Bill C-218 (The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act)

 

Introduction in the Senate:

On May 4th, 2021, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act was introduced in the Senate by my colleague and the Senate sponsor Senator David Wells. Now that bill C-218 has been passed in the House of Commons, the Senate must also approve it in order for it to become law.

Concluding Remarks in the House of Commons:

On April 22nd, my Private Member’s Bill, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, was passed in the House of Commons. Here are my concluding remarks on Bill C-218 from just before it passed.

Second Reading:

On November 3rd, 2020, I began the debate at second reading on my Private Member’s Bill, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. I’m proud to have support from MPs of all parties. This is a commonsense change that will fight organized crime and help authorities to better fund problem gambling, addiction, and mental health programs.

First Reading:

On February 25, 2020, I introduced Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. In Canada, black market bookmakers and offshore betting sites generate $14 billion per year. None of that activity is subject to government regulations or taxes, none of it is creating jobs or economic opportunities in Canada, and none of it is contribution to consumer protection, education, harm reduction initiatives or support services. My bill would legalize single-event sports betting in Canada, allowing the provincial governments to regulate it properly and ensure that it is being managed in a safe and responsible way, as the provincial governments already do with other sorts of gaming.

MORE INFORMATION:

Sport Betting Fact Sheet

The Economic Benefits of Gaming in Saskatchewan

Major Sport Leagues support Single-Event Betting