“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all of your thoughts break their bonds. Your mind transcends limitations; your consciousness expands in every direction; and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person than you ever dreamed yourself to be.” – Patanjali
Every morning after a cup of coffee while catching up on the daily news, John retreats to his studio, a small space situated at the rear of his house. This has been John’s ritual for as long as he can remember. As the hours pass, John is completely consumed by painting. It isn’t until evening draws near that he soon realises he has been painting for over ten hours with only a break here and there.
Now in his late fifties, John has been painting since his early twenties and has managed to carve out a successful career. His artwork is regularly featured in corporate foyers across the country, not to mention the regular art exhibits and private buyers who flock to buy his work.
John represents one of many artists who are inspired and, more importantly, not afraid to put in the dedicated hours to create masterpieces. Inspiration is the call from the soul to express itself through you. Inspiration is not only confined to the arts, it may express itself in various forms. You may be inspired if you’re a stay-at-home mother tending to your family. Inspiration is not defined by WHAT you do, rather it is defined by the state of being one experiences when inspired.
Inspiration is the expression of creativity and the mind of the universe flowing through you – and it is not exclusive to artists. If you yearn for direction, inspiration may be beckoning. How can you tell the difference between inspiration and happiness, since they both share similarities? Inspiration is characterised by a deep sense of joy and fulfilment. When you are inspired and pursuing your passion, time stands still. You are oblivious to your surroundings.
Those who are inspired find meaning and purpose to their work. They view their purpose as a calling rather than a job or career. Because of this they operate from a higher frequency, allowing the source of their inspiration to flow unimpeded through every cell of their body. Happiness on the other hand is a fleeting experience. You may be happy one moment and sad the next. We might conclude that happiness is ephemeral, bound by the constraints of external reality.
The following points are ways in which to cultivate and nurture inspiration in your daily life. It is worth reiterating that you need not be an artist, musician, dancer, etc. to connect with inspiration. Cooking and sharing a delicious meal with your loved one at the end of a long day may be regarded as an act of inspiration, since it is a calling from the heart.
- Discover your passion and connect with purpose: What are you most passionate about? What stirs your soul and leaves you daydreaming throughout the day? Those who find passion and purpose report an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, joy and bliss throughout their life. Their spirit is alive. Not only does time stand still, one feels the expression of their soul come alive. Happiness becomes an extension of universal intelligence, which serves as the conduit of this life-force flowing through you.
- Identify with thoughts which foster inspiration: It seems nowadays life has become a constant battle for survival. Amid the backdrop, inspiration takes a backseat as the mind is caught up in ‘survival mode’ rather than ‘inspired’. Weeding out thoughts which do not resonate with your deepest self allows inspiration to make its way into your life. Let go of disempowering thoughts of lack or limitation since that can stifle inspiration. As you distance yourself from such thoughts, you create a space around them rather than becoming invested in every thought. Drop those thoughts which no longer have a place in your mind and replace them with empowering ones. It won’t happen overnight, yet with persistence and compassion you can entertain thoughts which serve your highest good.
- Develop a purposeful vision: A purposeful vision is one that is connected to your WHY? A purposeful vision is the pursuit of that which resonates with your deepest self. To others it may seem trivial or a waste of time. To you, it is an opportunity to connect with your purposeful self – pursue it with determination. Your determination to succeed will be governed by how strong your why? is. If you have a strong enough why? success becomes an extension of your efforts. Your why? is your call to action. It is your internal reference and guidepost leading you towards your purpose-filled vision.
- Inspired people can’t wait to wake up in the morning: Inspired people don’t sleep in. You might be surprised to learn that inspired people are often insomniacs. Many of them ruminate in a positive way about their passion even while asleep. They live in the present moment. They practice infinite patience, since they are not bound by the constraints of tomorrow or yesterday. Inspired people make time in the afternoon for brief power naps in which to recharge. Not only does a twenty to thirty minute nap serve to lower stress, it improves cognitive function and stimulates right brain neural activity.
- Inspiration is an act of Flow: I previously wrote about Flow as a way to deeply connect with a pursuit or passion. Termed “Optimal Experience” by the Hungarian psychology professor, Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi, Flow is the internal state one experiences when consumed by their passion. Therefore a violinist may be said to be in Flow during a live performance on stage. Inspiration is heightened when one is in Flow since they are connected with higher brain regions, notably the right hemisphere. The good news is that inspiration crosses over into other areas of your life as you become open to it. Inspiration loves to be called upon, so the more space you make for it, the more readily it is available to you.
Understanding Canadian Betting Markets: A Betlama Historical Perspective
Canada’s betting landscape has undergone remarkable transformation over the past century, evolving from strictly prohibited activities to a regulated multi-billion dollar industry. Understanding this evolution requires examining the complex interplay between federal and provincial legislation, shifting public attitudes, and technological advancement. The Canadian betting market represents a unique case study in gaming regulation, where jurisdictional complexity has created distinct regional characteristics while maintaining overarching national principles. This historical perspective illuminates how Canada arrived at its current betting framework and what factors continue to shape its development.
