Justin Trudeau’s resignation kills potential Canadian gambling bills in parliament
Canadian prime minister prorogues House of Commons, ending pushes that would have introduced a framework for sports betting marketing
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to resign has killed any potential sports betting bills yet to receive Royal Assent.
Trudeau announced his shock decision on Monday, January 6, after nine years of leading the nation, though he will stay in office until a new Liberal Party leader is selected.
Alongside his announcement, he said parliament would be prorogued, or suspended, until March 24 – derailing any bills that had yet to receive Royal Assent.
The decision will halter the progress of several bills related to sports betting including S-269 which was passed by the Canadian Senate last November.
The bill, first introduced by Ontario Senator Marty Deacon, sought to develop a national framework for sports betting advertising including restricting ads and banning the use of celebrities and athletes in marketing.
A March 2023 survey conducted by Maru Public Opinion showed 72% of Canadians wanted an immediate nationwide sports betting ad ban.
But with no reading in the House of Commons due to an impasse in the Senate over other issues, plus the fact the Liberal Party do not have a majority in the House, has stalled developments.
Another gambling bill, S-268, was working its way through the Senate. Sponsored by Alberta Senator Scott Tannas in 2023, the bill attempted to amend the Criminal Code to allow the governing body of an Indigenous First Nation to run an online sportsbook on its reserve.
Sports betting in Canada was legalized in August 2021, when Bill-C-218 amended the Criminal Code and decriminalized single-event sports betting.
The most recent market launch saw Ontario legalize sports betting in 2022.
Alberta was speculated to launch its regulated igaming and betting market in early 2025 but the Albertan government said it needed further talks to discuss a workable model.