Canada Sports Betting 2023 – Top Online Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting in Canada is legal, with each province able to regulate the activity with its own set of rules. Most provinces have some form of sports betting available via provincial lotteries, and the options are likely to continue to grow.
Best Canadian sports betting apps 2023
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Is sports betting legal in Canada?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Canada. In August 2021, Canadian lawmakers amended the nation’s criminal code via bill C-218 to allow single-game sports betting.
The key to understanding the law is that by itself, it did not make sports betting legal throughout Canada. Similar to what happened when the US Supreme Court struck down that nation’s federal ban in 2018, this legislation allows provinces to decide individually whether they want to allow sports wagering and in what forms.
What’s next for sports betting in Canada?
What’s next for Canadian sports betting depends largely on the individual provinces. While there have been minor developments in Alberta sports betting and Saskatchewan, most of the attention is on Ontario, the first province to allow commercial online sportsbooks.
Canada’s most populous province has been the test case for a competitive sports betting market that other provinces like British Columbia and Alberta could eventually emulate if they choose to expand their current systems.
What’s happening in Canada sports betting right now
- Sept. 22, 2023 — An attempt to build a casino near the Bell Centre in Montreal, home of the Montreal Canadiens, was cancelled after Montreal Public Health advised against the idea.
- Sept. 20, 2023 — The NBA, CFL and MLS all reportedly support the expansion of sports betting in Quebec. The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition is hoping to bring more legal sports betting apps to the province.
- Sept. 7, 2023 — The CEO of PointsBet mentioned Alberta as a potential area of growth for sports betting in North America in 2024.
- Aug. 16, 2023 — Woodbine Racetrack announces a new partnership with Bet365 that will now allow Ontario bettors to place wagers on horse racing. The 164th King’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack takes place on Aug. 20.
- Aug. 10, 2023 — PlayAlberta announces a switch to BtoBet as its new sportsbook provider.
- July 21, 2023 — Saskatchewan’s lone online sports betting provider, PlayNow, says it was profitable in its first fiscal year. PlayNow launched in the province on Nov. 3, 2022.
- July 19, 2023 — Ontario reports $14 billion in handle for Q1 (April 1 to June 30) between sports betting and online casino gaming. Of that total, $2 billion was from sports betting.
Top sportsbooks in Canada
A number of companies either have shown interest in offering sports betting in Canada or are already doing so with the intention of expanding as more provinces open up. Here are the top sportsbooks offering online sports betting promos in Canada right now. All are available only in Ontario:
1. BetMGM Sportsbook
Another top-tier online betting platform in the US, BetMGM Sportsbook has targeted hockey fans in Canada, striking deals with The Hockey News, Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid. The book also offers a solid selection of sports on which to bet.
- App rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Key takeaway: A customizable app with a long list of sports and bets.
2. BetRivers Sportsbook
The BetRivers Sportsbook app is easy to navigate, but the website can be busy and tough to use at times. The book does have a good menu of betting options and makes the deposit process easy.
- App rating: 4.1 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Website can be busy and slow, but depositing is easy.
3. Caesars Sportsbook
This easy-to-use app is one of the more popular options in Ontario sports betting, as it boasts a user-friendly interface that works well for beginners. The Caesars Sportsbook app also has a solid selection of sports, but it lacks a “wow factor” that could take it to the next level.
- App rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Simple and effective app gets players back to basics.
4. DraftKings Sportsbook
One of the top sports betting options in North America, DraftKings Sportsbook combines a sleek interface with a good selection of sports and wagers. DraftKings also makes it easy to withdraw money from your account.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Key takeaway: A fast-moving app that works well for live betting.
5. TonyBet
Once called OmniBet, TonyBet was purchased and renamed by prominent poker player Tony G. The sportsbook is becoming a mainstay in the legal Ontario sports betting market and is known for its easy transactions and quality customer service. TonyBet is also an official sponsor of the Canadian Premier League.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.2 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Great customer service.
Recent Canadian sports betting news
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Canada sports betting law
In August 2021, Canadian lawmakers repealed a law that prevented provinces from allowing single-game sports wagering. Every province launched some sort of retail sports betting product within months of the new legal environment, and many added a complementary online option.
Furthermore, Ontario is now the first province with a commercially competitive online market. The open season for Ontario sports betting began in April 2022. Multiple sportsbooks have gone live, with BetMGM and Caesars the first of many available for play inside provincial borders, from Windsor to Fort Severn.
Previously, only a limited version of sports betting in the form of parlay-style wagering was available from provincial lotteries. One example is ProLine in Ontario.
