Windsor West MP Brian Masse, the Liberal MP for Windsor West, is one of the few Members of Parliament who is well-versed in the finer points of the Canadian casino industry. As the MP for a riding that is home to two of the three largest casinos in Canada (the third is in nearby Niagara Falls), Masse has had many opportunities to interact with the gaming industry and to discuss issues of concern to the gaming public, including the recently-raised minimum bet at the Windsor-area casinos.
I am a good friend of my constituent, MP Rick Dykstra, and wanted to let you know that he is thrilled with the passage of Bill C-218, which will make it easier for people to gamble online. In my riding, that means that we will be able to provide a better customer service, as well as a better gambling experience.
(Casinos) Bill C-218, known as the National Parks and Historic Sites Act, has been passed by the House of Commons and is on its way to be passed by the Senate. The bill was first introduced in 2006 and has been on the long list of legislative priorities for MP Royal Galipeau and Windsor West MP Chris Charlton. The bill will allow for more funds to be allocated to the federal national parks and historical sites, which will help to ensure that they can continue to be maintained and preserved for future generations.
Last week was a watershed moment for the Canadian sports and gambling industries, as the nation became the first in the world to allow betting on individual athletic events. On Friday, Windsor West MP Brian Masse spoke out in support of the new product at Caesars Windsor Casino. He’s now looking forward to seeing how the provinces execute the reform.
The passage of Bill C-218, which changes the Criminal Code to enable single-sport gambling, has paved the way for its implementation. The bill was proposed by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, and it was approved by the Canadian Senate on June 22, 2021, and got Royal Assent a week later. On August 27, the measure was signed into law by the President of the United States.
Celebrations on Friday
Mr. Masse, together with members of Unifor Local 444, formally welcomed single-sport betting in Canada on Friday at Caesars Windsor Casino. The Windsor West MP stated that the Liberals have seized credit for the bill’s passage, but that Mr. Waugh should be credited as well for his role in proposing it.
Single-event wagering would have come sooner, according to Mr. Masse, if not for the federal Liberals’ and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s lack of support. The MP stated that the federal government attempted to stifle attempts to legalize single-sport betting, but that in the end, the people had triumphed.
Mr. Masse has been commended by Dana Dunphy, a chairwoman for Caesars Windsor Casino workers represented by Unifor Local 444, for his support of the casino and its employees over the years. According to her, the addition of single-sports betting will result in additional employment openings at the casino and a wider range of betting options for customers. She claims that by doing so, the casino will be more competitive, given its proximity to three US casinos.
Mr. Masse’s effort and support for the area were also recognized by Labour leader Ken Lewenza Sr., who was also present at the Friday meeting. Mr. Lewenza Sr. said that he and the MP addressed the matter more than a decade ago. He also praised Mr. Masse and the New Democrats for their efforts to introduce single-sport betting to the United States.
The Prime Minister’s Letter
Ms. Masse submitted a letter of request to Mr. Trudeau’s office just before the formal announcement from the federal government regarding the passing of Bill C-218. Mr. Masse urged the Prime Minister to speed up the legal procedure and make the legislation a law in his letter. He also said that there was no justification for the federal government’s delay.
Long-awaited Information
The federal government passed the measure into law not long after Ms. Masse’s letter to the Prime Minister. At a press conference at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls on August 12, 2021, Justice Minister David Lametti announced that single-sport betting would be legalized on August 27, 2021. When providing this new betting option, provinces will now have to establish their own regulations.
Dalson, Chen, Chen, Chen, Chen, Chen, Chen, Chen, Chen, “Masse applauds Canada’s single-event sports betting legislation, calls for provincial implementation,” Windsor Star, August 27, 2021.
Windsor West MP Brian Masse is pleased to learn that the Government of Canada has passed Bill C-218, which will give the people of Windsor (and all other Canadian communities) the right to vote in their own referendums.. Read more about senate bill 218 and let us know what you think.
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