SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Responding to last week’s decision by the Ottawa House of Commons to vote down the progress of ‘single sports betting’ Bill C-221 ‘The Safe & Regulated Sports Act’, the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has stated that it is deeply disappointed by the outcome.
Releasing a public statement, CGA representatives detailed that by denying C-221, Commons had again failed to engage Canadian ‘labour, business, sports and communities’ in the overall benefits of legalizing sports betting.
The CGA estimates that circa $14 billion is wagered illegally by Canadians each year, the organization has been vocal regarding the potential lost revenue for government and communities as national consumers bet illegally with offshore bookmakers.
“I regret that I don’t have better news for Canadians,” said Bill Rutsey, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association.
“Those who understand what is at risk, and the benefits that could exist by implementing regulation are frustrated and dissatisfied by the vote. The scales of justice are badly misaligned where this issue is concerned, and I remain baffled that the Government of Canada can’t recognize it too.”
Rutsey and the CGA would further note that C-221 was designed to bring greater regulation and oversight, protecting the integrity of Canadian sport, the main bone of contention placed against C-221 by Canada’s ruling liberal party.
