In Canada, like in the U.S., betting on single sports games is illegal. However, provincial governments, like those in Ontario and a few others, offer their own sports lotteries for residents, requiring bets on at least two games. Match choices are limited, returns are low and incentives to provide good lines and payouts are nearly nonexistent. Therefore most serious bettors gamble offshore, according to Canadian Gaming Association Vice President Paul Burns. He said Canadians spend about $4 billion annually, about eight times the amount wagered through provincial sports lotteries.
The Ontario Gaming and Lottery Association is interested in keeping some of that betting money at home. It’s taking proposals to expand and update its online and mobile betting platforms, including eSports and in-game wagering. Four other provinces currently offer these options.
In February 2016, Ontario MP Brian Masse introduced C-221 to bring gambling law up to date, addressing technology and offshore options. Masse’s previous bill stalled, but the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” included repealing the portion of the criminal code that makes it illegal to bet on a single sporting event. In September, the bill reached a vote for the first time but failed in a 156-133 vote.
Masse represents Windsor, where a Caesars property would be interested in offering single-game wagering. It also borders New York and Michigan, which may offer sports betting if the U.S. Supreme Court repeals the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, prohibiting single-game sports betting in 49 states.