The Canadian Gaming Association lobbied for more than a decade to alter the country’s sports betting law. The effort finally gained momentum when the US market began to open in 2018.
What C-218 means for Canadian sports betting
Despite its broad effect on gambling in Canada, C-218 is a short and direct piece of legislation.
According to the official summary, C-218 “amends paragraph 207(4)(b) of the Criminal Code to make it lawful for the government of a province, or a person or entity licensed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of that province, to conduct and manage a lottery scheme in the province that involves betting on a race (other than a horse race) or fight, or on a single sport event or athletic contest.”
In other words, each provincial government is able to manage its own sports betting rules and regulations, should it choose to do so. Almost any sport is viable fodder for wagering. The only exception is horse racing, which is separate and falls under its own set of regulations.
The law’s chief effect is to remove the prohibition on single-game wagering in Canada. Canadians were only able to bet on parlays available from provincial lotteries up to that point. Because the law’s language is so broad, it applies to both retail and online sports betting. In theory, a provincial government could decline to allow sports betting to proceed, but none have done so.
Most importantly, the law places sports betting firmly under the control of provincial governments. It is likely that some areas of Canada will prefer to keep their sportsbook operations “in-house” for the foreseeable future. However, Ontario chose to go a different direction and opened its market. Other provinces, such as Alberta, have also indicated they might pursue a more competitive market.
Legal sports betting options by province
There are multiple legal betting options in Canada. Each province has its own sports betting products available through provincial lottery retailers and online. Below is a list of the options that Canadians have at their disposal, but bear in mind that this list is fluid and will change as provincial governments apply their own approaches.
- Alberta — Western Canada Lottery Corp. (Play Alberta)
- British Columbia — British Columbia Lottery Corp. (Sports Action)
- Manitoba — Western Canada Lottery Corp. (Play Now)
- New Brunswick — Atlantic Lottery Corp. (ProLine)
- Newfoundland and Labrador — Atlantic Lottery Corp. (ProLine)
- Nova Scotia — Atlantic Lottery Corp. (ProLine)
- Ontario — Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (ProLine Plus) and a variety of commercial sportsbooks
- Prince Edward Island — Atlantic Lottery Corp. (ProLine)
- Quebec — Loto-Québec (Mise-o-Jeu+)
- Saskatchewan/Nunavut, Yukon and Northwest Territories — Western Canada Lottery Corp. (no online option yet)
Ontario sports betting
Ontario is primed to be the sports betting leader for Canada given how populous it is. The province has more than 38% of Canada’s population and would be the fifth-largest US state, in front of Pennsylvania.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming launched ProLine+ on Aug. 27, 2021, allowing residents to wager on single events. In addition, the province opened its market to outside companies like Caesars and BetMGM. The new Ontario online sports betting market launched on April 4.
Ontario also borders Michigan in the US. Legal sports betting in Michigan is available both online and at retail locations. Some of those same books in Michigan have launched in Ontario, too.
Toronto, the largest city in Ontario, has four significant professional teams in American sports leagues:
- MLB — Toronto Blue Jays
- MLS — Toronto FC
- NBA — Toronto Raptors
- NHL — Toronto Maple Leafs
British Columbia sports betting
British Columbia’s lottery encouraged federal legislators to approve C-218 and bring legal single-game sports betting to Canada.
According to the British Columbia Lottery Corp.:
“BCLC expects single-event sports betting would generate an estimated $125 million to $175 million in additional revenue through online and land-based opportunities.”
The BCLC launched an expanded PlayNow.com product as soon as it was able to, in August 2021. Professional sports teams in British Columbia include a couple in major sports leagues:
- NHL — Vancouver Canucks
- MLS — Vancouver Whitecaps
Overview of legal gambling in Canada
Here is a quick look at some key features of legal gambling in Canada:
| Casinos | Casinos are located in almost every province. Some are operated by First Nations while others are operated by large Canadian gambling companies like Great Canadian Gaming and Gateway Casinos and Entertainment. The largest casino in Canada is located in Quebec: Casino de Montreal. |
| Fantasy sports | Daily fantasy sports sites are legal in Canada with the biggest operators accepting players in the provinces. |
| Horse racing | Horse racing, and betting on horse racing, are both legal in Canada. The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency oversees the industry. |
| Lottery | Five provincial lottery commissions oversee various lottery games, both online and in person. Lottery games include online casino play in some provinces as well as traditional lottery games like Lotto Max and keno. |
| Sports betting | Provincial lotteries operated parlay online betting sites before 2021. Now, each province can expand their betting options if they choose. Most have done so. |
Note that a massive gray market offers sports betting to Canadians at offshore sportsbooks. These offshore books don’t pay taxes and aren’t regulated at the provincial or federal level. Additionally, regulators have expressed the potential to crack down on these books after launching legal options.