The Legislative Foundation: From Prohibition to Provincial Control
The Canadian Criminal Code of 1892 established the initial framework that classified most forms of gambling as illegal activities. For decades, betting remained underground, with enforcement varying significantly across provinces. The watershed moment arrived in 1969 when amendments to the Criminal Code granted provinces authority to operate and regulate lottery schemes, marking the beginning of legal, government-sanctioned gambling in Canada. This legislative shift reflected changing social attitudes and recognized the futility of prohibition while acknowledging potential revenue opportunities for provincial governments.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, provinces established lottery corporations and began introducing various gaming products. British Columbia launched the Western Canada Lottery Corporation in 1974, while Quebec founded Loto-Québec in 1969, becoming pioneers in regulated gaming. Ontario followed with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, creating a patchwork of provincial operators that characterized the Canadian approach. This decentralized model meant each province developed its own regulatory philosophy, betting products, and market structure, creating the fragmented landscape that persists today.
The introduction of casino gambling in the 1990s represented another evolutionary step. Provinces began licensing land-based casinos, with venues opening across major urban centers. Manitoba opened Canada’s first permanent land-based casino in 1989, followed by rapid expansion nationwide. These developments established the regulatory expertise and infrastructure that would later prove crucial for managing digital betting markets.
The Digital Revolution and Online Betting Emergence
The internet fundamentally disrupted Canada’s betting ecosystem beginning in the late 1990s. Offshore operators recognized the regulatory vacuum surrounding online gambling and began targeting Canadian bettors with sophisticated digital platforms. Provincial monopolies found themselves competing against international companies offering superior technology, broader betting options, and competitive odds. This period created significant tension between maintaining provincial control and addressing consumer demand for online betting products.
Provincial governments responded by developing their own digital platforms. British Columbia’s PlayNow launched in 2004 as Canada’s first legal online gambling site, followed by similar provincial initiatives. However, these government-run platforms faced criticism for limited betting options, less competitive odds, and technological shortcomings compared to offshore alternatives. The market reality revealed that many Canadian bettors continued using international sites despite provincial offerings, creating ongoing regulatory challenges and revenue leakage.
The single-event sports betting prohibition represented a particularly contentious aspect of Canadian betting law. While parlay betting was permitted, the Criminal Code prohibited wagering on individual sporting events until 2021. This restriction drove Canadian sports bettors to offshore platforms or illegal bookmakers, estimated to represent billions in annual wagering volume. Industry stakeholders and provincial governments advocated for legalization, arguing that regulation would protect consumers, generate tax revenue, and eliminate criminal involvement. Those seeking to learn more about regulatory frameworks can examine how different jurisdictions balanced consumer protection with market liberalization during this transitional period.
The 2021 Watershed: Single-Event Sports Betting Legalization
Bill C-218 received Royal Assent in June 2021, fundamentally transforming Canadian sports betting by legalizing single-event wagering. This legislative change represented the culmination of decades of advocacy and recognized the futility of maintaining prohibition in the digital age. Provinces gained authority to regulate and license single-event sports betting, creating opportunities for both provincial operators and private companies to enter the market under provincial frameworks.
Ontario’s approach proved particularly significant. The province established the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as regulator and iGaming Ontario as market operator, creating Canada’s first competitive online betting market in April 2022. This model permitted private operators to obtain licenses and compete alongside government platforms, representing a philosophical departure from traditional provincial monopolies. Major international betting companies entered Ontario, investing heavily in marketing, technology, and partnerships with professional sports leagues.
Other provinces adopted different approaches reflecting their regulatory philosophies. Quebec maintained its monopoly model through Loto-Québec’s Espacejeux platform, prohibiting private operators. British Columbia, Manitoba, and Atlantic provinces similarly retained exclusive provincial control. Alberta and Saskatchewan developed hybrid models, exploring partnerships between provincial corporations and private operators. This regulatory diversity created a complex national landscape where betting legality, available operators, and product offerings vary significantly by province.
Market Dynamics and Contemporary Challenges
The legalized betting market revealed substantial pent-up demand. Ontario’s regulated market generated over $16 billion in wagering handle during its first year, demonstrating the scale of previously underground or offshore activity. Revenue sharing agreements between operators, provincial governments, and sports leagues created new funding streams for public services and athletic development. Professional sports organizations embraced betting partnerships, recognizing both revenue potential and fan engagement opportunities.
However, legalization introduced significant challenges. Responsible gambling concerns intensified as aggressive marketing campaigns saturated sports broadcasts and digital platforms. Provincial regulators implemented advertising restrictions, self-exclusion programs, and mandatory responsible gambling messaging. The social costs of problem gambling became central to policy discussions, with advocates arguing that revenue benefits must be weighed against potential harm to vulnerable populations.
The persistence of offshore operators represents an ongoing challenge. Despite legal alternatives, some bettors continue using unregulated international sites offering better odds, diverse markets, or cryptocurrency transactions. Enforcement remains difficult given the borderless nature of internet gambling and jurisdictional limitations. Regulators face the perpetual challenge of creating competitive legal markets while maintaining consumer protections and generating public revenue.
Technological innovation continues reshaping the betting landscape. Mobile betting dominates the market, with most wagering occurring through smartphone applications rather than desktop platforms or physical locations. Live in-game betting has become increasingly popular, allowing wagers on specific game events as they unfold. Artificial intelligence and data analytics enable sophisticated odds-making and personalized marketing, raising both engagement and addiction concerns.
Canada’s betting market evolution reflects broader tensions between prohibition and regulation, provincial autonomy and national consistency, consumer freedom and social protection. The historical trajectory from criminal prohibition to regulated commercialization demonstrates how policy adapts to technological change and shifting social values. As provinces continue refining their regulatory approaches, the Canadian model offers valuable lessons about balancing competing interests in gambling policy. The coming years will reveal whether the current framework successfully channels betting activity into regulated markets while adequately addressing problem gambling and maintaining public trust in gaming regulation.
