Single-event sports betting has finally arrived in Canada as the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is beginning to accept the new wagers, effective today. Residents in the Canadian province can now taste what other countries have had for years.
Single-Event Wagering Kicks In
Betting on a single sporting event in Canada was legalized in June, when the Canadian Senate approved Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, to offer residents in the country a new type of wagering and expand opportunities for sports betting operators.
With provisions for every province to create its own framework for sports betting in the bill, many of the provinces began preparations long before Bill C-218 was passed in the Senate to be able to introduce the new sports wagering in the shortest period after its approval.
By the time of the bill passage, BCLC was expected to be the operator to launch single-event sports betting first via its PlayNow.com website, and now the website is ready to accept the first single-event wagers on the outcome of a match, or a racing or a fighting event.
This is a landmark moment for BCLC and our players. We’re excited to enhance our offerings on PlayNow.com, the only gambling website operating in BC where revenue goes back to British Columbians by supporting provincial initiatives like healthcare, education, and community programs.”
Lynda Cavanaugh, Interim President and CEO, BCLC
Residents in British Columbia can try their luck on the outcome of Saturday’s football game between the BC Lions and Ottawa Redblacks, or any of the sporting events included in the offering at PlayNow, among which is this Sunday’s boxing match between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley.
Considering Single-Event Wagers in Casinos
According to the provisions of British Columbia’s Gaming Control Act, the BCLC is the single entity with delegated authorities to conduct and manage commercial gambling on behalf of the province, yet is not prohibited from exploring opportunities to deploy single-event sports betting via land-based casinos and business partnerships.
As the only legal online gambling website, PlayNow has to meet certain criteria related to the technical aspect of the subject, as well as player protection, including age verification and responsible gambling, on top of federal requirements related to money laundering.