Ever since betting was legalized in Canada, the number of online betting sites has grown at a rapid pace. The world's top sportsbooks have opened up shop here, and bettors now have the chance to wager on their favorite sports.
Whether you are a fan of sports like basketball, hockey, or football or enjoy esports and niche markets, there's no shortage of options to suit your needs. With so many choices, I decided to help our readers by creating this detailed guide on the best betting sites in Canada. This would provide everything you need to know about sports betting.
The relationship between online sports betting and Canada is quite a complicated one. Despite a strong desire from its citizens to bet on their favorite sports, single-game wagering only became legal in 2021. Since then, Canadians have placed billions of dollars in bets across the country.
Even though betting is allowed nationwide, each province has its own set of rules and regulations. Sportsbooks, including new sports betting sites in Ontario and other parts of Canada, that wish to operate in these provinces have to obtain a license from the provincial regulatory authority and follow the laws set by them. For example, in Ontario, this could come from iGaming Ontario or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Many regions provide government-run platforms to make betting more accessible.
While the rules and licensing processes might seem complicated, they are designed to protect Canadians from unscrupulous and fraudulent betting platforms. These platforms follow provincial regulations, offering a legal and trustworthy place to place your bets.
Let’s get straight into the action with my list of the best online sports betting sites in Canada — Ontario, to be specific. I have based my choices on a number of factors, including security, payment methods, odds, and additional features. Let’s take a look at these platforms, what they offer, and why you might want to sign up:
| Sportsbook | Standout Feature |
|---|---|
| bet365 | A top choice for sports betting |
| Sports Interaction | Canadian-owned betting brand |
| BetMGM | Prop bets and parlays |
| 888Sports | Top-notch live betting services |
| TonyBet | Multiple and reliable payment methods |
| Betano | Best for niche sports |
bet365 has gained its spot as a top online betting platform thanks to extensive coverage of 30 + sports markets, competitive odds, and excellent customer experience. During their 20 years in the business, they have become a trustworthy and reliable option.
bet365 has built a strong presence across multiple provinces and territories in Canada, including Ontario. It also frequently offers odds with reduced juice, which can give you a better value compared to other platforms.
The bet365 app is the platform’s shining star, with a sleek and intuitive interface that is super easy to use. Its app is highly rated, too, scoring 4.7/5 on iOS and 4.5/5 on Android. The app’s live streaming feature lets you watch games in HD quality and place bets at the same time without missing a beat.
Sports Interaction stands out on my list for being the only Canadian-owned betting entity. This platform covers a wide range of sports, but its live betting feature is what it is most well known for. It provides various markets and odds that change rapidly based on what happens in the game. You can find high-quality live streaming, along with detailed match insights as the action unfolds.
The mobile app also deserves a mention. You can find it on both iOS and Android, and it is designed for quick and convenient use. Popular sports are right at the top, so you can easily find what you want without any hassle. Another feature I appreciate is the availability of 24/7 customer support. Whether you prefer live chat, email, or phone, help is always at your fingertips. There’s even an in-depth FAQ section to cover common questions.
BetMGM is a stalwart of the betting industry and offers betting options ranging from popular options like football, hockey, and basketball to more niche options like esports and even table tennis. Their coverage includes everything from money lines to point spreads, making it a favorite for those who enjoy more detailed wagers.
The platform particularly excels in prop betting markets, with options spanning player props, period-specific bets, and one-game parlays. Their famous one-game parlay builder allows users to combine multiple outcomes from a single game, such as player props and team totals, creating higher payout opportunities.
Another feature worth mentioning is the “Edit My Bet.” This tool allows you to tweak your wagers even after the action begins, which is something that is not often available on betting platforms. Early cash-out options are also available, which bettors can use to lock in profits or minimize losses in the middle of a game.
888Sport is one of the best Canada betting sites for players who want to experience the best of both worlds. On this platform, you’ll find markets for Canadian favorites, such as hockey and football, as well as more international options like tennis and golf.
You can personalize your homepage with the ‘Made For You’ section, where you get special recommendations based on your recent activity. 888Sport also excels in offering the best live betting options and detailed in-play updates.
