Canada has had legal sports wagering for decades but Canadian lottery corporations can only offer parlay wagering which is a bet on two or more sporting events.

Experts in responsible gambling, law enforcement, professional 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.

Amending the Criminal Code to allow single-event sports betting would provide:

• Greater regulatory oversight and cutting off illegal wagering activities
• Stronger consumer protection
• Economic opportunities for communities

Annual Sports wagering in Canada sees $10 billion wagered through illegal bookmarking operations, $4 billion through offshore online sports wagering sites, and only $500 million through legal provincial sports lottery products.

A legal, regulated sports wagering marketplace will create opportunities for Canadian gaming technology and sports betting companies to grow and create jobs in Canada’s legal and regulated gaming industry.

The majority of the states directly touching the Canadian border have live and approved sports betting, or have laws coming or under consideration for sports betting. For border communities, opening a sports book will serve as an economic stimulus, create hundreds of employment opportunities, and generate a significant economic benefits for communities.