Single-game sports wagering is on the verge of becoming legalized across Canada.
A private members' bill put forth by Windsor-Tecumseh NDP MP Joe Comartin last year has passed through all the steps of government and now just needs Senate approval before becoming a reality.
Covers has spoken to several people close to the issue and some are
predicting we could see single-game wagering in Canada as early as
September.
“I’m supportive of the bill," Wildrose MP Blake Richards told the
London Free-Press. I don’t see any reason why people shouldn’t have that ability to bet on a game. We know it happens all the time, I don’t see any reason why it can’t be formalized.”
Sports betting is currently run by provincial lotteries and can only be done by betting parlays - a minimum of two or three games per ticket depending on where you live. As any bettor knows, your chances of winning on a parlay are far smaller compared to betting on a single game.
“I’m a (Montreal) Canadiens fan, but if I had to bet on two other games I’d have no idea who to bet on because I’d have no idea who had a chance at winning,” Comartin said. “I’d probably pick the last-place team every time just from lack of knowledge. I don’t think I’m that unique in that regard.”
Provincial lotteries will still operate the sports betting business and it will be up to each province to decide how best to make the switch to single game wagering. Ontario is one province that seems to be leaning toward running sportsbooks out of casinos while others may go to an online sportsbook model that will include some retail sales from local operators.