Legalization of sports betting in 2021 (Bill C-218)

Key: what did Bill do C-218

The C-218 Act (Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act) amended paragraph 207 (4) (b) of the Criminal Code of Canada, lifting the ban on betting on single events and transferring the authority to the provinces and territories to "conduct and manage" such betting (while betting mutuel racing remains federal competence). The law received royal assent on June 29, 2021 and entered into force on August 27, 2021.

What exactly changed legally: Adjusting the definition of a "lottery scheme" in 207 (4) (b) de facto decriminalized single bets, while retaining Ottawa's oversight of horse racing betting mutuel.

How the provinces reacted: first launches (summer-autumn 2021)

Ontario (OLG): August 27, 2021 launched PROLINE + - a digital sports book for single bets; OLG emphasized the synchronism of the start with the day the amendments entered.

British Columbia (BCLC): From August 27, 2021, single bets are available on PlayNow. com; the corporation announced in advance the launch by the date of entry into law.

Alberta (AGLC): September 1, 2021 single bets appeared on PlayAlberta.

From now on, each province builds its own product and regulatory framework within its authority.

Ontario: separate "online model" on top of C-218

On top of the basic rate liberalization, Ontario launched an open iGaming market in 2022: private operators work on AGCO registration and an agreement with iGaming Ontario. Later, the regulator strengthened advertising standards (for example, a ban on the use of current athletes in advertising, entered into force on February 28, 2024). This is important for all sports marketing in the province.

What does C-218 mean for players

1. Legal single markets at your provincial operator (or, in Ontario, at licensed iGO brands). You no longer need to collect express trains from several events if you want to bet on one match.

2. Horse racing - according to the old rules: horse betting mutuel remains under federal supervision and is not included in provincial single markets.

3. Transparency and protection: for provincial and Ontarian operators - verification of age/location, limits, self-exclusion and understandable payment/complaint procedures. (This stems from provincial regulations and AGCO/iGO standards.)

What does C-218 mean for operators and leagues

Provincial implementation: Product and marketing depend on each jurisdiction (lottery corporations - BCLC, OLG, etc. - or private brands in Ontario).

Marketing "with an eye": especially in Ontario - restrictions on "inducing" off-site offers and a ban on the use of current athletes in advertising (from 28. 02. 2024).

Commercial effect: single markets increase engagement (live betting, prop player), but require stricter compliance and RG tools. (This finding follows from regulatory releases and industry reviews of the post- C-218. period)

Milestones and Documents (Timeline)

June 29, 2021 - Bill C-218 receives Royal Assent.

August 12, 2021 - The Ministry of Justice announces the date of entry of the amendments: August 27, 2021.

August 27, 2021 - the amendments come into force; provinces are starting to offer single-event (OLG PROLINE +, BCLC PlayNow, etc.).

September 1, 2021 - PlayAlberta adds single markets.

April 4, 2022 - Ontario launches an open iGaming market (context for further growth in sports betting and online casinos).

February 28, 2024 - New AGCO advertising standards (ban on the use of current athletes in iGaming advertising) come into force in Ontario.

Frequent questions

C-218 allowed private sports sites across the country?

No, it isn't. C-218 opened up the legal ability for provinces to "run and manage" single rates. Access model (state platform or private licenses) - subject of provincial policy; in a fully competitive format, this is implemented in Ontario.

Why are horse races highlighted separately?

Their pari mutuel is explicitly listed as a federal area of responsibility; C-218 didn't change that.

When was the first time I could bet a single online legally?

From August 27, 2021 for provincial operators (e.g. PROLINE + in Ontario, PlayNow in BC).

Bill C-218 was a turning point: from August 27, 2021, single sports bets are legal in Canada, and implementation is in the hands of provinces and territories. Ontario has additionally built a competitive online marketplace, whereas other provinces offer the product through their lottery corporations. Horse racing remained under federal mutuel betting supervision. For players, this means more legal markets and protections, for operators - new opportunities with stricter advertising and RG rules.