Canada’s single-game sports betting bill braces for second reading in parliament

Canada’s sports betting backers are gearing up for another push to pass the country’s long-awaited single-game wagering legislation.

In February, New Democrat Party MP Brian Masse introduced C-221, aka the Safe & Regulated Sports Betting Act, which would amend Canada’s criminal code to allow provinces and territories to decide whether they wish to allow single-game sports wagers within their borders.

Masse represents the Ontario constituency of Windsor-West, and on Friday, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce issued a statement saying it was convening a strategy session in Ottawa on Monday, the day before C-221 is due to have its second reading (of the necessary three) and debate in Parliament.

In addition to the Windsor-Essex Chamber and Masse, the strategy session will involve representatives of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Labor Congress, the Canadian Gaming Association and other industry stakeholders, all of whom are eager to see C-221 avoid the fate of C-290, the previous sports betting bill that died of neglect in (was murdered by) Canada’s Senate last year.