Bill C-290 passes Parliament committee

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Bill C-290 Passes Committee


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Single-game sports betting is one step closer to becoming a reality in Canada. Last week, members of Parliament's standing committee on justice and human rights voted unanimously to move the bill forward for a third reading in the House of Commons, nudging MP Joe Comartin's progressive sports wagering initiative one step closer to the finish line. "Joe's pretty positive it will pass pretty soon," Ian McMahon, Comartin's legislative aide, told press.

Re-emphasizing the benefits of C-290, Comartin stated: "Single-event sports betting would provide Canadian gaming operations with a significant competitive advantage over U.S. Competitors. Studies show this slight change to the Criminal Code would generate about $70 million in wagering in Windsor alone."

As it currently stands, the Canadian Criminal Code condones multiple-game sport betting, but does not allow for players to place money on individual games. If Comartin's bill passes, each province and territory would have the federal go-ahead to offer single-game sports betting within its jurisdiction.

According to Comartin, doing so would drastically reduce illegal gambling, combat competition from the US, and create more jobs within the industry.

Bill Rutsey, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, joined Comartin in defending the bill at last week's committee. You can read his most recent thoughts on C-290 here.

Source: Windsor Star