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Is sports betting legal in canada

Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada?

Is sports betting legal in Canada?

Yes, online sports betting in Canada is legal throughout all provinces. After the passing of the safe and regulated sports betting act, Canadian provinces have become able to regulate themselves. All of Canada’s provinces have approved the offering of single game sports betting on provincial online lotteries, and only Ontario has set up a licensing framework to introduce commercial bookmakers.

If you live in Ontario, you must bet on a licensed sports betting provider. If you live in any other province, you can either bet on provincially run sportsbooks, or on unregulated offshore sportsbooks (be sure to check if they carry a license from a gambling authority).

Through the page, we give legal breakdowns of each province, and suggest sportsbooks based on where in Canada you live.

Provincial flags of canada
Is sports betting legal in my province?

Ontario - We recommend Bet365

Quebec - We recommend Bet99

British Columbia - We reccomend 888sport

Alberta - We recomend BetVictor

Manitoba - We recommend Sports Interaction

Saskatchewan - We recomend Sports Select Lottery

NW Territories - We recommend Coolbet

Nunavut - We recommend LeoVegas

Yukon - We recommend Pinnacle

Atlantic (NB, PEI, NFL, NS) - We recommend Betway

Where to bet legally in Canada

Betway

  • Regular NHL specials bets and boosts
  • Sophisticated soccer bet builder
  • Dedicated esports hub with stats & info
  • Deposits and withdrawals with Interac
  • App rated 4.6 on the app store
  • Bet builder only available for soccer
  • Odds could improve
Betway
Our Pick for NHL Boosts
AGCO Licence number: OPIG1235075
Play nowGo to website
Website: betway.comFounded: 2006
Owner: Betway Group LimitedHeadquarters: Malta
Betway Canada home
Betway Canada live
Betway Canada casino

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

Betway is our top sportsbook pick in Canada. The usability, soccer, and esports options stand out most. Betway could improve the odds it offers, and tends to restrict winnings accounts, which should also be improved. Betway received the Ontario license, making it legal in the province, and is also available throughout the rest of Canada as well.

Visit Betway

Read full review

Bet365

  • Weekly same game parlay boosts for NHL
  • Consistently provides high value odds
  • Thousands of bets for soccer, NHL, NFL
  • Quality, easy-to-get app
  • Trusted by Canadians for years
  • Website interface could improve
  • Cash out offers aren’t the best
Bet365
Our Pick for Odds and Lines
AGCO licence number: OPIG12324
Play nowGo to website

Bet365 operates pursuant to an agreement with iGaming Ontario.

Website: bet365.comFounded: 2006
Owner: Bet365 Group LtdHeadquarters: Stoke
Bet365 CA Homepage
Bet365 CA Live Betting
Bet365 CA Live Casino

Summary

Author: Alex Goldstein Alex Goldstein

BetVictor

  • Highly customizable bet builder for NBA & soccer
  • Regular boosts for NHL and NBA
  • Deposit and withdraw with Interac
  • Simple website layout & quality app
  • Bet builder not available on all sports
  • Lacks props for NHL
BetVictor
Our Pick for NBA Bet Builders
AGCO licence number: OPIG1239051
Play nowGo to website

19+ | T+Cs apply | Play responsibly | ConnexOntario.ca | BetVictor operates pursuant to an agreement with iGaming Ontario

Website: betvictor.comFounded: 1946
Owner: Betvictor LtdHeadquarters: Gibraltar
Betvictor Canada home
Betvictor Canada live betting
Betvictor Canada casino

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

BetVictor is an independent sportsbook and online casino with a long history dating back to 1946. The bookmaker has established an outstanding reputation over the years, and the betting site is now available to Canadians. There is undoubtedly a UK focus on BetVictor, but bettors in Canada can choose from a wide range of markets from sports spanning across the globe.

