Canadian single-event sports betting bill led by Riders fan Kevin Waugh passes second reading

Photo courtesy: Kevin Waugh

The House of Commons voted to pass a Conservative private members’ bill during the second reading that would legalize single-event sports betting in Canada on Tuesday.

Members of parliament from all parties voted with 303 in favour and only 15 against it.

Last year, Saskatoon-Grasswood member of parliament Kevin Waugh introduced Bill C-218, the safe and regulated sports betting act as a common-sense change to end an outdated restriction on single-event sports betting, an industry worth $14 billion in Canada.

“I am pleased other parties joined Conservatives to make this important and common-sense change,” Waugh said in a statement. “This change is supported by professional sports leagues, unions, gaming institutions, chambers of commerce, provincial governments, and many other groups.”

Following Tuesday’s vote, Bill C-218 will be sent to the House of Commons standing committee on justice and human rights for further study. In the previous parliament, this same bill was defeated by the Liberals during the second reading.

“While I am pleased that government members supported Bill C-218, the Liberals have a track record of opposing this common-sense change,” Waugh said. “I look forward to continuing to work on this bill as it makes its way towards becoming law.”

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie wants you to be able to place a single-game bet on CFL action. Ambrosie signed a joint statement last June with four major pro sports leagues that operate in Canada to urge the government to take ‘prompt action’ and legalize single-game sports betting.