Assiniboia Downs

What Assiniboia Downs does

Assiniboia Downs is a multi-faceted entertainment venue and the last operating thoroughbred horse racing facility in Western Canada, located at 3975 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Operated by the Manitoba Jockey Club, a non-profit corporation that took over operations on September 15, 1993, the venue combines live thoroughbred racing (Tuesday, Wednesday, and select Monday evenings during the season), a 4,000 sq ft Club West Gaming Lounge with 140 video lottery terminals, daily televised simulcast racing, the Club West Restaurant & Lounge, the Prime Rib Buffet, and over 60,000 sq ft of event hosting space accommodating up to 1,500 guests across banquets, weddings, corporate events, and trade shows. Wagering is distributed through three channels: on-site mutuel windows and self-serve terminals, eight off-track betting locations across Winnipeg, and the HPIbet.com online platform, with MTS cable channels 179 and 180 carrying simulcast content. The 95+ year-old Manitoba Derby ($125,000 stakes) serves as the flagship annual event alongside the $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile and the $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes.

The business operates five revenue streams: usage-based VLT gaming revenue, transaction-fee wagering commissions on live and simulcast races, food and beverage (transaction-fee restaurant and banquet catering), professional-services event venue rental, and advertising/sponsorship income (including presenting sponsorship from Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries). Pricing is highly tiered: dining averages $14.95 for daily lunch specials up to $59.95 for the adult Prime Rib Buffet; weddings start at $130 per person with a 60-person minimum; the Race Presentation Package is a $199.95 one-time purchase; VLT play is per-wager with promotion-funded overlays. Customer segments include racing enthusiasts and bettors (primary), families attending free family fun nights, corporate event buyers, VLT gaming patrons, dining/hospitality customers, and wedding/social event hosts - accessed through a horizontal segmentation approach.

The underlying technology stack comprises VLT hardware in the gaming lounge, self-serve wagering terminals supported by a Fan Education Centre, simulcast infrastructure delivering daily televised racing from other tracks, and HPIbet.com as the online wagering integration with Equibase providing racing data and past-performance programs. Distribution relies on a multi-channel mix: the Portage Avenue physical venue, eight Winnipeg OTB partners (Canad Inns Windsor Park, Club 3D, Club Regent Casino, Green Brier Inn, McPhillips Station Casino, Quest Inn, Nor-Villa Motor Hotel, and Rookies at Central Hotel), HPIbet.com, and MTS cable, with direct field sales led by Manley Chan, Director of Sales & Food Service, addressing corporate and social-event demand.

Name

Assiniboia Downs

Legal name

Assiniboia Downs

Website

https://asdowns.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Assiniboia Downs is Winnipeg's last operating thoroughbred horse racing facility, offering live racing, a 140-VLT gaming lounge, dining, and 60,000 sq ft of event hosting space, operated as a non-profit by the Manitoba Jockey Club. It anchors Western Canada's regional horse-racing and entertainment market through wagering, gaming, F&B, and corporate events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Horse Racing & Entertainment Venue

NAICS

Racetracks (711212), Gambling Industries (7132)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Racetrack & Race Meeting Operations (MPAEADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Electronic Table Games (ETGs) & Stadium Gaming (MPAEAJAC), Online Horse Racing Betting (Advance Deposit Wagering/ADW) (MPAEADAD)

Keywords

• Horse racing venue
• Video lottery gaming
• Event hosting services
• Simulcast wagering
• Thoroughbred racing entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Winnipeg

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. VLT Gaming Revenue: Revenue generated from 140 Video Lottery Terminals in the Club West Gaming Lounge, including player losses, prize payouts, and promotional activities such as cash draws and lucky wheel spins
2. Live and Simulcast Wagering: Commission/rake on live horse racing wagers and simulcast racing from other tracks. Wagering conducted via mutuel windows, self-serve terminals, and online through HPIbet.com. Bonus programs offer 1-4% cash back weekly based on wagering levels.
3. Food and Beverage: Restaurant and lounge operations including Club West Restaurant & Lounge, Prime Rib Buffet, daily specials, and happy hour. Revenue from covers, per-item sales, and banquet catering services.
4. Event Venue Rental and Catering: Revenue from hosting banquets, corporate events, weddings, trade shows, socials, race nights, and special events. Venues include Terrace Dining Room (seats 250), Finish Line Banquet Room (seats 250), Main Floor (1,500 capacity), and Third Floor (1,500 capacity). Over 60,000 square feet of flexible space available.
5. Sponsorships and Partnerships: Sponsorship revenue from presenting sponsors (Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for Manitoba Derby), corporate sponsors, and venue naming/partnership arrangements

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Assiniboia Downs is a year-round horse racing and entertainment venue in Winnipeg that runs live thoroughbred racing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and select Mondays, and operates Club West Gaming Lounge with 140 video lottery terminals. The venue also runs the Club West Restaurant & Lounge with a Prime Rib Buffet on race nights, hosts banquets/weddings/corporate events across over 60,000 square feet of flexible space, and extends wagering through eight off-track betting locations in Winnipeg plus the HPIbet.com online platform.

