Sask. Rush aims to end playoff drought as training camp begins
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The final weekend of training camp is set for Nov. 22-24 back in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are hoping to hit the jackpot when it comes to new gambling laws in Canada.
The Canadian Senate has approved a new law that would make single-game sports betting legal in the country.
Roughriders president-CEO Craig Reynolds said the CFL team was excited to see the law get approved, believing it can swing open some doors to more fans.
“There will be opportunities at the team level as it relates to sponsorship and from a fan engagement perspective and hopefully that translates to ticket sales from potentially a casual fan who becomes a bit more of an avid fan through that avenue,” Reynolds said prior to the team’s annual general meeting Wednesday.
Reynolds said the financial impacts of the law are very significant for the Roughriders, comparing it to the creation of sports television in Canada.
“If you look at what’s happened since television, it’s certainly one of, if not the biggest thing, from a revenue opportunity,” Reynolds said.
“We know football is the most bet-on sport in North America. We have that product here in Canada and as a result of that, we have lots of opportunities to capture fans, capture casual fans and capture fans in markets where the CFL isn’t as strong.”
The bill was put forward by Saskatoon MP Kevin Waugh.
“From a league perspective, it is something that is very positive for the league and presents a lot of opportunities,” Reynolds said, “and to have that come from someone in Saskatchewan, I think there’s a bit of pride that the province should feel about that.”
The Government of Saskatchewan, which is responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, provided a statement about sports gambling in the province.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is assessing how amendments to the Criminal Code that would allow for single-event sport betting in Canada may impact gambling in Saskatchewan including who may offer this type of wagering and under what conditions,” the statement read.
Riders O-lineman Takoby Cofield retires: Report
It appears the Riders have lost more depth on their offensive line.
According to 3Down Nation, Riders tackle Takoby Cofield is calling it a career.
Cofield appeared to confirm the report on Twitter.
Thank you
@sskroughriders https://t.co/icaFR84PjL
— Takoby Cofield (@TakobyC73) June 24, 2021
Cofield appeared in 15 games for the Roughriders over two seasons. In 2019, Cofield suffered a hamstring injury four games into the campaign, sidelining him for a majority of it.
His retirement comes three days after Roughriders guard Braden Schram announced that he too was hanging up the cleats. Saskatchewan also announced Monday it had released global offensive lineman Rene Brassea.