It has been reported that at least four chambers of commerce across the nation are calling on Canadian Senators to approve Bill C-290, the piece of legislation which would amend the criminal code and make single-event wagering on professional sports legal in the country.
A report by the CBC explains that the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and the Fédération des Chambres de Commerce du Québec have reached out to Senators via letter.
Bill C-290, which was introduced by MP Joe Comartin, is in its second reading in the Senate after having passed unanimously the House of Commons in 2012.
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce president Matt Marchand has characterized the situation surrounding Bill C-290 as a "national issue."
"The message to the Senate is there a strong appetite for this bill," said Marchand. "It has all-party support. The business community supports it. The labour community supports it."
In March, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne pledged that horse racing and the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp. would once again partner and that racing would have access to new revenue streams. Is single-event sports betting with sportsbooks located at racetracks a possibility?
(With files from the CBC)