The House is on summer break, scheduled to return Sept. 15

Bill C-218 (Historical)

Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)

This bill is from the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session, which ended in August 2021.

Sponsor

Kevin Waugh  Conservative

Introduced as a private member’s bill.

Status

This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.

Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment amends paragraph 207(4)‍(b) of the Criminal Code to make it lawful for the government of a province, or a person or entity licensed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of that province, to conduct and manage a lottery scheme in the province that involves betting on a race — other than a horse-race — or fight, or on a single sport event or athletic contest.

Similar bills

C-218 (43rd Parliament, 1st session) Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act
C-221 (42nd Parliament, 1st session) Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act
C-290 (41st Parliament, 2nd session) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)
C-627 (40th Parliament, 3rd session) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-218s:

C-218 (2025) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)
C-218 (2021) An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (psychotherapy services)
C-218 (2016) Railway Noise and Vibration Control Act

Votes

Feb. 17, 2021 Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-218, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)

Debate Summary

line drawing of robot

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-218 amends the Criminal Code to decriminalize single-event sports betting, aiming to protect gamblers, generate revenue for provinces, and take money away from organized crime.

Conservative

  • Improves consumer protection: Legalizing single-event sports betting replaces the unregulated market with consumer protections and responsible gambling programs for Canadians.
  • Creates jobs and revenue: Creating a legal, regulated market for single-event sports betting generates revenue and jobs for Canadians instead of offshore and illegal operators.
  • Supported by stakeholders: The bill has broad support from diverse stakeholders including responsible gambling advocates, labour, indigenous gaming, and professional and amateur sports groups.

NDP

  • Previous attempts failed: This bill is similar to previous attempts that passed the House but failed in the Senate; the NDP hopes for expedient passage in the other chamber.
  • Sports leagues support: Major sports leagues like the NHL and NBA now support the bill, a change from their past opposition, increasing its chances of passage.
  • Redirect money from crime: The bill is crucial for redirecting money away from offshore organized crime accounts and towards the public good, which is especially needed during the pandemic.
  • Support responsible gaming: The bill includes important elements for responsible gaming, helping people with addictions, and identifying problems before they worsen, unlike unregulated offshore betting.

Bloc

  • Protects gamblers: Decriminalizing single sports betting takes it out of the hands of organized crime, protecting gamblers from loansharking and related dangers, as seen in tragic cases.
  • Undermines organized crime: Moving sports betting out of the black market deprives organized crime of a significant revenue source, hindering their ability to fund other illicit activities and operations.
  • Increases government revenue: Legalizing single sports betting can generate substantial new tax revenue for governments, potentially increasing Canada's gambling revenues significantly within a few years.
  • Benefits society: Control by Crown corporations ensures revenue supports public services, funds responsible gambling initiatives, and contributes to local communities and events.
Was this summary helpful and accurate?

Safe and Regulated Sports Betting ActPrivate Members' Business

April 22nd, 2021 / 6:35 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

The question is on the motion.

If a member of a recognized party present in the House wishes to request a recorded division or that the motion be adopted on division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

The hon. member for Niagara Falls.

Safe and Regulated Sports Betting ActPrivate Members' Business

April 22nd, 2021 / 6:35 p.m.

Conservative

Tony Baldinelli Conservative Niagara Falls, ON

Madam Speaker, I ask that this bill pass on division.

Safe and Regulated Sports Betting ActPrivate Members' Business

April 22nd, 2021 / 6:40 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

I, therefore, declare the motion carried on division.

(Motion agreed to, bill read the third time and passed)