TORONTO, ON, February 25, 2020 – The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) fully supports the
introduction of the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act today in Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill
by Kevin Waugh, MP for Saskatoon-Grasswood. The Bill will amend the Criminal Code to make it legal to
bet on the outcome of a single sporting event.
Canada has had legal sports wagering for decades however presently, Canadians can only place wagers
through a parlay bet, which means betting on and correctly predicting the outcome of at least two or
more games in order to win their bet.
Canadians enjoy sports betting because they are wagering approximately $10 billion annually through
illegal bookmaking operations in Canada, usually operated by organized crime. Additionally, more than $4
billion is wagered through offshore online sports wagering sites. Currently, only $500 million is wagered
through legal provincial sports lottery products offered to Canadians, which means many people are
betting through illegal and often dangerous means.
“Amending the Criminal Code to legalize single-event sports wagering will provide provinces with the
necessary tools to deliver a safe and legal option to Canadians,” said Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian
Gaming Association, “as well as the power to address important issues such as consumer protection while
enabling economic benefits to flow to licensed gaming operators, communities and provincial
governments.”
Experts in responsible gambling, law enforcement, and amateur sport all believe that bringing regulatory
oversight and control to sports wagering is the best way to protect people, athletes, and the integrity of
the games.
An amendment to permit single-event sports wagering has had almost unanimous endorsement from
provincial governments across Canada, as well as support from organized labour through Unifor and the
Canadian Labour Congress; business organizations such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; sports
organizations such as Soccer Canada and the International Olympic Committee; law enforcement; dozens
of mayors and community leaders across Canada; and most recently, Canadian and North American
professional sports leagues such as the CFL, NBA, and NHL.
“This amendment will allow us to safeguard the $17.1-billion economic contribution that gaming makes to
Canada as well as the 182,500 jobs that support not only individuals but communities,” added Mr. Burns,
“We look forward to working with all political parties to make single-event sports wagering a reality.”
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About the Canadian Gaming Association
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) is a national trade association that works to advance the
evolution of Canada’s gaming industry. The association’s mandate is to promote the economic value of
gaming in Canada; use research, innovation, and best practices to help the industry advance; and create
productive dialogue among stakeholders. www.canadiangaming.ca
For further information please contact:
Paul Burns, Canadian Gaming Association
(416) 579-3922
[email protected]