Read full review

LeoVegas

  • Award-winning mobile betting site
  • Odds competitive with Bet365
  • Daily trending combos
  • Points spread and total toggle feature
  • Customisable bet builders for several sports
  • Desktop website needs work
  • Separate apps for sports & casino
LeoVegas
Our Pick for Mobile Betting
AGCO Licence number: OPIG1233813
Play nowGo to website

19+. T&C Apply. Please play responsibly. Connexontario.ca 1-866-531-2600

Website: leovegas.comFounded: 2011
Owner: LeoVegas Gaming plcHeadquarters: Stockholm
Leovegas home
Leovegas live bet ca
Leovegas casino ca

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

Betano

  • Award-winning soccer sportsbook
  • Same game parlays for all major sports
  • Live-streaming available
  • Could offer more payment options
  • Busy looking betting site
Betano
Our Pick for EPL Parlays Boosts
AGCO licence number: OPIG1241376
Play nowGo to website
Website: Founded:
Owner:Headquarters:

Summary

Author: Alex Goldstein Alex Goldstein

Betano’s sportsbook is very well suited to soccer bettors, most of all. The site has won awards for the soccer betting experience it offers up. Betano also offers up same game parlays for major sports, and live-streaming for all major sports leagues, which round up an impressive list of aspects to boast. Betano could, however, improve the range of payment methods it has made available to Canadians, but the recent addition of a betting app on iOS and Android has made them much more competitive in Canada.

Read full review

NEO.bet

  • Personal bet configurator with unique functionality
  • Form statistics viewable with odds on the site
  • Deposit and withdraw with Interac
  • Top of the range mobile app
  • Some instruction material in German
  • Interface can be confusing
NEO.bet
Our Pick for MLS Bets
AGCO licence number: OPIG1242835
Play nowGo to website
Website: neo.betFounded: 2018
Owner: Greenvest Betting LtdHeadquarters: Matla

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

Having established itself in Germany since its 2018 launch, NEO.bet has now arrived in Canada, bringing one of the most unique and comprehensive new sportsbooks to the Great White North. With Interac among the payment methods and a great betting app available, NEO.bet can become a significant player in Canada as far as sports betting sites are concerned.

Read full review

Pinnacle

  • Bet with high stakes at the best odds
  • Doesn’t restrict winning players
  • Plenty of payment methods (Interac & more)
  • Dedicated hubs for esports & virtual sports
  • Can be confusing for new players
  • No betting app available
Pinnacle
Our Pick for Pro Bettors
AGCO licence number: OPIG1236075
Play nowGo to website
Website: pinnacle.comFounded: 1998
Owner: Pinnacle Sports WorldwideHeadquarters: Curacao
Pinnacle home page
Pinnacle live betting
Pinnacle Casino

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

Pinnacle is an online betting site which is, according to them, 'where winners bet'. Sharp punters bet with Pinnacle because they take low margins on their odds, allowing bettors to turn over a better profit over time if they are successful with their wagers. Pinnacle allows for higher limits across all sports and markets.

Read full review

TonyBet

  • Solid soccer betting options
  • In-depth stats for each bet
  • Dedicated forecasts section
  • Website is hard to use
  • No same game parlays
  • Support takes long to respond
TonyBet
Our Pick for Forecasts & Tips
AGCO Licence Number: OPIG1239101
Play nowGo to website
Website: Founded:
Owner:Headquarters:
Tonybet Homepage
Tonybet Live Betting
Tonybet NFL Betting

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

Tonybet offers a wide range of soccer betting options, making it a good choice for players who like taking bets on that sport. The level of depth for the statistics offered was also something that impressed us. They also have a dedicated forecasts section, that can help you with your picks if you’re not sure about which outcome to bet on. Tonybet could improve the overall look and feel of the site. If you were coming to the site for the first time, you may feel a little overwhelmed by all there is to see. The lack of same game parlays, and the lengthy response times from their support departments are also areas that we felt could improve.

Give Tonybet a try

Read full review

Sports Interaction

  • Randomized bets at +5000 odds
  • Unique free to play option
  • Use Interac for withdrawals and deposits
  • 24/7 support
  • Frequently suspends markets
  • Not always the best lines
Sports Interaction
Our Pick for Novelty Bets
AGCO licence number: OPIG1242525
Play nowGo to website
Website: sportsinteraction.comFounded: 1997
Owner: Mohawk Online LimitedHeadquarters: Kahnawake
Sports interaction sports ca
Sports interaction live betting ca
Sports interaction casino ca

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

PowerPlay

  • Good range of novelty bets - politics & competitions
  • Extensive range of virtual bets - motorsports, dogs & more
  • Great range of UFC special bets
  • Deposit and withdraw using Interac
  • No bet builders
  • Overall lacking markets
PowerPlay
Our pick for Virtual Bets
AGCO licence number: OPIG1242190
Play nowGo to website
Website: Founded:
Owner:Headquarters:

Summary

Author: Alex Goldstein Alex Goldstein

888sport

  • Handy bet tracking feature via “bet feed”
  • Customized “made for you” bets available
  • 888 specials for a wide range of sports
  • Points spread and total toggle feature
  • Customisable bet builders for several sports
  • Buggy app that tends to crash
  • Odds aren’t up to par
888sport
Our Pick for Puck Line Betting
AGCO licence number: OPIG1225636
Play nowGo to website
Website: 888sport.comFounded: 2008
Owner: 888 Holdings PLCHeadquarters: Gibraltar
888sport home ca
888sports live ca
888casino ca

Summary

Author: Ben Smith Ben Smith

Legal Betting in Canada

We have scoured the betting sites in Canada, and read all there is to read about betting law in the country. We even got the help of a legal expert to help us with what everything meant when it comes to legality surrounding sports betting in Canada.

While we had a legal expert help us, nothing on this page can be treated as legal advice. We are not legal experts, so we encourage you to seek out a lawyer if you have any further questions surrounding gambling law in Canada.

Is Sports betting legal in Ontario?

Online and retail sports betting is legal in Ontario, and has been since the 4th of April 2022. Ontario was the first province to introduce single game betting through their Proline+ product, an arm of the Ontario Lottery Corporation (OLG), in August 2021.

Seven and a half months later, Ontario implemented a licensing system, that welcomed the commercial bookmakers like Bet365, Betway, and 888Sport to offer their operations legally in the province, after granting them operational licenses.

As it stands, there are 30 licensed betting sites in Ontario, with more entering every month. Ontario has also awarded licenses to a number of online casinos.

Flag of Ontario
Quick facts about gambling in Ontario
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 14.6 million

Legal sports betting age: 19

Online sports betting: Yes

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Proline

Provincial online gaming platform: Proline+

Bet365 in Ontario

Why we recommend Bet365 in Ontario

✅ Great odds

✅ Wide range of betting lines

✅ Live streaming available


Is Sports betting legal in Quebec?

In Quebec, online and retail sports betting is legal through Lotto Quebec’s sports betting product known as Mis-o-jeu. Similar to Ontario, Quebec began offering single game betting on Mis-o-jeu soon after the passing of the safe and regulated sports betting act in August 2021.

Quebec's residents also have the option to bet on commercial offshore bookmakers if they so please. While these sportsbooks are not regulated in the provinces, users can choose from sportsbooks that carry international licenses, that accept Canadian players, and that offer their services in French language.

There have been no further updates surrounding the direction Quebec will take when it comes to developing licensing systems. For more information on betting sites in Quebec (in French), visit our sister site: lebonparisportif.com/ca.

Flag of Quebec
Quick facts about gambling in Quebec
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 8.6 million

Legal sports betting age: 18

Online sports betting: Yes

Retails sportsbooks: None aside from Mis-o-jeu

Provincial online gaming platform: Mis-o-jeu

Bet99 in Quebec

Why we recommend Bet99 in Quebec

✅ Available in French

✅ Fantastic bet builder

✅ Extensive player props section


Is Sports betting legal in BC?

Sports betting is legal in British Columbia through the British Colombia lottery corporation’s Play Now sportsbook. British Colombia was among the first provinces to legalize online single game sports betting through their provincially run sportsbook.

Betting on commercial offshore bookmakers is currently unregulated in British Columbia, however, betting on these bookmakers that carry licenses from international gambling bodies (such as Malta or Curaçao), is perfectly safe.

While unregulated, betting on these sportsbooks is not a criminal offence. The BC government has not yet released any statements about creating a legal framework for online gambling.

Flag of BC
Quick facts about gambling in BC
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 5.1 million

Legal sports betting age: 19

Online sports betting: Yes

Retails sportsbooks: None aside from Play Now

Provincial online gaming platform: Play Now

888Sport in BC

Why we recommend 888sport in BC

✅ Unique bet tracking features

✅ wide range of betting options

✅ Good for betting on the Canucks


Is sports betting legal in Alberta?

Sports betting is legal in Alberta through their Play Alberta sportsbook, the province’s only online gambling product. Single game sports betting was also launched in Alberta, which is now available on their provincially run online sportsbook.

