Score Media and Gaming has stated that “Canadians deserve a modernised and regulated sports betting market,” as well as heaping praise on the federal government in efforts to legalise single-event wagering.
The legislation proposes amendments to Canada’s Criminal Code to give provinces and territories the ability to offer single-event sport betting products, as well as the discretion to manage the activity in their respective jurisdictions.
Confirming that Ottawa’s House of Commons is set to undertake a final review of the bill, the Canadian Gaming Association said in a statement earlier in the week: “The CGA is pleased that the federal government has recognised the urgent need to amend the Criminal Code to offer safeguards to Canadians as well as an economic recovery tool for the provinces.”
With far-reaching support gathered, from Canadian casinos to major professional sports leagues, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has said that the appetite of Canada’s most populous province could no longer be met alone by the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation, which currently enjoys a monopoly.
theScore estimates a market potential for online gaming in Canada of between US$3.8bn and US$5.4bn in annual gross gaming revenue, based on historical data extrapolated from legal online gaming markets in the US and further afield.
“Canadians deserve a modernised and regulated sports betting market and we commend the federal government for their efforts to legalise single-event wagering,” commented John Levy, founder and CEO of theScore.
“There is now clear cross-party support and strong momentum to amend Canada’s outdated federal laws and enable the legal sports betting market to flourish. As the leading mobile sports brand in Canada, we are eager to bring theScore Bet to our fans and offer them our best-in-class sports betting experience.”