Saskatchewan Senator Optimistic Single-game Sports Betting Bill Will Pass

Senator Brent Cotter from Saskatchewan didn’t find the idea of legalized gambling convincing at first. However, after reading the regulations and the plan of responsible casinos, he had a change of heart. The Senator was finally convinced that legalized gambling can slim the risk of gambling addiction.

Brent Cotter shared that the senators should consider the single-game sports wagering legalization based on Bill C-218. The legalization of single-game sports betting is duly supported by almost all pro sports organizations. This bill was introduced in 2020 by Saskatchewan’s  MP Kevin Vaugh. In the bill, the criminal code was amended and provisions for the legalization of single-games sports betting. It was referred to the committee in the Senate on Tuesday night.

Cotter said that if the professional sports communities value the regulations of legalized gambling, he would show his complete support. He added that if the sports leagues are comfortable and do not find any flaw in the regulation, then he has no problem in moving betting and gambling out of the criminal law. As casinos have done pretty well under the provinces’ regulations, the expectations are similar with sports betting too.

The standing committee on banking trade and Commerce of the Senate will submit their report on Bill C-218 by next week. Once all these formalities are completed, the report will be sent to the Senate where the bill will be debated for the third time. 

If all this is passed in the current form, then Bill C-218 will come in front of Canada’s Chief Justice Richard Wagner who is filing for the governor general’s role following Julie Payette’s resignation.

According to Senator Brent Cotter, the Senate banking committee works in a timely way.  If everything falls into place like meeting with the witnesses and others,  then the bill will find sufficient support.  He said other businesses need to be resolved on an immediate basis. Nevertheless, the Senate has the opportunity if it moves in a timely and responsible way.