Operators have welcomed the passing of a bill that is set to introduce single-event sports betting in Canada, which will provide opportunities for expansion in the country.
Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, was passed with a vote of 57-20 earlier this week, after its third reading in the Senate. The bill wold allow bets on individual sporting events, instead of requiring sports bets to be multiples, by amending Canada’s criminal code.
Following the news, sports betting provider theScore launched a billboard campaign in Toronto to mark the bill’s passing.
The billboards are located across the Gardiner Expressway in Downtown Toronto and Yonge-Dundas Square.
“The passing of Bill C-218 represents a milestone moment for Canada,” said Aubrey Levy, senior vice president of marketing and content for theScore.
“These billboards are the beginning of our province-wide marketing rollout as we ramp up towards the expansion of online sports betting in Ontario, which is expected to commence later this year. We can’t wait to introduce the millions of theScore fans and users to our mobile sports betting product, theScore Bet.”
Real-money esports betting platform Luckbox, which is owned by Real Luck Group, also welcomed the bill’s passing, hailing it as a landmark moment for the gaming industry.
“This is a significant moment for the igaming industry and Canada and policymakers should be congratulated on reaching a decision that will help provide safe and regulated sports betting for millions of Canadian fans,” Thomas Rosander, chief executive of the Real Luck Group, said.
“There is massive interest in wagering on sports and esports and the industry is expected to be worth billions to the nation’s economy. We look forward to the official amendment to the Criminal Code and will look to be involved in the licensing process as soon as possible.”