Welland Tribune e-edition

Single-game sports betting a ‘tremendous win’ for Niagara Falls

Legislation will allow Canadian casinos to better compete with U.S.

RAY SPITERI

Legalizing betting on single games of hockey, football and other sports is a “tremendous win” for Niagara Falls and the region’s tourism economy, says Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli.

“Having single-event sports betting now legal in Canada will be a significant draw for our tourism economy and local casinos,” said the Conservative politician.

“It means we can now compete effectively against our American counterparts on this. Legalizing this activity will also take a significant source of funding away from criminals and organized crime.”

On Tuesday, the Senate approved Bill C-218, a private member’s bill brought forward by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, that amends Criminal Code provisions pertaining to gambling on single sports games — currently illegal except for horse racing — in a bid to win back customers from offshore sites, U.S. casinos and illegal bookmakers.

Sports bettors in Canada are limited to ProLine-style betting — they must wager on two or more games rather than the outcome of a single game.

The Senate’s upper chamber approved the bill Tuesday by a vote of 57-20. It now awaits royal assent to become law.

Conservative Sen. David

Wells, who sponsored the bill in the upper house, predicted legally allowing Las Vegas-style betting on single games will eat into the multibillion-dollar black market and redirect that revenue into provincial government coffers.

Provincial governments that regulate gambling in Canada have been clamouring for single-event betting to be legalized, with Wells arguing they stand to reap billions in revenue that could be used to support addiction research, health care, education and other priorities.

Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey said the province plans “to land the framework by this fall” and implement the new regulations and licensing rules before the year’s out.

Baldinelli said allowing singleevent sports betting will “help accelerate” local tourism recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and result in new jobs, investment and growth in the sector.

“Canadian sports betting enthusiasts have waited long enough for this change,” he said.

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates, a longtime advocate for single-event sports betting, said it’s “wonderful” to see the matter receive support from all political parties.

“They made the right decision on this,” he said.

“The timing couldn’t be better. It highlights the importance of our casinos and our casinos workers, who have been out of work for almost 16 months now. It’s going to give us an opportunity to create more jobs and it’s going to take the underground part of it out … and keep it regulated so it’s keeping jobs here.”

Niagara Falls is home to two casinos, Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. Before the pandemic, the casinos provided more than 4,000 jobs.

Niagara Casinos president Richard Taylor said the company is pleased with the Senate’s vote.

“This is a significant step for the Canadian gaming industry, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the government, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. in the development of these opportunities in the province,” he said.

“Single-event sports wagering would be a welcome amenity for our casino operation, as it would create a competitive market between Ontario and our competition in New York.”

The latest development is welcome news to Niagara Falls politicians who have been advocating for the legalization of singlegame sports betting.

Niagara Falls city council has supported efforts to allow such wagering at Canadian casinos since 2011. And in 2016, Niagara Region council backed amendments to the Criminal Code to make it legal to bet on singlesporting event.

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati shared a story about the Senate vote on Twitter Tuesday, describing it as “great news!”

“Bring the revenue back to Canada!” he tweeted.

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2021-06-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://wellandtribune.pressreader.com/article/281492164284274

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