SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The NBA has become the first US pro league to openly drop its opposition towards the Canadian single sports betting bill C290.
Following the conclusion of the NBA 2015 Finals this week, the Canadian Gaming Association disclosed a statement noting the support of NBA for sports betting in Canada “as long as there is an appropriate legislative framework that protects the integrity of the game”.
Bill C290 aims to amend the Criminal Code with regards to Canadian sports betting, by allowing approved single-game wagers in licensed gambling enterprises, the bill follows a similar framework to the stalled New Jersey licensed sports betting
At present the NBA, who has only one representative franchise in Canada, the Toronto Raptors are the only US professional sports league to have shown support for a regulated Canadian sports betting market.
In contrast the NHL which has seven professional teams in Canada, has openly opposed the progress of C290, with NHL governance writing a letter to the Canadian House of Commons stating that its franchises would not welcome its approval into law.
The NBA positive stance towards C290, is unlikely to have any impact on its progress. The bill which was set to be reviewed by early 2015, has stalled at the Ottawa Senate. The majority of media and political commentators believe that C290 has no chance of review before Canada’s October General Election.