Features like BetFeed make it easy to keep track of popular and upcoming events, and all this information is displayed conveniently on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to place wagers on major matches or recent favorites, 888sport keeps the process straightforward and intuitive.
For those with deeper pockets, TonyBet is definitely one of the sports betting sites you should try out. They cover everything from major events like basketball and football to niche options such as darts, snooker, and futsal. For esports fans, TonyBet also offers an impressive selection of betting options for popular games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, and Dota 2.
You also will not have to worry about banking hassles, as TonyBet offers all of the popular Canadian options, including Interac, Visa, MasterCard, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are quick and often processed within just 24 hours.
Betano is another platform where you can enjoy sports betting in Ontario. It provides markets for mainstream leagues like the NHL, NBA, and NFL, as well as niche interests like lower-division soccer, volleyball, and international rugby. And every option, whether prominent or less conventional, comes with detailed coverage and insights. You’ll find a substantial selection of betting types as well, including money lines, point spreads, player props, and game props.
I really enjoyed taking advantage of Betano’s micro-betting feature, which allows wagers on specific game moments, such as individual possessions or performances in a single quarter. The Smart Picks feature is a top-notch option for newbies, as it provides daily AI bet recommendations generated through AI using the latest updates and information.
There are a couple of sports options that are extremely popular in Ontario. Big-name sports bettors know just how well-liked these options are and often make special bets and features available for them. Here are some of the top choices in Ontario and Canada as a whole:
Betting on hockey is a favorite for many Canadians, with markets focused on teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. When betting, most bettors focus on options such as the money line, puck line, totals, and various prop bets. These options allow wagers on everything from individual player stats to game-specific events.
The main draw for hockey enthusiasts has to be the Stanley Cup Finals. But there is also plenty of fun to be had betting on NHL Playoffs, international leagues, and the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. If you are looking for the best places to bet on hockey, you can’t go wrong with bet365, Sports Interaction, and Betway, which all offer exclusive in-play betting features and prop markets.
If you are more into basketball, then Ontario betting sites do not disappoint. They offer widespread coverage of the NBA and NCAA March Madness as well as International leagues and tournaments like the FIBA Basketball World Cup. You can also find special bets and features for the beloved Toronto Raptors and other Canadian teams on these platforms.
In my opinion, the best options for basketball betting in Ontario are TonyBet and 888sport. Here, you can wager on individual games as well as long-term futures like Super Bowl winner or MVP. They also offer extensive NBA coverage and a wide variety of basketball props and parlay-building tools.
Football is a major draw for Ontario bettors, with a focus on the NFL and the Canadian Football League (CFL). The CFL features local teams like the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and BC Lions, and there is often a great deal of betting action during key events like the Grey Cup Championship.
The NFL is a star-studded spectacle that appeals to bettors right from the playoffs to the Super Bowl as one of the most bet-on events in North America. For those looking for the best betting sites in Canada for competitive football odds, you can’t go wrong with bet365 and Betano.
Esports betting is still gaining traction in Ontario. Still, there are many popular games that seem to have long-lasting appeal with bettors. These include Dota 2, League of Legends, and CS: GO leading the charge.
Tournaments such as The International, League of Legends World Championship, and ESL Pro League are major highlights. For the best in esports betting, look to Betway, Sports Interaction, and bet365 for comprehensive coverage, consistently competitive odds, and no-limit betting options.
There are a couple of other options that are gaining prominence in Ontario, such as cricket, rugby, and volleyball. Events such as the Cricket World Cup, Six Nations Rugby, and FIVB Volleyball World Championship see a steady interest from niche sports bettors.
Online betting sites like BetMGM, bet365, and TonyBet cover a variety of specialty leagues and international tournaments with prop markets that go beyond the basics.
The last thing you want to worry about when you bet is how to withdraw your winnings. Thankfully, the best betting sites in Canada offer straightforward banking procedures and popular payment methods to make deposits and withdrawals as hassle-free as possible. Below are the most common options you’ll find:
Since online betting is still relatively new in Ontario, you might not be aware of what to look for in a good betting site. Before you sign up and make a financial commitment, here is what you should consider:
Every platform that operates in a Canadian province needs to be licensed by that province’s gambling regulatory authority. For example, Ontario’s legal sports betting sites have to be registered with the Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Having such a license means that a platform is trustworthy, safe, and fair in its dealings with customers.
