Canadian lawmaker introduces bill to legalise single-event betting

Kevin Waugh, Canadian Conservative Party Member of Parliament, is introducing a bill with the goal of legalising single-event sports wagering throughout the country.

The private member’s bill was brought forward yesterday – it aims to repeal paragraph 207(4)(b) of the Canadian Criminal Code to permit betting operators to offer wagering on a single sport event or athletic contest.

The Criminal Code currently states that only bets on 3 or more games are legal.

The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, coded as Bill C-218, aims to abolish this restriction, and to allow federal and provincial and governments to tap into the illegal market – Waugh estimates the market to be valued around CAD$14bn.

While introducing the bill, Waugh said, “Let me be clear that single-event sport wagering already exists in this country, and if members do not think so, they are behind the curtains. The Canadian single-event sport wagering industry is worth over $14 billion, but most of it, 95% of it, exists underground on the black market or through offshore websites.”

He added, “These are unregulated sport-wagering sites. None of that activity is subject to government regulations or taxes; none of it is creating jobs in this country or economic opportunities; and none of it is contributing to consumer protection, education, harm reduction initiatives or support services, which are badly needed in this country.”

This is the 3^rd time the bill is being introduced – all the previous attempts were sponsored by New Democratic Party MP Brian Masse, who seconded Waugh on the introduction of C-218.

Waugh vowed that the latest attempt would prove “third time lucky”, after both the previous attempts to pass single-event betting amendment had failed.

He said, “By passing this bill, we can put a stop to the billions of dollars going to organised crime and put that money back into our communities.”

Waugh added, “It has all changed since 2018. The United States has allowed it. Sport leagues, like the NHL and NBA, are in favour of sports betting being regulated. It is time this country follows forward.”

Hailing the introduction of C-218, the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) threw its full support behind Waugh’s efforts.

“Amending the Criminal Code to legalise single-event sports wagering will provide provinces with the necessary tools to deliver a safe and legal option to Canadians, as well as the power to address important issues such as consumer protection while enabling economic benefits to flow to licensed gaming operators, communities and provincial governments,” commented CGA chief executive Paul Burns.