Canada’s single-event sports betting bill passes second reading
Bill C-218 will now enter into the last phase of hearings with the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights before moving to the senate and then to Governor-General for Royal Assent.
During the reading, several parliamentarians expressed their support for the bill based on the positive impact it would have for their communities.
Kevin Waugh, who sponsored the Bill, said that: “By passing Bill C-218, we can ensure that going forward, profits from sports wagering are put back into our communities, into health care, education, problem gambling programs, youth sports and other important services rather than the pockets of offshore companies or even criminals.”
Several stakeholders including gaming companies in Canada have since come out to voice their support for the Bill.
Quentin Martin, chief executive of esports betting operator Luckbox, said: “This overwhelming result shows there is cross-party support for an amendment to what is an outdated law and very welcome for organisations like ours which offer safe, responsible and enjoyable wagering on events.”
Stewart Groumoutis, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s director of eGaming, said: “We’re calling on all Members of Parliament to work together collaboratively to legalize single-event betting for the benefit of our players and provinces.”
And John Levy, chief executive of digital media company theScore, said: “Today’s development in the House of Commons, focusing on the legalization of single event sports betting in Canada, is a significant step forward in the process to amend an outdated law.”