FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 17, 2021

OTTAWA, ON – Today, the House of Commons voted to pass at second reading a Conservative Private Members’ Bill that would legalize single-event sports betting in Canada.

Last year, Kevin Waugh introduced Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act as a common-sense change to end an outdated restriction on single-event sports betting, an industry worth $14 billion in Canada.

“I am pleased other parties joined Conservatives to make this important and common-sense change,” said Waugh. “This change is supported by professional sports leagues, unions, gaming institutions, chambers of commerce, provincial governments, and many other groups."

Following today’s vote, Bill C-218 will be sent to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for further study. In the previous Parliament, this same bill was defeated by the Liberals at second reading.

“While I am pleased that government members supported Bill C-218 today, the Liberals have a track record of opposing this common-sense change,” added Waugh. “I look forward to continuing to work on this bill as it makes its way towards becoming law.”

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For more information:
Office of Kevin Waugh, M.P.
[email protected]
613-402-4210