Canada Opens Its Doors to Single-Event Sports Betting

Online gambling is extremely popular with Canadian residents however the local government does not offer licensing which leaves players no choice but to sign up at offshore casinos. This means that unlike other major gambling hubs, who have local regulation in place, Canadian punters are not afforded the support and protection they deserve.

Thankfully, the tide seems to be turning with the recent open door to legalise single-event sports betting in the Great White North. It is hoped that as betting legislation evolves it can be extended to encompass all online gambling in the region.

 Shaking Up The Status Quo

While sports betting is legal in Canada, residents can only currently place parlay bets. Parlay betting incorporates wagering on the outcome of at least two matches before winnings are awarded.

Dedicated sports bettors have found ways to circumvent these restrictions, both offline and online. The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) reports that approximately $10 billion is bet annually through illegal land-based bookmakers and an additional over $4 billion at offshore sportsbooks.

The CGA acknowledges that that bringing regulatory oversight inhouse is the only avenue by which the government can hope to protect its people.

Paul Burns, CGA CEO, said:

“Amending the Criminal Code to legalize 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.”

All major sports leagues, including the NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and CFL voiced their support of such a change.  A co-signed statement from June 8, 2020, reads:

“Sports betting gives fans another exciting way to engage with the sports they love. Because a legal and regulated sports betting market in Canada would be beneficial to sports and their fans, we urge prompt action to make this a reality. Sports betting already happens illegally in Canada; creating a legal framework would shift consumers from illicit, unregulated markets to a legal and safe marketplace. Regulating single-game betting would allow for strong consumer protections as well as safeguards to further protect the integrity of sports.’’

Support for a regulated Canadian online gambling and betting market is present from the gambling industry, sports federations, and political bodies. Fortunately, the process of change is already underway, and the country could see new laws in force by early 2021.

Parliament Here We Come

Local authorities are actively driving this much needed change in local gambling regulation and a bill entitled ‘’An Act to amend the Criminal Code (single-event sports betting)’’ has officially been tabled in parliament by the Federal Minister of Justice, David Lametti.

Bringing this legislation into force will allow state-registered Canadian bookmakers to offer single-event sportsbook on all sporting events. Which in turn will offer Canucks a far greater diversity of betting options, across a widely enhanced range of sporting events. The hope is that by offering a more attractive betting model local players will choose to bet with approved bookmakers making for a safer gambling environment and increasing revenues for the provinces.

The push for legalised sports gambling markets seems to be a general concern in North America, as the US government has legalised online betting in many of its states for the same reasons that were identified in Canada. It is good to see these international powerhouses taking a more progressive stance towards online gambling.