Canada considers single-event sports betting

The proposed bill would give all provinces and territories throughout the country the option to allow wagering on any race or fight, or on a single sports event or athletic contest.

At present Canadians are not legally allowed to bet on a single sports event, as the antiquated Criminal Code only permits wagering on the outcome of two or more sporting events. The new legislation would amend a section of the Code that makes single-event sports betting illegal and allow provincial governments to make necessary changes.

Windsor West MP Brian Masse tabled the legislation in the House of Commons this week, five years after it was first introduced back in 2011. Although approved by the House of Commons, the original bill C-290 died last year when the general election was called and it was decided the legislation hadn’t undergone suitably rigorous debate in the Commons.

“It’ll be interesting to see the reaction once we table the bill and start to do the lobbying, so I’m hopeful it will be supported like the first time,” said Masse. “This legislation would allow a responsible gambling option if a province or territory should choose they want to do so.”

The new bill C-221, which Masse refers to as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, would significantly boost employment and according to the MP, create up to 200 jobs at Caesars Windsor alone. It would also help damage the $10bn illegal gambling industry funding organized crime, as well as put more money towards gambling treatment programs.

“Right now single-event sports wagering is nearly completely unregulated,” remarked Masse. “We need to create a safe and regulated environment to manage this activity responsibly, shifting this revenue stream into clearly identified public priorities such as improving health care, education and infrastructure.”

The House will begin debating the legislation mid-March, although the new bill is expected to receive greater scrutiny this time as it was claimed the first bill progressed with minimal discussion. According to Masse, if the bill doesn’t get passed, Canada is at risk of losing a great amount of market share to the US, which is capturing some of its potential revenue.