Legalizing Single-Event Sports Betting in Canada – Alberta is on the Way

By: Anna

Posted: March 4, 2021

Updated: March 4, 2021

The gambling history of Canada dates way back
There are limitations in gambling urging a change
Legalizing single-event sports betting in Canada is becoming a reality

Image source: Flickr

Canada is famous for many things, like maple syrup, the Niagara Falls, their favorite sport, ice hockey, cute moose, and last but not least: extreme politeness. Though not many know that the tradition of gambling is also a big part of their history since it dates back to the times of the natives. Ever since then a lot of things have changed, like the government’s legislation concerning betting. The newest step seems to be the legalizing of single-event sports betting in Canada. Of course, the formula is not that easy to crack. Canada is divided into 10 provinces, including the following: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The government decided to leave the decision-making to each of the provinces when it comes to gambling. Now, all eyes are turning in the direction of Alberta, since they are on the edge of a big change. Their step forward would be a great thing in legalizing single-event sports betting in Canada. It would also have an impact on online gambling sites in Canada, like Interwetten.

Gambling history in Canada

Since the above-mentioned early ages – John Cabot introduced playing cards during his travels on the Canadian shores in 1497 – gambling was permitted in the country. In the late 1800s, the government started to introduce some limitations and regulations. But since the players have always been passionate about being able to freely enjoy gambling, the legislation had to progress as well. So, in 1970, the government finally changed the Criminal Code. It permitted the provinces to make their own regulation regarding betting on their own territories. It allowed them to build land-based casinos, they opened the first one in 1989 in Winnipeg. Today, there is more emphasis on online sportsbooks in Canada, where the provinces usually step in for occasional regulatory tasks and general oversight. The most actual question concerns legalizing single-event sports betting in Canada.

Limitations promoting legalizing single-event sports betting in Canada

As for now, the country permits multiple-selection wagers. This limitation encouraged sports bettors to move to offshore sportsbooks, operating unchecked in the Maple Leaf Country. This is bad news for the government since it generated billions of revenue missing from the country’s tax office. So, Alberta issued approval for legislative changes enabling single-event sports betting in the country, which was a reasonable and well-established step. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), the body regulating gambling in the province, already confirmed the news. The bill, called House Bill C-13 was submitted to the Canadian House of Commons last year. It urges to change the relating part of the Criminal Code, making it possible to bet on single events. The first province to take a step in this direction was British Columbia arm-in-arm with the Lottery Corporation.

Benefits of legalizing single-event sports betting in Canada

We already mentioned the most important and obvious profit: the government’s growth of revenue coming from wagers. It would also have a positive impact on online sportsbooks sites in Canada, like Interwetten, since they could see a rise in their traffic. The same reason could bring benefits for sports leagues as well. It could also protect gamblers from the dangers of offshore sites. And last, but not least, AGLC chief executive, Kandice Machado had a very good point in her statement. “This would present the ability to give legal age Albertans new and unique options on their favorite sporting events.”