Canada set to lift ban on single-game sports betting

The Justin Trudeau led Liberal Party of Canada is set to introduce legislation that will lift the long held ban on single-game sports betting in Canada. The legislation is expected to pass and it's not a moment too soon. Politicians and labour leaders in Canada have been calling for a lift on this ban for over a decade now.

The bill amends a line in the Canadian Criminal Code that prohibits wagering on single sports events. Technically speaking each province would now be responsible for regulating this potential new industry, but the province of Ontario has already approved preliminary plans for a single-game sports betting industry.

When the bill passes, Canadian casinos and sports bettors will now legally be allowed to take bets from Canadians on single-game events. Prior to this, Canadians had to do business with American or overseas bettors and the Canadian Gaming Association estimates that $14 billion that was formerly going out of the country can now stay within it.

Needless to say, The Canadian Gaming Association is quite bullish on the news:

“The CGA is pleased that the federal government has recognized the urgent need to amend the Criminal Code to offer safeguards to Canadians as well as an economic recovery tool for the provinces.

“By introducing a government bill, the industry can be assured that it will be dealt with in a timely manner and will benefit from all-party support to see it through.”

“We are grateful for the government stepping in to ensure passage,” added the Association’s CEO Paul Burns. “The Bill enjoys strong support from all the major parties in the House of Commons so we are extremely confident it will be able to pass later this spring.”

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