Ontario Sports Betting Sites – Top Legal Sportsbooks in 2024
We tested all 31 licensed Ontario sports betting sites listed on the official iGaming Ontario website as of March 2024. Our betting experts have carefully selected and now recommend the 7 best ones.
With a refined lens on Ontario sports betting, our team invested their time and skills to give you a comprehensive guide. In this province-focused guide, you’ll find
- A ranked list of all 31 sites based on our rating criteria
- Comparisons to help you see which sites stand out for their odds, betting options, live streaming, and more.
- A 11 step-by-step guide on how to sign up, bet, and get your money out.
- Pros and cons of Ontario sports betting
- List of all land-based betting locations
- The most popular sports, betting markets, and teams to bet on
- Answers to common questions about sports betting in Ontario
Our goal is simple: to help you find a sportsbook that’s right for you and can help you win more.
Rank
Top Features
Payments
Secure Link
- Live streaming
- Huge variety of bets
- Easy site navigation
- Major sporting events
- Odds on small sports
- Huge variety of bets
- Large selection of bets & odds
- Fast payouts
- Impressive range of bets
- Great odds
- Huge variety of bets
- Cashout
- Huge variety of bets
- Some of the best odds
- Esports
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ontario? What You Need to Know
Yes, sports betting is legal in Ontario. Here’s a quick walkthrough of how sports betting became legal and what this means to you, the Ontario bettor.
- Bill C-218 Transformation: The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act clearly allows for single-game betting, giving you more options on how you want to bet.
- Secure and Legal Betting: Starting April 4, 2022, Ontario boasts a fully regulated sports betting market.
- iGaming Ontario Sets the Standard: AGCO is your assurance that licensed operators meet stringent regulations, guaranteeing a protected betting experience.
- Industry Giants Entering Ontario Sports Betting Market: Renowned operators like Bet365 and Unibet now operate within a clear legal framework, ensuring reliable and fair betting conditions.
- Variety at Your Fingertips: From day one, a selection of sportsbooks like BetRivers and BetMGM became available, providing a premier betting experience.
- Financial Security through Regulation: Betting companies are required to pay licensing fees and a 20% tax, which helps support the economy and keeps the betting market honest.
- Strictly Regulated Offers: AGCO’s rules are designed to keep betting fun and safe by not allowing any confusing or deceptive promotions. If you’re in Ontario, you won’t find any ads for betting that mention bonuses, whether it’s online or in person.
- VPNs Are a No-Go: Using a VPN to access online sportsbooks from outside Ontario won’t work. The sportsbook’s system will recognize your IP address and block you from registering. Even if you somehow get registered, you won’t be able to take out any winnings if they find out you’re not actually in Ontario.
Our Top Ontario Sports Betting Sites in March 2024
Below, you can read our brief reviews of all Ontario sports betting sites sorted by the category in which they excel. If you want to know more about why we recommend these sportsbooks, read their respective thorough reviews by clicking on the review links.
Betting Site | Best For | Stands Out For | Min. Deposit | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
BetMGM Sports | Competitive Odds | Live Streaming | C$10 | 9.7/10 |
BetVictor Sports | 20+ Betting Markets | 3%-4% Odds Margin | C$10 | 9.6/10 |
Bet365 | Major and Small Sports Events | Mid-Game Bet Edit | C$10 | 9.6/10 |
NorthStar Bets Sports | New Bettors | Great Odds on Niche Sports | C$10 | 9.6/10 |
Unibet Sports | Mobile Betting | Same-Game Parlays | C$10 | 9.5/10 |
BetRivers Sports | Hockey Betting | Detailed Pre-Game Stats | C$10 | 9.4/10 |
Royal Panda Sports | 54+ Sports | Betting on Major Leagues | C$10 | 9.3/10 |
LeoVegas Sports | In-Play Betting | Fast Payouts | C$10 | 9.3/10 |
Sports Interaction | Top Odds on Small Sports | Live for 25+ Years in Canada | C$10 | 9.3/10 |
Tonybet | Basketball Betting | In-Play Betting Markets | C$15 | 9.2/10 |
π Best Overall Ontario Sports Betting Sites
Here are the top five Ontario sports betting sites that offer much more than great odds. If you’re seeking a platform with seamless live streaming, excellent customer support, and a superior user experience, our recommended sites are the perfect choice for you.
