Canada to revive single-event sports betting bill

Sports betting bill C-290, which intends to authorize single-event sports betting in Canada, was shelved after not progressing through Senate.

New Democrat Brian Masse, who was re-elected in Windsor West, said his party wants to bring the bill forward again. Masse said much of the work is already done and the New Democrats are collaborating with other parties. “What we want to do is to have the bill pass, so we want to make sure everyone is comfortable,” Masse said.

The expected timeline of bringing the bill into law is unclear until the Liberal government has its cabinet sworn in and the House of Commons is recalled. But once this happens, Masse said that it would be a priority for him. “A lot of things are in flux because of the dramatic shift in parliament,” said Masse, referring to the Liberal party gaining power last week.

Introduced by former New Democratic Party legislator Joe Comartin in 2011 and passed in 2012, the private member’s bill would “allow for wagering on the outcome of a single sporting event, which is currently illegal in Canada.” The proposed legislation would repeal existing law that prohibits betting on a single race, fight, sporting event or athletic contest.

According to the Canadian Gaming Association, nine provincial governments, gaming regulators and operators, municipal governments, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Labour Council and Canadian Soccer Association all support the bill. The Association estimates some $10bn is being wagered illegally by Canadians on single-event sports.