Ciavarella: “We expect that laws could emulate open market approach taken in Europe”
Comments on the status of legislation, Bills C-218 and C-13 to legalize single-event sports betting in Canada have been further enhanced by industry leaders after further legislative developments saw the approval of Bill C-218, last month with overwhelming bi-partisan support by a margin of 303 votes in favour to 15 votes against.
Bill C-218 is now proceeding to hearings before the Justice Committee, which Bill C-13, an Act to Amend the Criminal Code, and a similar bill regarding the legalization of single-event sports betting, is anticipated to be taken up by the House of Commons in the near future with additional hearings set for March 9th and 11th.
Mike Ciavarella, Executive Chairman of Elys Game Technology, Corp., commented: “We are quite encouraged by the strong bi-partisan support that Bill C-218 received. Although there are a number of steps to be cleared before laws are enacted and an active open market can develop, this vote is another significant step towards being able to offer a safe and regulated product to the millions of sports and esports fans in Canada”.
Both of the proposed bills concern changes to the federal criminal code aimed at decriminalizing single-event sports betting. The proposed changes would allow provinces and territories to regulate and license single-event sports betting, potentially paving the way for lucrative opportunities for private businesses and service providers to access a legalized market in Canada.
“We expect that Canadian laws could emulate the open market approach taken in Europe over the past two decades. Regulation allows the government to open up the market and secure industry jobs for Canadians, as well as provide competitive wagering for Canadian players across the country. While this legislative process develops in Canada, Elys expects to continue to play an important role in assisting current Canadian operators and businesses to prepare their i-gaming and sports betting offerings through our well-established industry experience,” added Ciavarella.
Elys Game Technology, Corp., is a B2B global gaming technology company operating in multiple countries worldwide, with B2C online and land-based gaming operations in Italy. In Italy, Elys offers its clients a full suite of leisure gaming products and services, such as sports betting, e-sports, virtual sports, online casino, poker, bingo, interactive games and slots. The Company’s innovative wagering solution, services online operators, casinos, retail betting establishments and franchise distribution networks. The Company has completed the product regulatory requirements to commence B2B operations in the United States.