π₯ Best Ontario Sports Betting Sites By Odds
Explore the recommended sports betting sites known for offering the best odds. If you’re aiming to maximize your potential returns, these sites provide competitive odds that can enhance your betting strategy and add excitement to each wager you place.
π Best Ontario Sports Betting Sites By Betting Markets
Our selection of Ontario sports betting sites caters to every kind of bettor, from mainstream sports enthusiasts to niche market fans. If you appreciate a diverse betting experience, you’ll find our recommended sites offer a wide range of sports and markets, tailored to your preferences.
π₯ Best Ontario Sports Betting Sites For Live Betting
Experience the excitement of live sports betting with our top site recommendations. If you enjoy the adrenaline of real-time betting decisions, these sites provide optimal odds and a multitude of markets, enhancing every aspect of your in-play betting experience.
π‘ Best Ontario Sports Betting Sites For Beginners
Starting your sports betting journey is exhilarating with the right sportsbook. If you’re new to betting and looking for a platform that’s easy to navigate, our top picks offer user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive guides, ensuring a fun and informative first betting experience.
π± Best Ontario Sports Betting Site For Mobile Betting
Our best sports betting sites for mobile betting offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility. If you prefer the freedom to wager anytime, anywhere, these sites deliver with state-of-the-art apps for all devices.
How We Rate the Best Ontario Sports Betting Sites
At GambleOntario, our experts rigorously evaluate every sportsbook, ensuring that you get the most reliable recommendations.
Our process involves nine key factors. This approach ensures you have access to the best Ontario sports betting sites equipped with comprehensive, up-to-date information to guide your betting decisions.
β Licence
Legitimacy and reliability are non-negotiable for a sportsbook. If a site is licensed to operate in Ontario and accredited by AGCO and iGO, it is included in our recommendations as a trustworthy option.
β Overall Site Stability
A betting site’s ability to provide quick page loading, a vast range of sports events, efficient registration and deposit processes is fundamental. If these elements are met with excellence, the site is rated highly for overall user experience.
β Market Offer
The best bookmakers offer a diverse selection of betting markets. If a site excels in providing a wide variety of sports events, including both pre-match and live betting options, it gains our favourable rating for enhancing the betting journey.
β Competitive Odds
Competitive odds are a key indicator of a bookmaker’s value to users. If a sportsbook consistently offers higher odds compared to its competitors, it earns a higher rating from us.
β Customer Support
Excellent customer support is a hallmark of a top sportsbook. If a site offers robust support through 24-hour live chat, toll-free phone lines, and active social media channels, it demonstrates a strong commitment to player satisfaction.
β Mobile Experience
A superior mobile betting experience is crucial in today’s digital landscape. If a bookmaker’s mobile platform matches or surpasses the desktop experience in terms of navigation, market variety, and live features, we rate it highly.
β Live Betting
The thrill of live betting is significantly enhanced by a wide range of options and markets. If a bookmaker offers an extensive selection of live betting opportunities, it scores well for enriching the live betting experience.
β Available Payment Methods
A variety of secure payment options is essential for user convenience. If a betting site provides a broad spectrum of payment methods, including eWallets, online bank transfers, and credit/debit cards, it demonstrates flexibility and understanding of user needs.
β Payout Speed
Prompt and efficient payout is a vital aspect of a sportsbook’s service. If a site consistently offers quick withdrawal processing, typically within 1-2 days, and maintains transparent policies regarding any withdrawal fees, we give it a positive rating for customer convenience and trustworthiness.
π‘ Remember! Our sportsbook rankings are regularly updated to reflect the evolving services of each site, ensuring our recommendations always represent the current best in the market.
1. Research and Choose a Reputable Sportsbook:
- Check for licensing and regulation from iGO. If this is the first time you are signing up for an online sports betting site in Ontario, seek the iGO logo at the top or the bottom of the platform’s homepage.
