Single-Game Sports Betting: Time for The CFL To Wake up and Smell the Money?

Following the landmark decision in the US to legalize single-game sports setting, is it time for Canada to follow suit or risk losing out?

Since 1992, a Federal Law in the US stood that limited sports betting in nearly every state. Barring a few exceptions who made use of “Parlay Bets” to get around the law, it was forbidden. That was until earlier this year in May, when the State of New Jersey opposed major sporting leagues such as the NFL and NBA to push the removal of this law and give the right to individual states to decide on their own sports betting laws. A success for all fans who have long awaited the opportunity to place wagers on their favourite team and enhance the action.

In Canada, an almost identical federal law stands, but after this move from the US it appears that it may not last for much longer. If this happens Canadian football fans may soon also be able to enjoy the same privileges as their neighbours.

What’s in it for Canada?

For a long while the idea has been a subject up for debate as there are clear benefits for all invested parties. First and foremost, for the powers that be there are the massive financial benefits it could afford the country. Currently, it is estimated that around CA$4 billion is illegally sent to offshore operators that offer single-game betting, rather than on the parley offerings in Canada. This is obviously a serious amount of cash flow that goes amiss due to the antiquated laws. Officials are likely to consider this as a tremendous sum of money that is being generated by the CFL and spent by Canadian citizens, only to then not be returned into the nations economy. Potentially, this is the biggest reason why the government will see a change of legislation as a serious positive.

Meanwhile, sports fans are crying out for the change in rules and the chance to bet one of the most popular sports on home soil. 60% of Canadian participants in a recent survey saw the CFL as an integral part of the Canada’s sporting identity, while 10 million viewers tuned in at some point of the 105th Grey Cup. This was 10% more than previous year and makes up nearly 30% of the nation’s population. Obviously, the game is at all time high and is growing. Giving fans the opportunity to raise the stakes is only going to fuel the passion for the game by adding a more competitive element, both on and off the field.

What’s more, the rules of the game make it the perfect betting sport. It is widely considered more fast paced then it’s US counterpart, due to varying rules between the CFL and NFL. For example, laxer rules imposed on receivers and having more downs during games means there are often more unpredictable results in the CFL which are prime for betting on. Which is exactly what Canadians want to do.

The Perfect Time to Cash In

Currently, the Canadian gambling industry is worth billions, with more and more players opting to go online to bet, with specialized casino sites popping up with a .ca TLD. For example, there is slotscanada.ca, which feeds the need for slot machines games, while many other sites provide various other betting services. As such, it seems absurd that one of the most competitive and popular pastimes in Canada is the one that is falling by the wayside.

Therefore, with the growing interest in the CFL going hand in hand with the increase of online betting, as well as the moves that were seen by the USA already this year, it seems just a matter of time before the will of the fans are met.

Although this wouldn’t be the first time that a prime opportunity to implement fresh sports legislation was missed in Canada, if the legislation on sports betting is ever going to change in Canada there is not a better moment than now. Finally officials may be ready to wake up and smell the money.

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