The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and theScore chairman and chief executive John Levy have both backed the legalization of single-event sports betting in Canada, in submissions to the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Bill C-218, first introduced in February 2020, passed the second reading in Canadian parliament last month. It is currently under consideration by the committee.
The bill was designed to reverse a ban on betting on single sporting events, first imposed in Canada’s Criminal Code in 1985. Under current laws, bets may only be placed on multiples consisting of three or more events.
In its submission to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, the IBIA said: “There is a clear and rising consumer demand for access to betting products; restrictions such as
the single sports bet prohibition mean that only 31% of Canadian bets are placed onshore.
The IBIA cited Great Britain as a comparison, noting that 99% of bets are placed with licensed operators – more than three times the amount in Canada.
“Canada’s restrictive betting market approach cannot, on that basis, be deemed to be effective.
The removal of the prohibition on single sports bets would be a major step forward in channeling
Canadian consumers to onshore operators.”
In his address to the House of Commons Committee, Levy added: “We urge the House of Commons and the Senate to pass Bill C-218 as quickly as possible.
“Until this bill is passed, consumers will continue to remain exposed as they engage with unregulated outfits. There is now widespread industry and clear cross-party support to amend this outdated Federal law, and it is time to seize the opportunity.”