- Pinpoint exactly what you expect from an Ontario sports betting site, such as superior odds or a broad array of betting markets.
- Read our reviews and recommendations. If you value feedback from fellow bettors, you can check for real user reviews right on our website and on independent forums.
2. Sign Up:
- Visit the sportsbook’s website or download their app.
- Click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button.
- Fill out the registration form with required details such as name, address, email, and date of birth.
- All Ontario Sports Betting sites require identification checks. If you don’t complete the KYC check, you won’t be able to withdraw your winnings.
- If you encounter any issues, customer support is readily available to help you through any step.
3. Secure Your Account:
- Create a strong, unique password.
- If available, enable any additional security features like two-factor authentication.
4. Deposit Funds:
- Head to the sportsbook’s cashier. If you’re all set to play, choose how you’d like to deposit and add funds to your account.
- Choose your preferred deposit method (e.g., credit/debit card, e-wallets, bank transfer).
- Follow the prompts to complete the deposit. If you need help in this step, contact customer service via the live chat for a fast reply.
5. Familiarize Yourself with the Platform:
- Choose a sportsbook that offers a straightforward and enjoyable betting experience.
- Before placing your bets, browse the various sports and betting markets available.
- If navigating the site smoothly and having a functional mobile app is important to you, check out user reviews to see how the sportsbook stacks up.
π‘ Tip! You can search for sports betting mobile app reviews on the Play Store and App Store.
6. Place Your First Bet:
- Choose a sport and an event. If you’re passionate about ice hockey and get excited at the thought of the NHL Stanley Cup, then check the available betting markets and odds for these games.
- Select the type of bet you want to place (e.g., moneyline, point spread, over/under).
- Enter your wager amount and confirm the bet.
π‘ Tip! If you’re new to betting, explore any tutorials or guides that the sportsbook provides. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betano offer very detailed sports and betting market guides that will help you get started.
7. Assess Odds and Markets:
- Leverage your knowledge of a sport to identify where the odds are in your favour. For instance, if the Toronto Maple Leafs are underdogs at home, but you know they have a strong home record, those odds offer good value.
- Choose Your Betting Market Wisely! Opt for markets you understand well, like the NHL moneyline if you’re a hockey fan or CFL point spreads if you follow Canadian football closely.
8. Monitor Your Bets and Account Activity:
- Check your active and past bets.
- If you want to ensure you’re not skating on thin ice with your finances, keep a close watch on your account balance and transaction history.
- If you are ready to make your first deposit, be sure to check with your bank about the limits attached to deposits, as they vary.
9. Withdraw Your Winnings:
- First, familiarize yourself with the sportsbook’s cash-out procedures and fully understand the withdrawal process, from the withdrawal request until the money reaches your bank account or eWallet.
- If you’re ready to withdraw your winnings, just select your preferred method and specify the amount. The on-screen prompts will guide you swiftly through the process.
- Remember to check withdrawal times and any fees to ensure there are no surprises and your funds are received promptly.
- Typically, it takes 1 to 3 days to receive your winnings.
π‘ Tip! We recommend using eWallets as a withdrawal method, as, at the moment, they offer the fastest payouts at Ontario sports betting sites.
10. Stay Informed:
- If you want to bet with the sharpest mind, ensure you’re up-to-date on sports news and stats.
- If you need help with placing your bet or how to do parlays, reach out to the customer service team.
11. Bet Responsibly & Seek Help If Needed:
- Always set a budget and stick to it.
- Utilize tools provided by the sportsbook to set deposit limits, loss limits, or self-exclude if needed.
- If you feel you’re developing a gambling problem, seek professional help or counselling.
Can I Have Multiple Betting Accounts?
You can only register once with one sportsbook. The good news is that you can have player accounts at multiple Ontario sports betting sites.
For instance, if you like to bet on the NBA, you can register with BetVictor, and if you prefer to bet on the NFL, you can register with BetRivers. This way, you can have one account for each bookmaker, which is helpful in case you end up being disappointed with one bookmaker and want to switch to another.
