Single-Event Sports Gambling in Canada One Step Closer to Legalization
Single-Event Sports Gambling in Canada One Step Closer to Legalization
This week, sports bettors in Canada cleared a major hurdle on the journey of getting sports gambling legalized up North. On Wednesday, Bill C-218, the bill that would legalize legalized betting on individual sporting events, passed its first vote in the House of Commons.
If passed, the bill would end the long-time prohibition of betting on the outcomes of sporting events in Canada. As of now, only parlay betting is legalized in Canada.
So what’s the next step for legalized betting on single sporting events? Well, the bill is now referred to the House Justice Committee. There, members can vote on any changes they’d like to make to the bill.
Then, it has to pass another vote within the House. After the House Justice Committee the Bill heads to the Senate where it would become law.
Canada is now following the same trend we’ve seen in the United States. As the amount of revenue available through safe, responsible sports gambling becomes apparent, it turns into a no-brainer for states and countries, like Canada.
Another shocking aspect about Wednesday’s vote was the margin by which it passed. Of the 318 votes cast, only 15 voted against Bill C-218 as 303 votes were cast in favor.
Legal sports betting sites are already operational in Canada, but the inability to bet on single events has capped industry growth and forced potential bettors to either not place a bet or turn to illegal means.
This bill would not only bring in significant revenue, but it would also make sure every single Canadian looking to place a bet is protected by legal sports gambling legislation and safe, responsible sports gambling guidelines.