Gamblers smiling: Single-game sports betting well on its way
Niagara politicians say they were glad to see the legalization of single-game sports betting take a major step forward last week.
The House of Commons voted 303-15 in favour of a private member’s bill by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh that supports the change.
Having now passed second reading, the bill has been referred to the justice committee for further study. It will require a third reading and, if passed, approval by the Senate.
The minority-led Liberal government announced in November its own legislation that would make it legal to bet on single-game sports but have now backed Waugh’s bill.
If approved, the Criminal Code of Canada would be amended, permitting provinces and territories to regulate and license betting on single games of football, hockey and other sports — an activity that’s currently illegal. At the moment, sports bettors in Canada are limited to Pro-line-style betting, whereby they must wager on two or more games rather than the outcome of a single contest.
However, supporters of legalizing single-event sports betting have long said Canadians are already betting on individual games, but the money — anywhere from $8 billion to $14 billion a year — is going outside of Canada or into the hands of organized crime.
“I’m not a big sports gambling person, but the way I look at it is the same way that I look at our policy on cannabis,” said St. Catharines Liberal MP Chris Bittle. “Why don’t we regulate it, control it and keep the money out of the hands of organized crime. That was our rationale on cannabis, and I supported that. This is something that I support, as well.”
He said it’s not common for private member’s bills of this magnitude to receive “that broad level of support,” and believes the bill should “get back to the House fairly quickly. It should get passed fairly quickly.”
He noted similar efforts have passed the House but died in the Senate.
Bittle said he spoke with Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who indicated an interest in engaging senators.
“It’s something that I’ve committed to, and I’m sure the other Niagara MPS will be committed to, as well — to work with the Senate, and talk to the Senate, and discuss with them where we are, and the changes, especially with respect to the United States, and the legislative changes that have been made there.”
More than 20 states have introduced single-event sports betting in the U.S., including New York.
Niagara Falls Conservative MP Tony Baldinelli said he spoke about this issue last February and was glad to see his Tory colleague later introduce his bill, which Baldinelli seconded.
“We recognize the importance of it, in terms of improving our industry’s competitiveness, but it will also attract significant new investment to our region, help to create new jobs and help us, as we move towards economic recovery,” said Baldinelli.
He said Waugh is scheduled to appear before the justice committee Tuesday, as part of the hearing process.
Diodati said legalization would benefit border communities such as Niagara Falls, and would be “huge” for a tourism industry trying to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It will help with the offering of the gaming that we already have,” he said. “It’s not just the single-sports betting, it’s also the packaging that goes around it. They’re going to offer weekend events, so things like the Final Four, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, boxing matches and ... that will include shows, dinners, overnight stays. You don’t necessarily have to go to Las Vegas, you can come here.”
Diodati said he’s confident efforts this time to legalize singlegame sports betting will be successful. “It seems that there’s renewed momentum. This is supported by all parties. We need all the help we can get to keep some of the revenue in Canada that’s been leaving and going other places around the world. All we’re trying to do is get that money back into our borders,” Diodati said.
Late last year, Niagara Casinos president Richard Taylor said it is open to looking at singlegame sports betting, should it become law.
“Head-to-head sports wagering would certainly be a welcome amenity for our casino operation as it would create a competitive market between Ontario and our competition in New York,” he said.