Ross is a seasoned sports betting writer turned editor, with years of experience covering everything from major league matchups to emerging trends in the video game industry for GiveMeSport and SportsKeeda. He holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Plymouth University, where he honed his storytelling skills and developed a sharp editorial eye.
In this article
- Ontario Sports Betting At a Glance
- Popular Sports, Teams & Events to Bet On in Ontario
- Main Types of Sportsbook Promos
- Popular Sports Betting Markets in Ontario
- How to Sign Up and Start Betting
- Is Sports Betting Legal in Ontario?
- An Overview of Legal Betting Options in Ontario
- How Ontario’s Sports Betting Market Compares to Other Provinces
- Ontario Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Options
- Responsible Gambling
- Final Verdict
- FAQs
Ontario Sports Betting At a Glance
Here is a snapshot of the sports betting Ontario market to help you get up to speed quickly.
| 🗓️ Market Launch | April 4, 2022 – Ontario opened its regulated iGaming market under iGaming Ontario (iGO). |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Legal Status | Regulated open market for online sportsbooks via iGaming Ontario; single-event betting was enabled federally by Bill C-218 in 2021. |
| 🏦 Regulator | iGaming Ontario (iGO) operates the market under the oversight of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). |
| 📈 Number of Licensed Sportsbooks | 50+ registered operators / 80+ gaming sites listed by iGaming Ontario (numbers updated periodically; check iGO directory for current totals). |
| 💳 Common Payment Methods | Interac (e-Transfer/IDP), iDebit/Instadebit, credit/debit cards, e-wallets (Skrill, PayPal) – plus many offshore sites also accept cryptocurrency. |
| 🏒 Popular Sports | NHL (Maple Leafs), NBA (Raptors), MLB (Blue Jays), CFL, MLS (Toronto FC), eSports – heavy local interest in hockey, basketball, baseball, and Canadian football. (Provincial fanbases and betting volume reflect these leagues.) |
| 💡 Offshore Betting Options | Yes — accessible. Many Ontario bettors use reputable international sportsbooks for broader markets, larger welcome promos, crypto banking, and early lines, though iGO/AGCO does not regulate these websites. |
Popular Sports, Teams & Events to Bet On in Ontario
The betting scene in Ontario is one of the most dynamic in Canada, giving fans access to countless professional teams and top-tier betting markets. From NHL rivalries to CFL classics and international soccer matchups, you can explore a deep range of betting options year-round. Whether wagering through desktop Canadian sportsbooks or trusted mobile apps, you can enjoy competitive odds, live betting, and exclusive Ontario sports betting promos.
| 🏒NHL | 🏀NBA | ⚾️MLB | 🏈CFL | ⚽️MLS | 🏒AHL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators | Toronto Raptors | Toronto Blue Jays | Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Redblacks | Toronto FC | Toronto Marlies, Belleville Senators |
Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the pride of Ontario hockey. As one of the league’s Original Six teams, the Leafs attract massive action each season – especially during playoffs or when facing the Ottawa Senators in the Battle of Ontario.
Most major sportsbooks and best betting apps in Ontario offer an extensive range of Leafs markets. From puck lines and player props to live in-play bets, the Leafs consistently dominate provincial betting slips.
Ottawa Senators (NHL)
The Ottawa Senators remain a key part of Ontario’s hockey culture. Their passionate fan base ensures that every Sens matchup, particularly those against Toronto, generates serious betting interest.
Top Ontario betting apps provide strong coverage for Senators games, including game lines, prop bets, and futures. Some sportsbooks even roll out seasonal promos that reward you for backing your local team.
Toronto Raptors (NBA)
Since capturing their first NBA Championship in 2019, the Toronto Raptors have become one of Canada’s most popular teams to bet on. Raptors fans across Ontario can find a dozen betting markets per game, from point spreads and totals to player performance props.
Leading sportsbooks and betting apps in Ontario regularly feature boosted odds and parlay insurance for Raptors games, making basketball betting in the province even more exciting.
Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
The Toronto Blue Jas, Canada’s lone MLB team, are a summer favourite for bettors across Ontario. Jays fans, who are energized by the team’s run to the 2025 American League Championship Series, can place wagers on everything from standard moneylines and run lines to player props and inning-specific markets.
Several of the best betting apps in Ontario feature Blue Jays promotions throughout the season, including free bet offers during home series and boosted odds on long-ball hitters.
Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
Ontario’s football tradition runs deep, with the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats leading the charge in the CFL. These rivals deliver some of the most anticipated matchups of the year, including the iconic Labour Day Classic.