Product overview

Assiniboia Downs is a horse racing and entertainment venue operated by the Manitoba Jockey Club, offering a diversified portfolio of products centered around live thoroughbred racing. The core offering includes live horse racing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and select Mondays, supported by the Club West Gaming Lounge with 140 VLTs, the Club West Restaurant & Lounge with dining services, and the Prime Rib Buffet during race nights. The venue generates revenue through wagering (via HPIbet.com and on-site terminals), VLT gaming, food and beverage sales, and event hosting services including banquets, weddings, corporate events, and trade shows for up to 1,500 guests. Additional products include handicapping contests, promotional events (Manitoba Derby, Dollar Nights, Girls Night Out, Family Fun Nights), and racing information services (Race Picks, Fan Education Centre, Handicapping 101, The Inside Track blog). The Manitoba Derby represents the flagship annual event featuring $125,000 in stakes racing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Inside Track: Newsletter or publication featuring racing news and updates
• Final Furlong
• ASD 50/50

Products and services

• Live Horse Racing Live thoroughbred horse racing held every Tuesday and Wednesday plus select Mondays at 7:30 p.m. during the racing season, with free admission and complimentary parking; available to the general public and racing/betting enthusiasts.
• Club West Gaming Lounge Licensed 4,000 sq ft gaming lounge featuring 140 video lottery terminals (VLTs) open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., with cash prize draws, Lucky Wheel promotions, and complimentary perks for gaming patrons.
• ASD 50/50 On-site 50/50 lottery draw conducted during race events, where patrons purchase tickets for a chance to win half of the ticket sales pool.
• Club West Restaurant & Lounge On-site dining venue open daily from 10 a.m. to close offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with $14.95 daily lunch specials and Happy Hour from 3-5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close; serves racing patrons, families, and the general public.
• Prime Rib Buffet Premium buffet available every Tuesday and Wednesday plus select Monday nights during live racing, featuring prime rib carvery, seafood, nightly chicken feature, and dessert table. Adults $59.95, Seniors $54.95, Kids 6-12 $34.95, Kids 5 & Under $22.95.
• Event Hosting & Venue Rental Venue rental and catering services for banquets, corporate events, weddings, trade shows, social events, race nights, and special occasions; over 60,000 square feet of flexible space across Terrace Dining Room (250), Finish Line Banquet Room (250), Main Floor (1,500), and Third Floor (1,500).
• All-Inclusive Wedding Package Comprehensive wedding package at $130 per person (minimum 60 guests) including buffet or three-course dinner, linens, centerpieces, DJ services, open bar, wine with dinner, complimentary cake cutting, race presentation package, and free social venue rental; subject to taxes and 15% gratuity.
• Winner's Circle Race Presentation Race naming and winner's circle presentation package priced at $199.95, allowing customers to have a race named after them or their group with a winner's circle presentation experience and framed commemorative photo.
• VIP Tables Premium reserved seating for up to 10 people in the Clubhouse Plaza with prime racetrack views; $50 reservation fee plus $20 minimum food and beverage charge per person, complimentary programs and tip sheets included; guests must be 18+.
• Manitoba Derby Premier annual horse racing event presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries featuring $125,000 Manitoba Derby for 3-year-olds, $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile, $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes, plus $100,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 pool and ASD Jackpot Pick 5 with carryovers.
• Handicapping Contests Tournament series offering 12 handicapping tournaments in 2026, including Player's Choice ($25 entry, prizes up to $1,000) and ASD Handicapping Challenge ($50 entry, prizes up to $3,500), with Handicapper of the Year title.
• Off-Track Wagering Locations Network of eight authorized off-track betting locations across Winnipeg including Canad Inns Windsor Park, Club 3D, Club Regent Casino, Green Brier Inn, McPhillips Station Casino, Quest Inn, Nor-Villa Motor Hotel, and Rookies at Central Hotel; each offers live race viewing on big screens and wagering services.
• HPIbet.com Online Wagering Online betting platform allowing wagering on horse racing from anywhere; new accounts receive $100 in free bets when they bet $100, supports HPIbet Rewards loyalty program with 1-4% weekly cash back based on wagering volume.
• Monday Dollar Nights Budget-friendly race nights with racing starting at 7:30 p.m., featuring $1 bags of chips, $1 canned pop, $2 lemonade, $2 small popcorn, $2 regular hot dogs, $2 ice cream, and $5 Bud or Bud Light.
• Girls Night Out Weekly Wednesday event in July and August featuring live racing, drink specials, $100 Cash Draws, and Fancy Hat Draw for $100 cash prize.
• Family Fun Nights Free family entertainment on select race nights featuring bouncy castles, face painting, and live kids entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Manitoba Night Market & Festival Outdoor market event featuring over 100 Manitoba artisans and vendors, 20+ food trucks, live music, tattoo pop-up, and kids entertainment, held Sundays in July and August; admission $10 for adults, kids 5 and under free.