Alberta was the 8th province in Canada to launch single game sports betting, making them slower on the uptake than many of the other provinces in the country.

While Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis has not released any official updates, there’s been a bit of talk surrounding the province’s desire to welcome offshore commercial sportsbooks, such as Pointsbet and Fanduel. The province offers commercial sportsbooks a desirable new market, as it’s home to over four million residents.

Flag of Alberta
Quick facts about gambling in Alberta
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 4.4 million

Legal sports betting age: 18

Online sports betting: Yes

Retails sportsbooks: None aside from Play Alberta

Provincial online gaming platform: Play Alberta

BetVictor in Alberta

Why we recommend BetVictor in Alberta

✅ Best NBA bet builder in Canada

✅ Good boosts for the Flames & Oilers

✅ Interac available for deposits


Is betting legal in Manitoba?

Much like the rest of the provinces in Canada, Manitoba also elected to legalize single game wagers through their government run Play Now Sportsbook. This option serves as the only regulated online sportsbook for Manitoba residents.

While this is the case, sports bettors can also make use of offshore commercial betting sites, as Manitoba is yet to prohibit the use of these sites. While unregulated, these operators accept players from Manitoba, and offer more options and value.

Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba is yet to announce any updates regarding how the province will approach the future of legal online sports betting.

Flag of Manitoba
Quick facts about gambling in Manitoba
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 1.3 million

Legal sports betting age: 18

Online sports betting: Yes

Retails sportsbooks: None aside from Play Now

Provincial online gaming platform: Play Now

SIA in Manitoba

Why we recommend SIA in Manitoba

✅ Canada focussed product

✅ Fun Pinata picks section

✅ Licensed by KGC and in Ontario


Is betting legal in Saskatchewan?

Sports betting is legal in Saskatchewan through the province’s Play Now sportsbook. As it stands, users can also bet on offshore commercial bookmakers.

Saskatchewan is the only province aside from Ontario that has outlined a specific approach to the introduction of the safe and regulated sports betting act. The Saskatchewan liquor and gaming authority has pledged to design a top of the range online betting and casino product for users to enjoy, which will only be accessible to people within the province.

Based on this, Saskatchewan appears to approach the situation quite differently from Ontario. While Ontario looked to strive for variety and diversity, Saskatchewan is looking to plant all its sports betting eggs in one basket, which can lead to issues.

Flag of Saskatchewan
Quick facts about gambling in SK
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 1.18 million

Legal sports betting age: 19

Online sports betting: Yes

Retails sportsbooks: None aside from Sports Select Lottery

Provincial online gaming platform: Sports Select

Recommended Saskatchewan Sportsbook: Sports Select

✅ Decent range of odds and options

✅ Regulated in Saskatchewan

✅ Built-in lottery and casino

Is betting legal in NW territories?

Sports betting is legal in the North Western Territories at the Western Canada Lottery Corporation’s Sports Select Sportsbook. People living in the Northwestern Territories can also make use of offshore commercial bookmakers, even though they remain unregulated in the province.

The launch of single game sports betting on Sports Select came roughly two months after the implementation of the safe and regulated sports betting act, making it one of the last provinces to adopt the new legislation.

The North Western territories have not yet announced how they will move forward given the freedom afforded to them through the safe and regulated sports betting act.

Flag of NW territories
Quick facts about gambling in NW territories
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 45,000

Online sports betting: Yes

Legal age for sports betting: 19

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Sports Select Lottery

Provincial online gaming platform: Sports Select

Coolbet for NW Territories

Why we recommend Coolbet in NW

✅ Award winning mobile site

✅ Goods odds across major North American sports

✅ Interesting combo generator feature


Is betting legal in Nunavut?

Similar to the situation in the North Western Territories, legal single game sports betting arrived to Nunavut via the Western Lottery Corporation's Sports Select platform, on the 1st of November 2021.

Nunavut residents can also make use of offshore sportsbooks, as the use of these operators has not been prohibited in the province.

As it stands, no further updates have been made regarding whether Nunavut will welcome more sportsbooks into the province.

Flag of Yukon
Quick facts about gambling in Nunavut
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 39,000

Online sports betting: Yes

Legal age for sports betting: 19

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Sports Select Lottery

Provincial online gaming platform: Sports Select

LeoVegas in Nunavut

Why we recommend LeoVegas in Nunavut

✅ Good casino and live casino options

✅ Highly competitive odds

✅ Great for betting on mobile


Is betting legal in yukon?

Much like Nunavut and the Northwestern Territories, Yukon launched a new and improved Sports Select platform on 1st Nov. 2021, providing the province with legal online single game sports betting.

Residents in Yukon are also able to access offshore bookmakers, as they remain unregulated, but not illegal to use throughout the province.

Flag of Nunavut
Quick facts about gambling in Yukon
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Population: 42,000

Online sports betting: Yes

Legal age for sports betting: 19

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Sports Select Lottery

Provincial online gaming platform: Sports Select

Pinnacle in Yukon

Why we recommend Pinnacle in Yukon

✅ Welcomes high rollers

✅ Interesting features such as the margin calculator

✅ Wide range of payment methods


Is betting legal in the Atlantic region?

Sports betting is legal throughout the Atlantic region, although, some provinces in this area were more hesitant than others to introduce single game wagers in the province.

In each of these provinces, users can make use of the dedicated provincial sports betting product (Proline Atlantic), along with offshore commercial bookmakers.

Below, we explain the situation in each province in a little more detail.

Map of Atlantic Canada

Betway in Atlantic

Why we recommend Betway across Atlantic

✅ Great soccer bet builders

✅ Market leaders in esports

✅ Good range of options for North American sports


Is betting legal in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia was the final province in Canada to legalize single game sports betting on provincial lottery, right in time for Superbowl 58.

Nova Scotians can bet on the Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s Proline product, and can also access unregulated offshore betting sites without breaking any laws. Much like New Brunswick, Nova Scotia has not announced whether it will set up a licensing system like the one that can be found in Ontario.

Quick Facts about gambling in Nova Scotia:

Population: 979, 000

Legal sports betting age: 19

Online sports betting: Yes

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Proline Atlantic

Provincial online gaming platform: Proline Stadium

Is betting legal in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick was one of the Atlantic provinces to introduce single game sports betting on the day the safe and regulated sports betting act came into force (27 Aug, 2021). New Brunswick residents can choose to either bet on Proline Stadium (managed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation), or on offshore bookmakers.

New Brunswick has not yet announced whether it will develop a licensing framework for offshore bookmakers.

Quick facts about New Brunswick gambling

Population: 783,000

Legal sports betting age: 19

Online sports betting: Yes

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Proline Atlantic

Provincial online gaming platform: Proline Stadium

Prince Edward Island

Online sports betting is legal in Prince Edward Island, with single game wagers becoming available on Proline Stadium on the 27 August 2021. Users in Canada’s smallest province can also bet with offshore commercial bookmakers if they want.

Prince Edward Island is another province that has not announced any developments when it comes to developing a licensing framework.

Quick facts about gambling in Prince Edward Island

Population: 164, 000

Legal sports betting age: 19

Online sports betting: Yes

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Proline Atlantic

Provincial online gaming platform: Proline Stadium

Newfoundland

Yes, sports betting in Newfoundland is legal. The province, that is often regarded as Canada’s least gambling friendly province, began accepting single game bets on Proline Stadium.

Gamblers in Newfoundland and Labrador can also access commercial offshore bookmakers, as these remain unregulated, but are not illegal. It is likely that it will be a long time until Newfoundland and Labrador develops a legal framework such as the one developed in Ontario.

Quick Facts about betting in NFL

Population: 521,000

Legal sports betting age: 19

Online sports betting: Yes

Retail sportsbooks: None aside from Proline Atlantic

Provincial online gaming platform: Proline Stadium

In conclusion - Online sports betting is legal in Canada

As the above heading mentions, sports betting is indeed legal in Canada.

The situation is arguably the most clear in Ontario, where commercial sportsbooks need to be licensed in order to operate legally. The other alternative Ontario sports bettors have is the government run provincial sportsbook Proline+.

The rest of Canada's provinces have yet to set up the licensing framework that Ontario has. The passing of the safe and regulated sports betting act has meant that sports in the provinces and territories in Canada have been given the ability to regulate themselves.

As it stands, unregulated offshore bookmakers remain available throughout Canada (excluding Ontario), along with the given provincial sportsbook websites.

In the months to come, we expect more and more provinces to take action based on their ability to make decisions around sports betting legality.

Check out the legal betting sites in Canada (+ Ontario).

Check out the legal betting sites (Ontario only).