Most of Ontario’s sports betting apps feature complete CFL coverage, including spreads, totals, and futures markets for the Grey Cup. You can also find unique prop bets for individual player performance or team milestones at many bookies.
Toronto FC (MLS)
The Toronto FC are the face of Canadian soccer, boasting a passionate following that has grown steadily since their MLS debut in 2007. Matches against rivals like CF Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps generate some of the most exciting soccer betting opportunities in the province.
You can find Toronto FC odds and markets on all top sportsbooks, with select promos offering parlay boosts and early payout options on significant matchups.
Major Events and Athletes
Ontario bettors also have access to some of the most exciting sporting events in the country. The Grey Cup, UFC Fight Nights in Toronto, and NHL All-Star Game are all major highlights for both fans and sportsbooks. And with local heroes like Auston Matthews, Scottie Barnes, and Bianca Andreescu leading the charge, there’s never been a better time to enjoy sports betting across the province.
Main Types of Sportsbook Promos
Sportsbooks that welcome Ontario players provide a wide range of sports betting promotions designed to reward both new and returning bettors. These offers vary between platforms, but generally follow familiar formats that enhance the overall wagering experience while maintaining fair and transparent terms.
- Signup Bonuses: Ontario betting sites often compete to offer the best signup bonus for sports betting in Ontario, providing you with extra value upon registration.
- Deposit Matches: The most common promotions include a deposit match bonus, where you’ll receive a percentage of your first deposit, often a 100% match up to $500, to start betting with a larger balance.
- Risk-Free Bets: No-sweat bets or risk-free wagers are also popular, refunding a stake (usually as site credit) if your first qualifying wager loses.
- Weekly Cashback: Some of the most popular betting apps with a sign-up bonus in Ontario also offer cashback or rebate programs, which return a percentage of weekly or monthly losses.
- VIP Rewards: If you bet regularly, you may also benefit from VIP or loyalty programs, which reward ongoing play through cashback, bonus credits, or exclusive contests.
Popular Sports Betting Markets in Ontario
Understanding the main bet types available at Ontario sportsbooks can help you to get more from every wager. Our recommended sites offer the following markets across major sports like the NHL, NBA, CFL, and MLB.
Moneylines
Moneylines are the simplest type of bet – you pick which team you think will win the game outright. These bets are the most common starting points if you’re new to sports betting, and you’ll find them on every sport. Odds are expressed in the American format (e.g. -150 or +130), with negative odds indicating the favourite and positive odds the underdog.
Point Spreads
Instead of choosing an outright winner, a point spread bet requires your chosen team to win by a certain margin or lose by less than a certain margin. For example, a spread of -6.5 means the favourite must win by seven or more points for the bet to pay out. Spreads are popular for NFL and NBA betting, where one team is a heavy favourite.
Totals (Over/Under)
A totals bet is a wager on the combined score of both teams in a game, set against a line that’s established by the Ontario sportsbook. You bet whether the final combined score will be over or under that number. You’ll find Totals on virtually every sport, and they’re a good option if you’ve got a view on the pace of play rather than the outright winner.
Parlays
A parlay bet combines two or more individual bets into a single wager. For the parlay to payout, all your selections must win. Because the risk is higher, the potential return is significantly higher than placing each bet separately. Most Ontario sportsbooks allow parlays across different sports and bet types. Some websites also offer parlay insurance that refunds your stake if one leg of a multi-leg parlay loses.
Player Props
Prop bets focus on individual player performance rather than game outcomes. For example, wagering on whether a player will score over or under a set number of points, assists, rebounds, or goals. Player props are especially popular in the NBA and NHL, and most major Ontario sportsbooks now offer 20 or more prop markets per game on top matchups.
Live and In-Play Betting
Live betting lets you place your wager after a game has started. This means odds update in real time as the action happens. Most major sportsbooks offer live markets across NHL, NBA, MLB, and soccer, including live point spreads, totals, and next-score markets. Some sites also offer live streaming alongside in-play betting, so you can watch and wager simultaneously.
Futures
Futures bets are wagers placed on outcomes that won’t be decided until the end of a season or tournament. For example, which team will win the Stanley Cup, the Grey Cup, or the NBA Championship. Odds shift throughout the season, so by placing a futures bet early, it can lead to significant returns.
How to Sign Up and Start Betting
Finding and signing up with the best online sportsbooks in Ontario is straightforward. Whether you prefer desktop or mobile apps, the top platforms make it easy to start betting quickly, access competitive odds, and claim available promotions. Follow these four simple steps to get started:
- Choose a sportsbook: Select one of the reviewed top bookies from our list that suits your gambling preferences.
- Create an account: After selecting your favourite bookie, open their official website and click on the ‘Register’ button.
- Deposit funds: After completing your account, go to the ‘Deposit’ section and fund your account. Respect the minimum and maximum limits.
- Start playing: The only thing left to do is to claim your welcome bonus and start betting!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ontario?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Ontario. The province operates a regulated online market, managed commercially through iGaming Ontario, with regulatory oversight from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
- Ontario iGaming Regulations: Ontario opened its regulated iGaming market on April 4, 2022, and since then, dozens of licensed operators have offered online sports betting services.
- Offshore Sportsbooks: Offshore sportsbooks continue to accept Ontario customers under international licences. These sites operate under laws and regulators outside Canada (for example, Malta or Curacao) and remain available as alternatives to provincially registered operators.
Timeline of Ontario Sports Betting Legislation
Ontario’s journey toward legal sports betting has evolved steadily over the past several years, marked by key federal and provincial milestones. From the legalization of single-event wagering to the creation of iGaming Ontario, each step has shaped the province’s betting environment.
- August 2025: iGaming Ontario reports continued market growth with over 50 approved operators active in the province.
- April 2023: Ontario celebrates the first anniversary of its open iGaming market.
- April 2022: The regulated iGaming and online sports betting market officially launches under iGaming Ontario, with single-event wagering available from day one across all licensed operators.
- June – August 2021: Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, receives Royal Assent in June and takes effect in August, amending the Criminal Code to legalize single-event wagering across Canada and giving provinces authority to regulate it independently. iGaming Ontario is formally established in July to manage relationships between private operators and the provincial government.
- Pre-2021: Ontario residents were limited to parlay-style wagers through the provincial lottery’s Proline product.
Single-Event Wagering in Ontario
Before 2021, you had to combine multiple selections into parlay bets through Proline. Single-game wagering wasn’t permitted under Canadian federal law. Bill C-218 changed that, and when the regulated market launched in April 2022, single-event betting was made available.
This means you can now place a moneyline bet on the Maple Leafs winning a single game, back the Blue Jays on a standalone moneyline, or wager on a single NBA spread. None of which were legally available through regulated channels before 2021.
An Overview of Legal Betting Options in Ontario
Ontario offers a broad range of legal betting opportunities, both online and in person. The province operates Canada’s first open, regulated market, giving residents access to government-approved Canadian sportsbooks as well as offshore sites licensed under international authorities.
| Betting Options | Is It Legal in Ontario? |
|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting | ✅ Yes. Licensed through iGaming Ontario and AGCO. Offshore sportsbooks are also accessible under international licenses. |
| Land-based Sportsbooks | ✅ Yes. Available at select casinos and racetracks, including Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto and Caesars Windsor. |
| Indigenous Casinos | ✅ Yes. Operate under independent agreements with the province and may include on-site sportsbook services. |
| Horse Racing | ✅ Yes. Regulated nationally through the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) and provincially supported by Ontario Racing. |
| Esports Betting | ✅ Yes. Permitted on licensed online sportsbooks and select offshore sites, with age and regulatory restrictions. |
| Politics Betting | ❌ No. Betting on political outcomes is not allowed on provincially licensed sportsbooks, though some offshore sites may offer it. |
| Entertainment Betting | ✅ Limited. Available primarily on offshore platforms offering odds on award shows and TV events. |
Land-Based Sports Betting Options in Ontario
Land-based sports betting in Ontario is legal and growing in popularity, particularly at major brick-and-mortar casinos partnered with leading sportsbook operators. These venues provide full-service betting lounges, kiosks, and live wagering options on local and international sporting events.
Ontario also has several First Nations-owned casinos that provide regulated gaming experiences, some of which now include on-site sportsbook facilities. These venues operate under special agreements between Indigenous communities and the provincial government, reflecting both the economic importance and cultural heritage of Indigenous gaming in Canada.
While not all First Nations casinos currently offer full sportsbooks, some have partnered with commercial operators or are exploring the option under iGaming Ontario’s framework.
Esports Betting
Esports betting in Ontario is fully legal through provincially licensed sportsbooks. Bettors can place wagers on competitive gaming titles such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Valorant, and Dota 2 through approved sites for sports betting in Ontario. Retail casinos with on-site sportsbooks also offer limited esports wagering during major international tournaments.
Offshore sportsbooks further expand these options by including a wider variety of niche esports events, in-play betting, and specialized markets that aren’t always available on provincially regulated platforms.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) remains a grey area in Ontario’s gaming landscape. When the province’s regulated iGaming market launched in 2022, traditional DFS operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel were temporarily limited from offering contests due to new compliance requirements under iGaming Ontario.
However, DFS is not explicitly illegal – you can still access fantasy contests through offshore platforms or by using legal alternatives available in other Canadian provinces. While DFS contests differ from traditional sports betting, they remain subject to evolving regulatory discussions as Ontario continues refining its iGaming framework.
Offshore Sports Betting in Ontario
Offshore sports betting in Ontario refers to wagering with international sportsbooks that are licensed and operated outside of Canada but still accept Ontario players. These platforms typically hold legitimate gaming licenses from respected jurisdictions such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Curaçao eGaming Commission, the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, or the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
While they are not regulated by iGaming Ontario or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), many offshore sportsbooks are overseen by these international regulators to ensure fairness, player protection, and responsible gaming practices.
How Ontario’s Sports Betting Market Compares to Other Provinces
Ontario’s open, regulated framework under iGaming Ontario gives you access to dozens of licensed sportsbooks and betting apps, while most other provinces operate through government monopolies. These differences directly affect your level of choice, competition, and available promotions.
Here’s a quick comparison against other provinces, such as British Columbia sports betting, Quebec’s sports betting and Alberta sports betting, to quickly see how each province works.
| Province | Regulator/Operator | Model | Key Limitation vs Ontario |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | BCLC (PlayNow.com) | Government monopoly | Single operator, fewer apps & bonuses |
| Quebec | Loto-Quebec (Mise-o-jeu) | Government monopoly | Limited market diversity |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (PlayNow.com) | Government monopoly | Limited markets and promos |
| Alberta | AGLC | Expanding, limited operators | Early stage, fewer apps |
| Smaller Provinces | Atlantic Lottery Corporation | Government monopoly | Fewest markets, limited mobile support |
Ontario Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Options
Ontario sports betting apps are now the primary method for placing wagers. With dozens of trusted operators available, you can easily download licensed apps, register, and start wagering.
These platforms offer secure access to popular leagues, including the NHL, NBA, and CFL, as well as convenient payment methods such as Interac, debit cards, and e-wallets. Mobile betting continues to grow rapidly across the province, offering intuitive design, live streaming, and same-game parlays all in one place.
Betting apps are fully legal in Ontario as long as they are approved under the province’s framework. Players aged 19 and older can safely download these apps, verify their location, and wager on sports from anywhere in Ontario.
Responsible Gambling
Sports betting should always be enjoyable, and Ontario provides several tools to help you keep your gaming activity safe and under control. Licensed sportsbooks in the province are required to promote responsible gambling practices, including deposit limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion programs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, support is available 24/7. Remember: gambling should always be entertainment – never a way to make money. If you ever feel it’s becoming a problem, reach out for support right away.
- ConnexOntario – Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
- Gamblers Anonymous Ontario
Final Verdict
Sports betting in Ontario has evolved into one of the most dynamic and player-friendly markets in North America. With dozens of licensed local operators under iGaming Ontario and a range of reputable offshore sportsbooks still available, you’ve got plenty of choice. Whether you prefer betting on the Toronto Maple Leafs, following CFL action, or exploring niche global markets, Ontario sportsbooks deliver a safe, versatile, and entertaining experience.
FAQs
Odds shift constantly as books adjust their lines, so the best approach is to shop around two or three sites before you place your bet rather than stick to a single site for every wager.
Yes, you can bet on CFL games in Ontario. The Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats both attract strong local betting interest, especially during the Labour Day Classic and Grey Cup run. Most Ontario sportsbooks offer full CFL coverage, including game lines, player props, and futures. But the depth of CFL markets varies more between operators than it does for NHL or NBA.
Yes, you can sign up and use multiple sportsbooks in Ontario. There are no restrictions on holding accounts at multiple licensed sportsbooks. Shopping lines across platforms is one of the best ways to improve your long-term returns, given odds on the same game can vary significantly between sites.
No, Ontario sportsbooks don’t automatically report individual winnings to the Canada Revenue Agency for recreational bettors. Gambling winnings aren’t considered taxable income in Canada. But sites do maintain records of account activity, and the CRA retains the right to assess winnings as business income if it determines that betting is your primary source of income.
Yes. iGaming Ontario sites are registered with the AGCO, operate under provincial consumer protection rules, and contribute tax revenue to Ontario. Offshore sportsbooks are licensed in other jurisdictions and are not regulated by iGaming Ontario, so provincial consumer protections don’t apply. Reputable offshore operators typically offer larger welcome bonuses, broader market coverage, and more flexible payment options, including cryptocurrency, which provincially licensed sites typically don’t support.