House (of Commons) all in on Bill C-218
The odds just got better for legalized single-event sports betting in Canada.
Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, passed the House of Commons early this evening with the support of the members of Parliament from all parties. The bill will now go to the Senate for final approval, which is expected to happen in either late May or early June.
“Given the extraordinary amount of support that this bill received from all parties in the House of Commons, I am hopeful that the Senate will consider and pass this bill quickly,” said Kevin Waugh, the Conservative MP for Saskatoon-Grasswood who introduced a private member’s bill last November in favour of single-event sports wagering.
The Parleh spoke with Waugh at the end of March and the former sports broadcaster laid out the journey the bill has taken. Here’s our Q and Eh with him.
It's official! Bill C-218 has passed third reading in the House of Commons! Now onto the Senate!
Waugh, who has credited Windsor NDP member Brian Masse for putting the wheels in motion for the Criminal Code amendment, said the bill “will also ensure that provincial governments have access to the tools necessary to properly regulate sports betting and implement consumer protection and problem-gambling programs to protect Canadians.”
Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association - and one of the country’s loudest advocates for giving the provinces the authority to license and regulate sportsbooks and gaming operators - called it a “great day for Canada’s gaming industry".
“It passed with all party support, a strong signal to the Senate to take up the Bill ASAP!,” Burns posted on LinkedIn.
Other reaction from the bill’s passing:
Bill #C218 was adopted on division at third reading. #cdnpoli
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