The Canadian Criminal Code
(the “Code”) sets forth the parameters of legal gaming in Canada. The Code
generally prohibits sports-based wagering except where such wagering is conducted and managed by the provincial governments; however, section 207(4)(b) of the Code prohibits even those governments from offering wagering on the outcome of a single sporting event or contingency thereon.
The rationale for creating the sports betting regime in this way in 1985 derived from the Canadian Federal Government’s attempt to limit the potential for match manipulations. However, technological advances and statistical tools that have since become available can enable sportsbook operators to closely monitor illegal acts that give rise to match-fixing, so the danger of match-fixing no longer justifies the prohibition.