Following its third reading Thursday evening, the Canadian House of Commons adopted Bill C-218 (The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act)- a bill to repeal the existing ban on single-game sports betting in Canada, and open the door for provincial governments to regulate lottery, casino and sportsbook in Canada.
“One thing I find attractive about this legislation is the fact this activity is already going on and an opportunity for the government to get involved and generate revenue when done in a legal way” – MP Mark Gerretsen
Canada sports betting bill moves to Senate
The bill will now move to the Senate. and if it becomes law regulation of sportsbetting in Canada will be taken care of at a provincial level.
The History of C-218
- Kevin Waugh, MP for Saskatoon-Grasswood launched C-218 (The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act) as a private member bill in 2020.
- The bill was introduced as government legislation in November 2020.
- The bill passed 303-15 on its second reading in February 2021.
- Prior to the passing of Bill c218, another competing bill to legalize sportsbetting in Canada (bill c-13) was abandoned.
Current Canada Betting Legal Landscape
In parts of Canada it is legal to bet on sports – however straight bets are not permitted- only parlay bets – place through the state lottery.
In 2019 Canada generated ~ $242 million in gross gaming revenue, with sports-betting making up just 1% of that estimated amount.
How large is the Canadian sports betting market?
- There’s an estimated $14.5 billion Canadian dollars bet on sports each year, but only $500 million is wagered through provincial lotteries, according to the Canadian Gaming Association.
- A February report from PwC estimated that within two years of legalized single-game wagering, the Canadian sports-betting market could reach up to $2.4 billion CAD.
- A Deloitte Canada report estimated Canadians may legally wager up to $28 billion within five years.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.