Quantifiable outcome

• ASD Jackpot Pick 5 carryover reaching $402,855, with total pool wagering expected $1M-$2M for Manitoba Derby
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Manitoba Liquor & LotteriesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Manitoba Derby with $125,000 prize for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. One of Western Canada's premier racing events. The sponsorship connects the Manitoba Derby brand with Manitoba's government liquor and gaming entity.
• HPIbet.comcoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline horse racing wagering platform integrated with Assiniboia Downs. Players earn rewards points and receive cash bonuses (1-4% weekly) for wagering. Platform allows online account creation with $100 new account bonus.
• Mot Motel 6minorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial hotel partner providing accommodation options for visitors and racing participants. Links from Assiniboia Downs website to Motel 6 Winnipeg location.
• QX104 FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Winnipeg radio station sponsor
• Gordon Food ServiceminorOthersFood service distributor sponsor providing products for dining operations
• Coors/Molson CoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor providing beer products
• LabattminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor providing beer products
• Coca-ColaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor providing soft drinks
• Royal LePageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReal estate company sponsor
• Manitoba Jockey ClubflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit parent organization that operates Assiniboia Downs since September 15, 1993. Board includes Dr. Norm Elder (Chair), Darrell Stephansson, Barry Tuckett, Norva Riddell, Barry Arnason, Pat Beavis, Bill Drew, Lisa Osachoff, Larry Wandowich, and Darren Dunn (Ex Officio Director/CEO).

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Woodbine Entertainment: Operator of Woodbine Racetrack (Thoroughbred) and Woodbine Mohawk Park (Harness) in Ontario — Canada's largest horse racing operator. Directly comparable as a multi-venue racing, gaming, and entertainment business with off-track wagering networks and major stakes events.
• Century Mile Racetrack: Thoroughbred and standardbred racetrack and casino in the Edmonton region, opened in 2019 to replace Northlands Park. Directly comparable as a Western Canadian thoroughbred racing venue with simulcast wagering, F&B, and event hosting.
• Century Downs Racetrack: Racetrack and entertainment complex near Calgary, Alberta, offering thoroughbred and harness racing alongside a casino. Directly comparable as a Western Canadian racing and gaming venue that also monetizes event rentals and dining.
• Fort Erie Racetrack: Thoroughbred racetrack in Fort Erie, Ontario, offering live racing, simulcast wagering, and slot gaming. Directly comparable as a heritage thoroughbred venue with mixed racing and electronic gaming revenue.
• Red Shores (Charlottetown & Summerside): Operator of Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway in Prince Edward Island, offering harness and thoroughbred racing plus VLT gaming. Directly comparable as a Canadian provincial racing and VLT operator under a regulated gaming framework.

Broad incumbents

• Club Regent Casino: Manitoba's largest casino operated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, located in Winnipeg. Comparable as a regional gaming and entertainment competitor that draws from the same consumer VLT and live entertainment wallet in the Winnipeg market.
• McPhillips Station Casino: Winnipeg casino operated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries offering slots, VLTs, and live entertainment. Comparable as a same-market gaming incumbent competing for the local VLT and entertainment dollar.

Regional players

• River Cree Resort and Casino: Casino, hotel, and entertainment resort near Edmonton, Alberta, operated by the Enoch Cree Nation. Comparable as a Western Canadian regional gaming and entertainment venue with a similar mix of gaming, dining, events, and live entertainment — though without a horse racing component.

Emerging players

• 1/ST BET (formerly Xpressbet / TwinSpires): Online horse racing wagering platform affiliated with major U.S. tracks including Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita, and Pimlico. Comparable as a digital pari-mutuel wagering channel that competes for the same online horseplayers as HPIbet.

Others

• Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation: Crown corporation that regulates and operates gaming in Manitoba, including Club Regent and McPhillips Station casinos, and is the presenting sponsor of the Manitoba Derby. Comparable as both a regulatory counterparty and a key strategic partner for the venue's racing and gaming operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AssiniboiaDowns
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/assiniboiadowns
• Facebookfacebook.com/assiniboiadowns
• Instagraminstagram.com/assiniboiadowns

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Assiniboia Downs