Canada is one of the countries where the sports betting legalization is in process. The Canadian Senate authorities have finally decided to reconsider the advantages and disadvantages of the sports betting legislation in the country and the legalization of C-290 in particular. Although C-290 is a subject to discussions, it doesn’t mean that the happy ending is too close.
Two days ago, George Baker raised the question about the C-290 legislation. In case the proposal passes, the Canadian gambling rules and regulations won’t be so tough and the provincial gaming providers will be enabled to offer single-game sports betting activities to the Canadian-based players.
The discussion of the bill started in 2012 but during the years the procedure has been brought to standstill a couple of times. However, Baker is convinced that this bill might be the first one in the Canadian history to pass without any disagreements between the House of Commons and Senate’s members.
According to Baker, the statement of the Canadian Supreme Court that the Senate should not disagree with the choices and wishes of the citizens, is praiseworthy. Nevertheless, he cast doubt on the prompt approval of C-290. According to him, the urgent actions are somehow suspicious, bearing in mind the fact that the legislation was prolonged for the last two years and now, the authorities have suddenly become aware of its importance.
After that, Baker raised the question about the issue that deter the Senate authorities from taking a final decision about C-290. The sponsor of the bill – Joe Comartin, became the Deputy Speaker of the Commons.
In case a member makes an attempt to amend C-290, their proposal has do be sent back to the authorities for further consideration. However, Joe Comartin is not allowed to take part in the debates, which respectively means that all the members of the Commons have to agree on implementing the proposed amenity.
Baker recommended the bill to be sent back to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affair with the aim of adding the amenity to the law after being discussed.
It became obvious that Baker put questions, concerning the C-290 legislation, which are impossible to be solved. Yet, Baker’s proposal was recommended to the Committee.
Apart from all his recommendations and suggestions, Baker also discussed past actions nobody dared to discuss, despite their importance. Baker said that the Criminal Code is not the only regulator that monitors the betting activities in the provinces. First Nations also take part in the regulation procedures. He stated that as soon as some changes of the Criminal Code are made, the First Nations will be given the chance to set their own rules and regulations.