Additionally, good sports betting sites implement protective measures like SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to maintain the security of your personal and financial information.
Having access to multiple payment methods is another important feature of online betting sites. You’ll want to look for common options like credit and debit cards, Interac, e-wallets such as Skrill and MuchBetter, and even cryptocurrencies for faster transactions. Also, ensure that they pay winnings to users.
I have often found that the design of a site can really make or break a person’s betting experience. Many times, even popular online betting sites with large sports markets and bet types have designs that are just too busy and cluttered. It is a chore to find what you need, and this can really slow down your betting activities.
Choose sportsbooks that are straightforward to navigate, with everything accessible in a few clicks, such as live betting, up-to-date stats, and easy-to-use bet slips. Placing bets should feel simple and efficient.
Reliable support can make all the difference if you run into issues. It is important to look for platforms that offer multiple ways to get help, like live chat, email, or phone, ideally 24/7. Quick responses and knowledgeable human agents are the key to resolving problems quickly. A comprehensive FAQ section is also a convenient resource if you do not want to go through the trouble of talking to a live agent.
Variety in betting markets is another important consideration. The best betting sites in Canada — Ontario specifically, cover everything from popular leagues like the NHL, NBA, and CFL to niche sports and less common markets. They also offer standard wagers like money lines and point spreads, as well as diverse options like prop bets, futures, and same-game parlays.
When it comes to odds, doing your research can help to significantly increase the value of your winnings. Compare odds across different platforms to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bets, as smaller margins can significantly affect your long-term profitability.
For those who like to bet on the go, a well-designed mobile app is a must. The best Canadian and Ontario betting apps are responsive, run smoothly, and replicate all the key features of the desktop version. Some even include extras like push notifications and live streaming to enhance mobile betting.
Betting on sports can be straightforward if you know the steps. These are the basic steps you should follow.
The first step is to choose a licensed platform. Look for sportsbooks regulated by iGaming Ontario or similar authorities. A licensed site not only keeps your information secure but also offers a fair betting experience.
If you’re new, you’ll need to sign up. The registration process is usually simple and takes just a few minutes. You will need to provide a few basic details and verify your email and/or phone number. Once this is done, head over to the payments section and deposit funds using a payment method that works best for you.
Once your account is ready and funded, you should take the time to explore the available sports and leagues. If you’re unsure where to start, stick with popular Canadian options like hockey, basketball, or football, as there will be tons of information about what to bet for these sports.
After picking a sport, zero in on the specific matchup or event you want to bet on. If you’re new, take some time to learn about the different types of bets available, such as Moneyline, point spreads, or over/under wagers. Figure out what kind of bet fits your strategy best.
Then, decide how much you want to bet. Most sportsbooks will show you the potential winnings before you confirm, so you know what to expect. Remember to always bet within your means and avoid spending more than what you’re comfortable losing.
Once you’ve added your selection to the bet slip, take a moment to double-check everything. If it’s all correct, hit “Place Bet” or “Confirm.” That’s it! Your wager is now locked in, and you can sit back and see how it plays out. If your bet wins, you can easily withdraw your funds.
Below are the pros and cons to note when using online betting sites in Ontario:
Now that sports betting is legal in Ontario, there are many licensed platforms to explore. From household names like bet365 and BetMGM to niche-focused sites like TonyBet, there’s something to suit every betting style.
The best online betting sites offer everything from popular sports like hockey and football to newer options like esports, all with competitive odds, innovative features, and a diverse range of bet types. Whichever one you choose, remember to always gamble responsibly and stick to your budget.
Yes, online sports betting is fully legal and regulated in Ontario as of 2022. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees licensing, while iGaming Ontario administers operations through partnerships with licensed and approved operators.
The minimum legal age for online sports betting in most Canadian provinces is 19 years. However, you need to confirm the age requirements on your selected site.
Yes, it is allowed, but only a limited number of sportsbooks, such as TonyBet, accept cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals. These platforms often support popular options like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Loading …