Registering with several sports bookmakers has its pros and cons:
- You can access more sports and competitions. If one sportsbook doesn't satisfy your betting needs, another one will.
- The best odds. The more options you have to bet on, the easier it will be to find the best odds for an event.
- You can test different features and functions, such as live streaming, cash out, and bet builder options.
- Signing Up is free. You don't lose anything by registering with another sportsbook. If you try it and you don't like it, just withdraw your funds and close the account.
- You will have to compare odds bookie by bookie.
- It will be difficult to compare in live betting. If you bet live, you will have to be quick, so we recommend you not do it on several sites at the same time.
- Spam advertising. If you have chosen to receive promotional emails and text messages, be prepared to receive a constant stream of advertising.
What Are The Most Popular Sports to Bet on? And Why?
According to iGaming Ontario’s report on total sports wagers from April 4, 2022 β March 31, 2023, there are the five sports that Ontarians bet on the most:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Football
- Hockey
- Baseball
If you’re looking for the crowd favourites, basketball leads the pack with 29% of all wagers.
Soccer follows at 15%, showcasing its growing popularity, while football claims 13%.
Surprisingly, hockey, a national passion, accounts for 9%,
and baseball rounds out the top five at 8%.
Let’s look more into these and some other bettors’ favourites, where we see a growing betting demand.
1. Basketball
In Canada, basketball, especially the NBA, garners significant betting interest. Common NBA bets include point spread betting, total points scored, and individual player props. Basketball’s excitement and widespread fanbase make it a popular choice for betting.
More NBA Betting Guides
2. Soccer
Soccer enjoys high popularity in Canada, with professional leagues like the United Soccer League, Canadian Premier League, and Major League Soccer. Betting options in soccer include:
- Moneyline bets (picking a team to win outright)
- Single bets (placing a single wager or combining several for multiple bets)
- First goal
- First scorer
- Last goalscorer bets
The sport’s popularity is underlined by the high rankings of the national teams.
More Soccer Betting Guides
3. Football
Canadians favour football betting due to the availability of diverse leagues like the NFL and CFL. The variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and prop bets, provides multiple avenues for engaging with and profiting from the sport. Find our recommended lists of the best NFL betting sites and the top betting sites for CFL.
More Football Betting Guides
4. Hockey
This is the most popular sport in Canada. Betting is commonly placed on the winner of a game or the Stanley Cup. Ice hockey’s popularity in Canada drives the betting scene, offering various options like match betting.
Read Our Expert NHL Guides
5. Baseball
In Canada, baseball betting includes options like supporting local teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays or engaging in prop betting on individual player performances. The variety of betting options in baseball, from team success to individual player achievements, attracts bettors.
6. Boxing
Popular for its excitement and fast pace, boxing offers various betting options like match winners, match duration, and specific round outcomes. The sport’s thrilling nature and regular matches contribute to its betting popularity.
More Boxing Betting Guides
7. Golf
With many tournaments globally and prestigious courses in Canada, golf betting is popular for its diverse betting opportunities, like tournament winners or specific hole scores. Golf betting’s appeal lies in its potential profitability and the sport’s global presence.
8. Tennis
Although less popular than other sports on this list, tennis betting in Canada peaks during major tournaments like Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open, and the US Open. Tennis attracts bettors due to its international prominence and the prestige of its major tournaments.
9. Cricket
Cricket is a fast-growing sport in Canada. It consists of two teams of eleven players playing on a field with a 22-yard pitch, using a bat and ball. Betting options in cricket include match betting (choosing one team to win) and tied match bets (predicting a tie between the teams). The sport’s structure and international appeal contribute to its growing popularity in the Canadian betting scene.
Moneyline Bet (or Win Bet):
π Description: Choose the team or player you believe will win.
β Best For: If you’re a beginner or very confident about a specific outcome, this is the best for you.
Point Spread (or Handicap Bet):
π Description: The bookmaker assigns an advantage to the underdog and a disadvantage to the favorite. You bet on a team to win by more than a specified number of points or lose by fewer.
β Best For: If you want to level the playing field in a mismatched game and seek better odds, consider this bet.