Sports bettors make an additional gamble whenever they bet at these offshore sites, as there’s no guarantee of payment for winning bets. Some offshore sportsbooks have closed their operations without warning and without returning customer funds.
Canada vs. US sports betting
The sports betting markets in Canada and the United States are quickly becoming mirror images.
To date, more than 80% of all states have pursued some form of legislation for legal sports betting. US sports betting could become enormous in a short time as the adoption of mobile wagering increases.
For example, New Jersey alone saw more than $6 billion wagered in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of sports. New York saw betting approach nearly $2 billion in its first month of service in January 2022.
Canada is still in the process of expanding its sports betting profile. Like the US, the Canadian government has placed the decision about sports betting with its regional governments in the provinces. With one exception, no province in Canada has allowed commercial sportsbooks to launch legally and has preferred to keep sports betting with their respective provincial lotteries.
The lone exception is Ontario. In April 2022, Ontarians gained the ability to play on a variety of sportsbook apps, such as theScore Bet, BetMGM, Caesars and PointsBet. For all intents and purposes, Ontario now more closely resembles many states in terms of its treatment of sports betting.
A recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers outlined the economic outlook for Canadian sports betting. Within two years of legalization, PwC estimates the market could reach up to $2.4 billion. Similarly, a Deloitte Canada report recently estimated Canadians could grow their legal sports betting market to $28 billion within just five years.
Popular sports to wager on in Canada
There would be no point in talking about popular sports in Canada without hockey. There are seven National Hockey League teams based in Canada:
- Calgary Flames
- Edmonton Oilers
- Montreal Canadiens
- Ottawa Senators
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Vancouver Canucks
- Winnipeg Jets
With that many teams, hockey is sure to get its fair share of the legal Canadian sports betting market. Just like its southern neighbor, though, football will likely see the most bets of any sport.
Canada has the Canadian Football League, but the National Football League is popular, as well. According to a January 2020 blog from Mintel, a quarter of Canadians follow the NFL, same as the CFL.
Other leagues should receive some betting love, as well. Toronto is the home to the only Canadian franchises in MLB and the NBA.
Canadian sports betting timeline
2013: MP Brian Masse launches the first attempt to end the ban on single-game sports betting in Canada, but it fails.
2016: Masse’s second attempt to end the single-game ban fails.
2020: MP Kevin Waugh launches the third effort to end the ban on single-game sports betting in Canada. C-218 receives significant support from multiple parties and eventually ends up as a government bill in November.
2021: Parliament passes C-218 to potentially create a robust Canadian sports betting market. Single-event sports betting is legal as of Aug. 27. Seven provincial lotteries launch sports betting products almost immediately, and the rest follow by the end of the year.
2022: Ontario becomes the first Canadian province to allow external online sportsbooks to do business inside Canada. Names like theScore Bet, PointsBet, Caesars, and BetMGM are now available to Ontarians and visitors to the province. DraftKings follows with its online sportsbook and casino in May. In June, the NFL expands its partnership with FanDuel Sportsbook to include Canada.
Canada sports betting FAQ
Where can I bet on sports in Canada?
For the most part, you can legally bet on sports anywhere in Canada. Each provincial lottery has unveiled a retail sports betting product, and almost all of them have launched an online companion as well. You can also try one of the many lottery retailers in each province if you prefer to bet in person.
The only holdout on the online side is Saskatchewan, and its officials have already indicated they are planning to allow online betting sometime in mid-2022.
Can I bet on my phone in Canada?
Yes, unless you live in Saskatchewan. Each provincial lottery offers an online sports betting option, and Saskatchewan will have one itself in mid-2022. Ontarians now have the biggest selection of online books at their disposal, since commercial sportsbooks debuted there in April.
What is the legal age for betting online in Canada?
The legal age for sports betting in Canada varies on a provincial level. For the most part, customers must be 19 or older in order to wager. However, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec do allow betting from 18-year-olds.
Can I play daily fantasy sports in Canada?
Yes, daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Canada. The industry’s biggest names, DraftKings and FanDuel, both operate in much of the country, though not for DFS in Ontario.
Is DraftKings legal in Canada?
As a fantasy sports operator, yes. As a sportsbook, it is just legal in Ontario so far. However, DraftKings DFS stopped accepting players in Ontario in April 2022.
Is horse betting legal in Canada?
Yes, horse racing and betting on horse racing are legal in every province of Canada. The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency regulates and supervises betting on horse racing at the federal level.