Jim Lawson, CEO and president of Woodbine Entertainment, Sue Leslie, president of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario, and William Ford, president Racetracks of Canada, were among the speakers offering testimony to the Justice Committee with regards to the private member’s Bill C-218 to legalize single-event sports betting.

On Tuesday, March 9 the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST) also heard testimony from Christina Litz, vice-president Business Development and Revenue for Woodbine Entertainment, retired Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Chris D. Lewis, the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Club Jockey du Quebec.

While the first private member’s Bill C-13, presented in 2020 by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, had incorporated wording that would protect Canadian horse racing from other gaming companies taking single bet wagering on horse races, Bill C-218, which has moved through the House of Commons does not have the same language.

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