It was previously legal in Canada to wager on parlays, which are bets on multiple sporting events made together.
Kevin Waugh, the Conservative MP for Saskatoon--Grasswood who introduced the bill as a Private Member's Bill, released a statement later on Tuesday after its passing.
“The passage of my Private Member’s Bill to legalize single-event sports betting in the Senate is a victory for Canadian sport, sport fans, and businesses," Waugh said. "For too long, black market bookmakers and offshore websites have had a monopoly on single-event betting. It’s time that Canadians take back this massive market."
Waugh, who was a CTV Saskatoon sportscaster prior to running for office, hopes that provincial governments act quickly to get the ball rolling on legal betting.
“Following this legislation becoming law, provincial governments will be responsible for implementing regulations and wagering operators in their jurisdictions. I call on provincial governments to act as quickly as possible to get the necessary regulations and licenses in place so that all Canadians can begin to place their wagers,” Waugh said.
“This bill is a win for Canadian taxpayers, workers, and sports fans. Canada’s Conservatives will continue to put forward common-sense bills that create economic opportunities and help Canadians,” he concluded.
Source: TSN.ca
