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A new federal law allows gamblers to legally set wagers for a single event.

The announcement comes after Bill C-218, also known as the Secure and Regulated Sports Betting Act, passed into law last month. The bill aims to repeal Section 207(4)(b) of the Canadian Penal Code, which allows consumers to bet on at least three or more games in a single sports bet. The amended law will allow individual states to conduct and manage single-event betting. They will have the authority to decide how to tax and regulate.

According to Paul Burns, president and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, sports betting in Canada is “heading in the right direction.”

“We don’t really understand why [the federal government] waited so long… There was a political reason,” Burns said. “More and more people are ready to go to the actual gig now, and they don’t have to wait too long until at least they have access to the product. It’s great to see something unfold.”

Not surprisingly, the British Columbia Lottery Association (BCLC) has already taken the leap forward by offering single-event sports betting through its PlayNow.com platform. The company signed a deal with data provider Genius Sports in August to use Genius’s LiveData and LiveTrading services for data and pricing.

Commenting on the announcement, Lynda Cavanaugh, interim president and chief executive officer of BLC, said:

“By supporting state-level initiatives such as healthcare, education and community programs, we are pleased to enhance our service at PlayNow.com, the only gambling site in B.C. where revenue goes back to British Columbia.”

In Ontario, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation will soon launch a new digital sports betting platform, PROLINE+. The platform is already accepting early registrations, allowing customers to bet on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.

Duncan Hannay, President and CEO of OLG, said in a press release: “We are excited to launch our new digital sportsbook, PROLINE+, on this memorable day. OLG is finally able to offer single-event sports betting, becoming the first company in Canada to offer this feature. In addition, with more events, more betting options, and more accessibility, we’ve seen more engagement among fans who feel reassured that OLG is backing the product.”

Similarly in Quebec, Loto-Quebec restructured its Mise-o-jeu online sports betting program, allowing for a single sports bet. Meanwhile, according to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, Alberta residents will have to wait a little longer to access single-event betting at Play Alberta, which is scheduled for this fall. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority is also still working on the plan and is considering developing a sports betting app across the state, according to multiple sources. Manitoba seems to be exploring where single-event sports betting might be offered. Chris Keevil, CEO of Atlantic Lottery Corporation, said that the company’s online gaming site, ALC.CA, will need some changes to offer single-sports betting.

The journey to start single-event sports betting in Canada began more than a decade ago. According to PwC, if the law is finally amended, Canada’s GDP will increase by $425 million. PwC also predicts that Canada’s gambling market will grow tenfold in the first two years after legalization, generating C$2.4 billion (US$1.89 billion) in annual revenue.

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