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Professional sports leagues have embraced legalized sports gambling after years of apprehension.
Michigan residents can find support for their betting endeavors by observing the efforts of their northern neighbors who are actively advocating for it.
The commissioners of Canada’s five professional sports leagues collectively penned a letter to the federal government, urging them to take swift action in implementing legislation to expand sports gambling.
At present, Canadians are restricted to placing bets exclusively through parlays within their provincial lotteries.
This move has the potential to significantly influence the Detroit casinos and the sports betting market in Michigan.
Sports leagues found time to address gambling
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, professional sports, much like other economic sectors, are actively working to minimize its adverse effects on their operations and revenue. However, despite undergoing significant reorganization measures, the commissioners recognize the urgency of addressing the matter of sports gambling.
A plea for single-event sports betting was sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s most influential politicians on June 8.
The statement was signed by Commissioner Randy Ambrosie from the Canadian Football League, Gary Bettman from the NHL, Don Garber from the MLS, Rob Manfred from the MLB, and Adam Silver from the NBA.
Commissioners to politicians: Go, Canada!
The Windsor Star reported that the statement focused on upholding the integrity of sports, which marks a significant departure from previous positions.
According to the statement:
The National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and the Canadian Football League are in favor of a proposed amendment to Canada’s federal laws. This amendment would grant provinces the authority to provide betting options on individual sporting events.
We encourage swift action to transform sports betting into a legal and regulated market in Canada, as it would offer fans an exhilarating avenue to further immerse themselves in the sports they adore. Such a development would be advantageous not only for the sports themselves but also for their loyal supporters.
Canada currently has illegal sports betting, and establishing a legal framework would transition consumers from unregulated and illicit markets to a safe and lawful marketplace. By regulating single-game betting, we can ensure robust consumer protections and implement safeguards to maintain the integrity of sports.
What’s the status of sports betting in Canada?
Canada was ahead of multiple US states in implementing sports betting.
Since 2006, parlay plays have been popular among bettors at Casino Windsor, located across the Detroit River.
However, single-event betting has been less thrilling.
In February, the introduction of the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act took place in Parliament.
Kevin Waugh, one of the co-sponsors, expressed his desire for the bill to be successfully passed during the summer, as per his conversation with the Windsor Star.
According to Waugh, there is no requirement for this to follow the usual private members’ bill procedure. Instead, the government has the authority to implement it through an order of council, similar to how they recently enacted the new gun control laws. We will exert influence on the government to ensure that this is accomplished before Parliament adjourns on June 17.
Canada beat Michigan to sports betting
Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino took the lead and set the pace as the inaugural gaming destination in the area. Originally known as Casino Windsor, it made its grand debut in May 1994, marking Ontario’s very first casino. It wasn’t until 1999 that the Detroit casinos began to open their doors.
In 2006, the Windsor facility introduced sports betting. Following the ratification of Michigan sports betting in December, Detroit’s casinos subsequently incorporated sportsbooks offering single-event betting in March.
Despite this, Canada’s offshore betting market is flourishing, with an estimated $14 billion being wagered annually. In contrast, only $500 million is wagered through regulated channels, as reported by the Canadian Gaming Association.
Canadian casinos surround American borders
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Caesars Windsor remains closed, but its presence can still be seen from Detroit’s riverfront.
Detroit’s gambling revenues are also affected by this factor.
According to the Windsor Star, the workers’ strike that occurred at Caesars Windsor in 2018 might have resulted in a slight increase in revenue for Greektown Casino-Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino, possibly by a few percentage points.
The competition extends beyond Windsor as well.
You can see OLG Casino Point Edward from Port Huron, MI, as it is located on the other side of the St. Clair River. Similarly, OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie is just a quick drive away from an American casino in Sault Ste. Marie, which is one of the five Kewadin Casinos.
Legalized gambling has captured bad actors
According to Tim Otteman, an expert on sports point-shaving scandals, he contends that leagues should have been more proactive in addressing the issue.
According to the professor from Central Michigan University, any significant case of match fixing in America has been exposed due to irregularities found within legal gambling channels.
Otteman cautions that the legalization of sports gambling may attract additional individuals with gambling issues.
He additionally recognized that legalized gambling often necessitates funding initiatives for promoting responsible gambling. As per the expanded gambling laws in Michigan, $1 million per year from the revenue generated by sports betting and online gambling will be allocated towards addressing problem gambling under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
According to Otteman, it is important to have the capability to inform people about an activity that carries certain possible side effects.
Pols believe Ohio legalization coming soon
When it comes to the neighboring states of Michigan, Ohio seems to be making progress towards legalizing sports gambling later in the year.
The Ohio Lottery Commission and the Casino Control Commission are at odds, with the state’s House showing support for regulatory control for the former, while the Senate is in favor of the latter.
The suggested tax rates are situated between Michigan’s 8.4% tax on sports gambling, and the recipient of the tax revenue must also be determined, with the House bill showing a preference towards education.
However, the sponsors of the bill have informed The Associated Press that they anticipate reaching an agreement within this year.
Dave Greenspan, a Republican and primary sponsor of the House bill, expressed confidence in finding a solution for this matter. He acknowledged that there hasn’t been a chance to engage in a thorough discussion with the Senate yet. However, he emphasized the urgency of completing this task and getting it operational as soon as possible.
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