NHL fighting idea of Canadian sports-betting bill

The NHL is fighting proposed legislation that would make it legal in Canada to bet on the outcome of a game. The bill would repeal the criminal code section that prohibits wagering on a single sporting event.

OTTAWA -- The NHL is fighting proposed legislation that would make it legal in Canada to bet on the outcome of a game. The bill would repeal the criminal code section that prohibits wagering on a single sporting event.

If passed into law, each province would decide whether to allow single-game betting. Currently, provinces only allow betting on multiple outcomes on a single ticket. If the bill passes a third and final reading in the senate it will become law.

The NHL is urging the senate not to pass the bill, saying the game's integrity is essential to its popularity. The league warned that the bill would have game-changing ramifications. A top Major League Baseball official and the head of the Toronto Blue Jays have both appeared before the senate committee to voice their opposition

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly was scheduled to appear before a senate committee on Thursday, but remained in New York because of ongoing labor negotiations with the players' association.