The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has grown even more frustrated as yet another Super Bowl will pass this weekend with no new action to allow Canadians to bet on the game.
At the heart of the issue is Bill C-290, that if passed would permit Canadians to wager on single-event sports. The bill is stalled in the Senate.
The CGA estimates that around $26 billion in single-event sports betting has been lost to illegal wagering since the bill was first introduced in the Senate in March 2012.
As it stands, Canadians are legally allowed to wager on three or more sporting events known as parlay bets.
But the CGA states only $500 million is accumulated through parlay bets, compared to $14 billion annually on illegal single-event betting.
Canada’s antiquated gambling legislation does not sit well among betting Canadians and is fuelling the CGA and Canadian casinos to push for Bill C-290’s approval by the Senate.
Those supporting the bill argue that legalizing single-game betting would generate increased revenue for the economy and create more jobs, providing a significant advantage over American Casinos.
As the CGA pushes for action on Bill C-290, several professional sports leagues and government representatives are expressing concern over the dangerous social consequences if the bill finally passes—gambling-related debt, addiction, and suicide are some of the major concerns.
Kathy Disher has been working as a manager at Mohawk Casino in Campbellville, Ont. for 11 years. During this time, she has seen her fair share of people playing beyond their limits.
Click below to listen to Kathy’s comment on the possible social consequences if Bill C-290 passes:
