By IRENE GENTLE Special ta the Champion The race for your gaming buck is off and running courtesy of a Queen's Park deci- sion to allow siot machines in area horse racing tracks. At least 6,600 slot machines have been approved to be distributed throughout the province's 18 horse race tracks, including Mohawk Raceway in Campbellville. The approval comcs on the heels of a provincial deci- sion to stop expansion of commercial and charity casi- nos in Ontario until the year 2000. That decision effectively kiboshcd plans to open a 22,000 square foot casino at Mohawk Raceway in December. Supporters of race track slot machines hope they will prove to be the key to stopping dectining race attendance in its tracks. Since the early 1990's, horse race track attendance is down by 50 per cent. The racing season has also, been shortened from 140 days to 100 days. In decline "In terms of revenue antd attendance, Mohawk Raceway has been on a serious decline since the early 1990's,- said Nick Eaves, director of gaming opera- tions for the Ontario Jockey Club. "Since then there have been four commercial casinos opened. Theres a proliferation of' off-track btting. Wc rccognt.'c wc have to compete." The instalîment of slot machines in horse racing tracks is seen 10 benefit the industry in two ways. First, if's hoped that slot machines will give live horse racing a shot in the arm by introducing ncw people to the sport. -Its difficult to get people to a live horse race but once we get them there we can expose them to it," said Mr. Eavcs. Additionally, 10 per cent of the revenues from the slots arc slated to go dircctly to the horse purse. That means bigger race payoffs, which in îumn encourages better quality races. "When you have more competitive races it's a real benefit for live horse racing, and that has always been our objective," said Mr. Eaves. While the slots are not expected 10 create jobs at Mohawk Raceway, they are likely to at least secure the jobs already there, said Mr. Eaves. At present, the Guelph Line race track employs 500 people directly. A rejuvenated raceway could benefit others not directly employed by Mohawk, said Mr. Eaves. "In Milton and Campbellville, countless horse farms rely heavily on live horse racing aI Mohawk," he noted. Just at track alright Halton North MPP Ted Chudleigh says he is more concerned with the proliferalion of illegal siot machines in the province than in approved slots at Mohawk Raceway. "As long as they're restricted 10 race tracks 1 think the impact on Milton will be minimal," said Mr. Chudleigh. Its an added form of ertertainment there, but 1 wouldn't want to sec it extended." Mr. Chudleigh says he ks taking a wait-and-see approach 10 the idea that slot machines will help cre- ate a new breed of race fans for the industry. -1 don't think you're appealing 10 the same type of people. People go to the track not just 10 gamble but for the excitement of the sport," said Mr. Chudleigh. 'Theres not a lot of sport involved in a one-armn ban- dit." Whilc the details have yct 10 be hammered out, i's likely the stot machines will be available 10 the public even when the track itself closes for the season. The number of slots 10 be given 10 Mohawk and their estimated revenue for the raceway has yet 10 be determined. Overaîl, il's esîimated the race track siots wiIl gen- craIe an annual take of $235 million for the province. The horse racing industry will receive an estimated $72 million split between the cost of new dcvelop- ment and profit. Emu burgers page 3 Workng HrderEditorial page 6 Sports pages 18-21 (905 8782721 Classified pages 22-23 Photo by GRAHAM PAINE It's a dirty job Like many competitors at Kelso Saturday, Lora Woolner got a face full of mud during the Kokanee 12 Phat Hours of Adrenalin race. If this smile is any indication, the Haton Region Conservation Authority mountain bike coordinator wasn't ail that bothered by muddy conditions. See page 18 for story and more photos. Shop Milton First for.. MILTON PI A Metroland Community Newspaper Vol. 139 No. 37 Tuesday, July 7, 1998 32 Pages 750 (GST included) Siots going in at track, Chudlei*gh is taking a wait-and-see approach