existing racetrack transmits its races to designated licensed establishments called teletheatres or betting theatres. Here, viewers watch the races on TVs or other monitors and place a wager (bet) which is electronically transmitted to the host racetrack.

Both racetrack and off-track  betting is pari-mutuel betting. That means:

• all bets are placed together in a pool

• a percentage of the bet is deducted, which goes to racetracks (the house-take) and the federal and provincial governments (taxes)

• payoff odds are calculated based on the amount of money wagered on each horse

• the remaining money is paid to the players who have winning tickets

This wagering becomes part of the total on-track wagering pool. Winners are paid the same amount as track patrons.

Who regulates pari-mutual betting?

Pari-mutuel betting takes can take place in person at racetracks, at teletheatres and online across Canada. It is supervised and regulated by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA), a division of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. CPMA responsibilities include:

• Provide permits, licences and authorizations to Canadian racetrack and betting theatre operators to conduct pari-mutuel betting on horse races.
• Audit and monitor pari-mutuel betting activities.
• Enforce pari-mutuel betting regulations
• Test horses to deter the use of prohibited substances through the Equine Drug Control Program
• Provide information on the use of approved medications.

								
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