Canadian Gaming Association Launches C290NOW.CA to let Canadians talk to Senators about Single Event Sports Wagering

Senate asked to conclude debate and vote in favour of regulating the industry

OTTAWA, May 23, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) today launched C290NOW.ca, a website developed specifically to address the debate regarding Bill C290 - An Act to Amend the Criminal Code - Sports Betting, to permit single-event sports wagering in Canada, as well as address the lack of action by the Senate to bring the bill to a vote.

Canadians have been legally betting on sports for decades but are currently only permitted to make parlay bets (wagering on the outcome of three or more events). Bill C290 is a simple amendment to the Criminal Code to permit wagering on the outcome of single sporting events.

Canadians love sports and they wager almost $500 million annually on parlay bets with provincial sports lottery products. However, Canadians are also illegally wagering more than $14 billion annually on single sporting events, mostly through offshore Internet betting sites or local bookmaking operations predominately controlled by bikers and organized crime.

"Sports fans know that a single event sports wager is a fairer bet because it provides a knowledgeable sports fan with a better opportunity to win their bet," said Bill Rutsey, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association. "It means that if you want to bet on who is going to win the Super Bowl, you don't also have to pick the outcome of unrelated games such as an NHL hockey game or English Premier League football match."

C290NOW explains what passing Bill C290 means: Canadians will have the opportunity to make fair wagers in safe, secure, and regulated environments, and that hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue will stay in the Canadian economy, supporting jobs and communities.

"We can't ignore the competitive advantage that Bill C290 will give to our border communities," said Mr. Rustey. "Legalizing single event sports wagering has the support of numerous Provincial and local chambers of commerce, economic development committees, mayors, provincial governments, and provincial gaming regulators across Canada, who all understand why changing our legislation is necessary."

It's time for the Senate to bring debate to a close and vote on Bill C290, which will allow provinces to decide whether or not, and in what format, they want to offer single event sports wagering. "Denying Bill C290 means the Senate prefers that Canadians continue to engage in dangerous and illegal methods to place bets that only benefit criminals and offshore operations, instead of licensing and regulating the activity," concluded Mr. Rutsey. "It's time to make things right. And thanks to C290NOW, we are giving Canadians a chance to tell their Senators exactly that."

About the Canadian Gaming Association

The fundamental goal of the Canadian Gaming Association is to create balance in the public dialogue about gaming in Canada.

Our members are among the largest most established gaming operators, suppliers and gaming equipment manufacturers in Canada.

Our mandate is to create a better understanding of the gaming industry through education and advocacy.

Visit our website at www.canadiangaming.ca and find more about the CGA.

SOURCE: Canadian Gaming Association

Paul Burns, Canadian Gaming Association, [phone]
[email protected]