Published on: December 10, 2025, 01:04h.

Updated on: December 10, 2025, 01:04h.

• Closure of Horse Racing at Hastings Park & Casino Ends 130-Year Legacy
• Great Canadian Entertainment Recently Transferred Casino Operations to a B.C. First Nation
• MLS Whitecaps Propose New Stadium on Hastings Park Site

Recently, Hastings Park in East Vancouver announced the immediate cessation of thoroughbred racing, marking the end of B.C.’s last operational horse racing venue after 130 years.

A few weeks earlier, the B.C. government revealed that revenue from slot machines at the casino would no longer support horse racing purses, marking the final blow.

The closure decision was made by Great Canadian Entertainment, the operator of the casino and racetrack.

Economic Viability Challenges

“This was an immensely tough choice, particularly considering the longstanding heritage of Hastings Racecourse within the community and its significance to the province’s racing sector,” stated Wayne Odegard, Regional Vice President of Great Canadian Entertainment.

Regrettably, this is purely a business decision based on the insufficient economic feasibility to continue another season of horse racing at Hastings. We are deeply grateful to our loyal employees, racing participants, and patrons for their unwavering support over the years.

“Moving forward, our priority will be to assist our affected team members during this transition, along with racing participants as they explore future thoroughbred racing opportunities in the province,” concluded Odegard.

A Legacy of 130 Years

The closure of the horse racing track will not affect the casino or simulcast racebook operations at the facility.

Hastings Racecourse & Casino has been a staple in Vancouver since 1889, but it faced mounting financial difficulties in recent years. The venue boasted a five-furlong racing surface and stabling for several hundred horses. Great Canadian Entertainment has leased the site from the City of Vancouver since 2004.

The casino opened its doors in 2008, following significant upgrades by Great Canadian Entertainment.

What’s Next?

In November, Great Canadian Entertainment sold the casino arm of the property to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. This year-round operational casino features 400 slot machines, including both classic and video slots with progressive jackpots, as well as games like blackjack, roulette, and craps, plus a dedicated poker room that hosts regular tournaments. Additionally, there’s a modest sports lounge called Eclipse for betting.

This past year, Great Canadian Entertainment has actively sold several B.C. casino operations to various First Nations, with the closure of the horse racing segment at Hastings Park being the final chapter for Great Canadian in that location.

The Hastings Park site is also seeing the development of a new amphitheater by PNE, designed to accommodate up to 10,000 attendees. This venue is anticipated to be completed in time for its participation as a site for the FIFA Fan Festival during the World Cup, with several matches scheduled to take place in Vancouver next June.

In the previous spring, the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps announced they had commenced discussions with the city regarding plans for a new stadium on this site.