Over/Under (or Totals) Bet:
π Description: Bet on the total points scored by both teams being over or under a set number.
β Best For: If you understand the pace or strengths of the teams but are unsure about the winner, this bet is suitable.
Parlay (or Accumulator) Bet:
π Description: Combine multiple bets into one. Every selection must win for the parlay to pay out.
β Best For: If you aim for high payouts from a small wager and are willing to take on more risk, this is your bet.
Proposition (or Prop) Bets:
π Description: Place bets on specific events within a game unrelated to the final outcome.
β Best For: If you’re looking to add entertainment value to the game or have specific insights, prop bets are a great choice.
Futures (or Outright) Bets:
π Description: Bet on events that will happen in the future, such as the winner of a season championship.
β Best For: If you’re good at long-term predictions and seek big payouts, futures bets are ideal.
Live (or In-Play) Bets:
π Description: Place bets after an event has started, with odds that evolve as the action unfolds.
β Best For: If you enjoy using real-time insights and adding excitement to game-watching, consider live bets.
Teaser Bets:
π Description: Similar to parlays, but allows you to adjust point spreads for reduced odds.
β Best For: If you prefer more control over your betting conditions, teaser bets are an excellent choice.
Popular Ontario Teams to Bet on in 2024
Here are the most popular local teams that Ontarians love to bet on. We briefly cover their past performances, recent achievements, and why they are a favourite among sports bettors.
- The Toronto Blue Jays, who play in the American League (AL) East division, have won the World Series twice in the past, in 1992 and 1993. They have been doing better in recent years and have a realistic chance of winning, making them a popular pick among sports bettors.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have an impressive record, with 13 Stanley Cup victories. They have been performing well in the NHL Atlantic Division championships, winning in 2020 and 2021.
- The Toronto Raptors, who have won six NBA division titles since 2014, including the NBA Championship 2019, have been popular among sports bettors.
- The Ottawa Senators are a good Canadian hockey team to bet on, especially if they go head-to-head with the Maple Leafs.
- Toronto FC, the first Canadian team in Major League Soccer (MLS), won the MLS Cup twice in 2017 and 2019. The MLS Cup 2021 is set to take place on December 11, just five days after the launch of the new sports betting operators, which is expected to boost sports betting in Ontario.
- Sports betting makes watching sports more exciting
- You can easily bet via a sports betting app
- Chances to win money through sports betting
- You bet securely with licensed Ontario sports betting sites
- Betting can lead to gambling problems
- Sports betting ads are everywhere: online, on TV, and on billboards
Ontario sports betting reveals distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here are the key points to consider:
βοΈ Elevates Excitement: Sports betting intensifies the thrill of watching games. If you have a wager on a game, you’re will be more engaged in the outcome.
βοΈ Streamlines Betting Access: Online and mobile platforms simplify the process of placing bets. If you’re betting in Ontario, you can do so from any location.
βοΈ Offers Winning Opportunities: The chances of significant wins are a major draw for sports betting enthusiasts. If your bet on an underdog pays off, it can be exceptionally rewarding.
βοΈ Boosts Economy and Safety: The regulated Ontario sports betting market generates jobs and tax revenue and provides a safer alternative to unregulated markets. If you bet legally, you support the local economy and steer clear of grey market risks.
β Involves Risks: If you fail to set personal limits, you risk facing serious consequences, making it crucial to seek help when needed.
β Floods Media with Ads: The sports media landscape is now saturated with gambling advertisements. If these ads trigger gambling sensitivities, they can be more than just annoying, even reigniting addictive behaviours.
1. Caesars Sportsbook in Windsor: Ontario’s first full-service sportsbook, which opened on January 11, 2023, provides an immersive betting experience with dedicated windows, self-serve kiosks, and a vibrant ambiance across its spacious interior, complete with numerous large screens.
2. Great Canadian Entertainment Lounges: As pioneers in Ontario’s sportsbook lounge scene, Great Canadian Entertainment opened four premier lounges in October 2022 at Elements Casino Brantford, Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel, Pickering Casino Resort, and Shorelines Casino Belleville.
3. Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara: These tourist hotspots are set to enhance your gaming experience with Kambi-powered sports betting platforms, featuring a multitude of kiosks and a full-service sportsbook bar transformation.
4. OLG PROLINE+ Retail Options: Available at various locations selling OLG lottery tickets, PROLINE+ brings sports betting to your local retail scene.
5. Expansion Across Great Canadian Entertainment Casinos: With a partnership with Kambi, 10 of Great Canadian Entertainment’s 12 Ontario casinos will soon boast sports betting platforms, blending traditional casino fun with the thrill of sports wagering.
Top 10 Facts About The Ontario Sports Betting Scene
Here’s a rundown of the top 10 facts that every bettor in Ontario must know. We highlight everything from single-game betting to the ins and outs of mobile wageringβall under the regulated safety of AGCO.
- Single-Game Betting: As an Ontario bettor, you can enjoy single-game betting thanks to the OLG’s expansion beyond traditional parlay wagers.
- Online Accessibility: With the launch of Ontario’s iGaming market, you have a variety of regulated online platforms to place your bets, ensuring security and fair play.
- PROLINE: You can conveniently place bets at numerous retail locations.
- Retail Sportsbook Venues: Experience live sports betting in a high-energy atmosphere at Ontario’s first retail sportsbooks located in several casinos.
- Caesars Full-Service Betting: For a comprehensive betting experience, you can visit Caesars Windsor, the province’s only full-service retail sportsbook.
- STX Betting Exchange and AI Integration: Trade bets on STXβs betting exchange and experience AI sports betting for improved odds accuracy and personalized betting experiences.
- Betting on eSports: Ontario allows betting on eSports events, so you can place wagers on your favourite video game competitions as long as they meet AGCO’s standards.
- Fantasy Sports: You’re able to engage in pay-to-play fantasy sports, which are regulated and legal in the Ontario iGaming market.
- Mobile Betting: Bet on the go from your personal device at any location, including while watching a game at a bar or restaurant.
- Player Protections: The AGCO’s regulations prioritize your protection, with operators required to monitor for suspicious activity and uphold responsible gambling standards.
Stay Up-to-Date With the Latest Sports News
Responsible Sports Betting in Ontario
To be a responsible sports bettor in Ontario, only bet what you are willing to lose.
β οΈ Know your limits.
β οΈ Stop and seek help if you feel your sports betting is becoming a threat to your well-being.
β οΈ If you or a loved one need help, call ConnexOntario’s 24/7 hotline at 1-866-531-2600 for free addiction and problem gambling assistance.
FAQs About Ontario Sports Betting
Yes, sports betting has been legal in Ontario since 1985. The legalization of single-game betting occurred on August 27, 2021, offering an expanded range of betting options.
You can bet on a variety of sports, including major US leagues like NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, European soccer, golf tournaments, and boxing matches, covering both local and international sports events.
Online sports betting was legalized on April 4, 2022, allowing individuals over 19 and located in Ontario to bet on online sportsbooks. See the full list of licensed casinos, along with their top features above.
BetMGM sportsbook app stands out as the top recommendation for Ontario bettors thanks to its competitive odds, betting market variety, and top-notch mobile app. Other notable sportsbooks are LeoVegas, Unibet, BetRivers, BetVictor, Royal Panda, and Northstar Bets.
Many online betting options are available, including bet365, BetMGM, TonyBet, theScore Bet, etc. For in-person betting, options include over 10,000 retail Proline locations and participating casinos in Ontario.
Ontario has 31 approved sports betting sites. The most recent addition is STX, a sports betting exchange platform, which launched in July 2023.
In Ontario, winnings from sports betting are not subject to tax. This is because the Canada Revenue Agency classifies these winnings as a windfall under the Canada Income Tax Act.
Online sportsbooks in Ontario are required to contribute 20% of their gross gaming revenue as tax, contributing to provincial revenues.
Rowan is a highly accomplished sports betting journalist with a proven track record of over 6 years in the sports media industry. He is widely recognized for his insightful coverage and thought-provoking commentary on major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NCAA.
Facts checked by Eamon Doggett