Pari-mutuel betting is an exchange of monies between the bettors, less a percentage of the bet, which goes to racetracks and the federal and provincial governments.
The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) is funded by collecting a levy of 0.8% on each bet placed in Canada on horse races. In 2018, Canadian bettors placed bets totaling more than $1.21 billion. The CPMA collected $9.7 million through its federal levy.
Betting methods
- On-track betting is conducted at a racetrack and allows anyone over the legal age to place bets. A special account is not needed for this type of betting.
- On-track account betting is conducted at a racetrack and allows anyone over the legal age to place bets through an account established at that particular racetrack.
- Theatre betting is conducted at sites other than racetracks, and allows anyone over the legal age to place a bet at a licensed location which displays the odds, the results, and pay-out prices of each race. A special account is not needed for this type of betting.
- Telephone account betting allows anyone over the legal age to transmit bets via telephone, computer or mobile device to a racetrack where the patron has an account.