What is the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency?
The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) is a Special Operating Agency within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada that regulates and supervises pari-mutuel betting on horse racing at racetracks across Canada, thereby ensuring that pari-mutuel betting is conducted in a way that is fair to the public.
The Agency is funded through the collection of a levy of 0.8% on each bet placed in Canada.
What is Pari-Mutuel Betting
Pari-mutuel betting is simply an exchange of monies between the bettors, less a percentage of the total monies bet for the racetracks and the Federal/Provincial governments.
In Canada, the greatest part of every dollar bet is returned to the winning bettors.
Our Programs
Pari-Mutuel Supervision
CPMA Officers are responsible for the supervision of pari-mutuel betting. They:
- Test/monitor all computerized betting tote systems;
- Audit the distribution of pay-out prices;
- Conduct investigations into questionable activities in pari-mutuel betting; and
- Enforce all betting regulations/policies and ensure compliance.
Video Race Surveillance
Instant playback videotape is used to assist the judges and stewards to detect irregularities and rule violations during a race.
Photo Finish Surveillance
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Accurately determines the exact order of the finish of a live race. |
Equine Drug Control Surveillance
There are many drugs and medications that, if administered to a horse, could affect the outcome of a race. The CPMA provides an Equine Drug Control Surveillance Program that is designed to deter the uncontrolled use of drugs or medication in race horses participating in pari-mutuel races.
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Urine or blood samples are collected from horses before or after a race and are analyzed at a laboratory contracted by the CPMA. When a prohibited substance in a sample is detected the results are reported to the appropriate provincial regulatory body for enforcement action. |
Research
Drug Control
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The CPMA carries out research to develop and improve analytical methods for the detection of drugs and to provide information on elimination times for veterinary drugs. |