Single-event sports betting could begin in Canada as early as Aug. 27 after the federal government announced more details regarding Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, on Thursday.
“I am pleased to announce that single-event sport betting will be legal in Canada on August 27th," Attorney General David Lametti said at a news conference at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls. "Canadians will have the opportunity to participate in single-event sport betting in a regulated and safe environment, at the discretion of the provinces and territories."
Bill C-218 received royal assent June 29, and a little over six weeks later, Canadians officially have a date for when it will come into effect.
The next step is for provinces to regulate implementation, deciding how and when they want to offer single-event sports wagering, which will allow online and land-based sportsbooks and casinos to finalize plans.
"With these amendments, provinces and territories will be permitted to conduct and manage single-event sport betting in their respective jurisdictions and offer Canadians an opportunity to place bets in a regulated and safe environment either online or in physical facilities," the Department of Justice said in a press release.
