After nearly a decade of waiting, the odds favour Canadians being able to bet on single events after today’s Senate vote.
The Speaker of the Senate, George Furey (Newfoundland), set the official time of the vote for 3:30 p.m. EST. If all goes as many expect, we should know if single-event sports gambling will be legal under Canada’s Criminal Code before long.
We will be covering today’s vote in real-time and any developments as they unfold over the coming days. Stay tuned for updates!
June 29, 9:46 p.m. EST
During last night’s Senate sitting Bill C-218 received Royal Assent with a short message from Ian McCowan, Secretary to the Governor-General.
“I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Administrator of the Government of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 29th day of June 2021, at 9:46 p.m.”
It’s official, single-event betting is legal in Canada.
June 22, 3:45 p.m. EST
Senate sends a message to the House of Commons informing them Bill C-218 has been passed at third reading with no amendments. All that’s left for the bill to become law is Royal Assent.
June 22, 3:43 p.m. EST
Bill C-218, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting), passes its third reading 57-20, with 5 abstentions.
June 22, 3:30 p.m. EST
Senators return to the Senate chamber, and voting begins on Bill C-218, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting). If passed, the bill will make single-event sports wagering legal for the first time in Canada (excepting horseracing).
June 22, 3:15 p.m. EST
At 3:15, Senate bells start ringing, calling Senators back to the chamber for the standing vote.
In Canada, a standing vote counts and records each senator’s vote. Standing votes happen after a voice vote, and if, before the Senate takes up other business, two senators rise on request.
Before such a vote can take place, the Senate bells ring for 15 minutes. This is to allow senators not in the chamber a chance to return in time to vote.
At the time of the vote, the Speaker repeats the question and asks all senators in favour to rise. A clerk calls out each senator’s name, and the senator sits down. Next, the Speaker asks those opposed to rise. Finally, those wishing to abstain rise, with the clerk calling out each name. Lastly, the votes are tallied, and the clerk shares the result with the Speaker, who announces whether the motion is adopted or defeated.
