Single-Event Bets Worth Over $25m Placed In British Columbia In First Two Months

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation, the government-owned company that operates lotteries, casinos and sportsbooks in the province, has announced that its customers have placed over 25 million dollars in single-event sports bets on its PlayNow.com website.

The announcement comes just two months after the official launch of single-event sports betting in Canada, following the passing of the famous Bill C-218 through the country’s Senate in June. The respective bill opened the way to legalize betting on single games or sporting events in all provinces of the country and it became effective on August 27, when licensed operators were allowed to offer single-event betting to their customers.

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation launched single-event sports betting on its PlayNow.com website in partnership with Scientific Games. In fact, the American company also helped Loto-Québec and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation to launch this service on the first day it became legally possible.

According to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, the National Football League (NFL) is the most popular sports league for its customers. But the availability of single-event sports betting made the company record 97 percent more wagers on the NFL compared to the same period in 2020.

The National Hockey League also has a lot of fans among the customers of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Wagering on matches in this league rose by 71 percent compared to last year.

When it comes to the most popular single game since August 27, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation announced that the top event was the football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots, which took place in the fourth week of the National Football League season.

Lynda Cavanaugh, the interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, said that this period represents “a significant milestone” for the company as it strives to offer the best betting options in a safe environment. The interim CEO also underlined the fact that PlayNow.com is the only legal gambling website in the province and that the revenue generated by it “supports important provincial initiatives, including healthcare and education.”

Source: “British Columbians place $25m in single-event bets in first two months“. iGB North America. November 2, 2021.