Bill C-218 a bill repealing Canada’s federal ban on single-event sports betting was approved by the Canadian Senate June 22nd, and by the House of Commons in April.
The bill finally received Royal Assent on Wednesday, and Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau must now set effective date for the Canada sports betting amendment, which is now an official act of the Canadian Parliament.
“I am pleased to welcome the Royal Assent of Private Member’s Bill C-218, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting), which will bring the common practice of single event sport betting into a legal, regulated, and safe environment, while strengthening our economy and supporting well-paying jobs for Canadians” – David Lametti, Canada’s minister of justice and attorney general, said
Bill C218 Is a big shake-up for sportsbetting in Canada
Through their lotteries, Canadian provinces are already allowed to offer parlay bets (bets on the outcome of multiple events). C-218 amends the Canadian Criminal Code to allow provinces and territories to allow single-game sports betting.
The amendment creates a situation not dissimilar to that of US sports betting – following the repeal of PASPA / the Bradley Act, with wagering decisions made on a province-by-province basis.
Several proposed amendments were defeated during the legislative session. Lametti stated that appropriate discussions will now take place, particularly regarding participation by First Nations indigenous tribes. David Lametti said
“The Government of Canada is currently engaging with provinces and territories, as well as Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations, to better understand and respond to calls for greater opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to participate in the conduct and regulation of gaming in Canada”
Changes A long time coming
Sports betting in Canada has had a long journey. For more than a decade, various parties in Canada have advocated for “proper” sports betting – straight up bets with no parlays. Gamblers have taken their bets to international / offshore sportsbooks in order to place straight up bets.
Annually C$14 million is wagered illegally on sports, according to estimates by the Canadian Gaming Association..
In February 2020, House of Commons MP Kevin Waugh introduced Bill C-218. In November 2020, the Canadian government proposed a similar bill, C-13, recognizing that the federal government in power was supportive of sports betting.
C-218 was adopted as official legislation by the government in November, effectively killing C-13 as it progressed. Private member bills face an uphill battle and are frequently pushed to the bottom of the order of business, but C-218 overcame several setbacks to pass.
Rapid sportsbetting launches are anticipated
The majority of the sports betting industry’s attention was focused on the developments in sports betting in Canada. As soon as it was passed by the Senate, the provincial government and sports betting operators both issued statements of support.
Several provincial lottery sites may add single-event sports wagering to their offerings as soon as Trudeau takes office.
Other provinces, such as Ontario, may take longer to establish an open market. According to David Phillips, the COO of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Ontario, the fifth-largest jurisdiction in the United States or Canada, is planning a “competitive and regulated market” that could launch by the end of the year.
Other provincial sportsbetting plans in Canada
- The British Columbia Lottery Corporation announced Wednesday that it plans to expand PlayNow.com on the date set by Trudeau.
- This year’s additions to the Play Alberta lottery website. According to CGA President and CEO Paul Burns, a retail model with an online component is also possible.
- According to Burns, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority owns the rights to online sports betting in Saskatchewan.
SportsBetting Operators are eye up the Canadian market
Toronto-based theScore is eager to expand its market share in the United States. PointsBet, based in Australia, has launched PointsBet Canada.
DraftKings and BetMGM were among the operators who issued statements after the bill was approved by the Senate. DraftKings expanded its NFL partnership to include Canada, while BetMGM partnered with The Hockey News and the leading goal scorer, assist producer and point scorer in National Hockey League history – Wayne Gretzky.
Gambling industry journalist with a background in online poker and trading. Covering the regulated U.S Sports industry and the exciting world of online poker.