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Canada Sports Betting Apps: Legal Updates for Sportsbooks Launch

Mitchell South

by Mitchell South

Updated Jan 2, 2024 · 3:20 PM PST

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O Canada!

Sports betting has arrived in the Great White North, and it’s time for Canadian bettors to start wagering on their favourite sporting events.

Whether you’re in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, or any other province for that matter, single-game sports betting in Canada is now available across the country. Bet on your favourite Canadian sports teams and other major sports in North America to land your first big payout.

Private sportsbooks including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, theScore Bet, and FanDuel joined the Ontario sports betting scene on April 4, 2022. Ontario was the first province to welcome Canada sports betting apps that weren’t associated with the government or a lottery corporation and many top American sports betting apps joined the fray as a result.

Now that you’re ready to place some bets, we’ve got all the information you need to make your Canadian sports betting experience memorable.

Canadian Sports Betting Apps

Canada Sports Betting: What You Need to Know

Sports betting in Canada is here to stay and we’ve put together all the information you need to know to wager on your favourite teams and events.

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Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada?

Yes, single-game wagering is currently legal in Canada. With that in mind, not all Canadian sports fans have access to premier online betting sportsbooks such as DraftKings and PowerPlay right now. That changed for Ontario on April 4, 2022 when private sportsbooks were allowed to enter the legal and regulated Ontario sports betting market.

Canadian Online Sportsbooks: Best Betting Sites and Mobile Apps to Know

It’s an exciting time for online sports betting in Canada. Many of North America’s best sports betting apps and sites have plans to enter the Great White North in the very near future. Here are some of the best Canadian sportsbooks we expect to be active when the time comes.

DraftKings Canada Sportsbook

Available Provinces: ON

Another one of the top dogs when it comes to US sportsbooks, DraftKings also operates daily fantasy sports in the country and they’re a member of the Canadian Gaming Association. DraftKings Canada officially joined the Ontario sports betting scene on May 18, 2022.

DRAFTKINGS
ONTARIO
Play at DraftKings & Combine Your Same Game Parlays!
Must Be 19+ Years of Age to Register

BET NOW
NEW ONTARIO USERS
SIGN UP NOW

BET NOW

Sports Interaction

Available Provinces: ON

Sports Interaction is tailormade for Canadian sports bettors as it’s born and bred in the Great White North. A trusted sportsbook and casino operator since 1997, Sports Interaction has quite literally thousands of betting options on all your favourite sports.

PowerPlay

Available Provinces: ON

PowerPlay is an AGCO licensed sportsbook that’s starting to make a name for itself in Canada’s most populous province. The PowerPlay sportsbook offers competitive lines and a wide range of sports betting options. They’re expected to launch a new sports betting app with updates that will improve upon the current PowerPlay sportsbook app experience.

POWERPLAY
SPORTS ONTARIO
Raise Your Game at PowerPlay Sportsbook!
Must Be 19+ Years of Age to Register

SIGN UP TODAY
NEW ONTARIO USERS
SIGN UP TODAY

BET NOW

BetMGM Canada

Available Provinces: ON

BetMGM is one of the most renowned sportsbooks in the business and they launched in Ontario on Monday, April 4, 2022. New customers can download the app and register with BetMGM Ontario right now.

BETMGM
ONTARIO
Sign Up with the King of Sportsbooks & Start Betting Unique One-Game Parlays at BetMGM Ontario
Must Be 19+ Years of Age to Register


BET NOW
NEW ONTARIO USERS
GET ONTARIO'S TOP RATED BETTING APP

BET NOW

BetMGM Canada even dropped a teaser about their entry into the market with none other than the Great One himself.

Gretzky signed a multi-year brand ambassador deal with BetMGM in June 2021. The addition of Canada’s biggest hockey icon cements the fact that BetMGM is looking to be a big player in the country now that they’ve officially launched.

Caesars Sportsbook Canada

Available Provinces: ON

Caesars already has a physical presence in Canada with the Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, and they’re a member of the Canadian Gaming Association as well. They launched in Ontario on April 4, 2022.

CAESARS
ONTARIO
Sign Up & Bet Like an Emperor
at Caesars Sportsbook Ontario
Must Be 19+ Years of Age to Register

SIGN UP
CODE: SBDIMEONBET
CODE: SBDIMEONBET
NEW ONTARIO USERS
USE SBD'S
EXCLUSIVE LINK
TO SIGN UP

SIGN UP

Caesars Sportsbook Canada will be one to watch as single-game sports betting continues to bloom across the nation. They have a ton of experience in the betting industry and will look to provide Canadian sports bettors with memorable sports betting experiences.

PointsBet Canada

Available Provinces: ON

Another member of the Canadian Gaming Association, PointsBet Canada announced Scott Vanderwel as its Chief Executive Officer in July 2021.

Vanderwel’s hiring sets the stage for PointsBet to make a stronger push into the Canadian sports betting scene, and they’ll certainly be looking to become significant players in the market.

PointsBet Canada has also brought on Canadian comedy icons the Trailer Park Boys as brand ambassadors. The trio has already appeared in a number of ads for the sportsbook and continues to be involved with PointsBet Canada now that they’ve launched.

BetRivers Canada

Available Provinces: ON

Perhaps not as well known as some of the other sports betting apps on this list, BetRivers is still a name that holds weight among sports bettors in the United States.

BETRIVERS
ONTARIO
Sign up at BetRivers Ontario and
Download the App Now!
19+. Ontario Only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge.
LOCK IN CODE
CODE: SBDXL
CODE: SBDXL
NEW ONTARIO USERS
USE
AFFILIATE CODE
SBDXL

BET NOW

After bringing on former TSN anchor Dan O’Toole as a brand ambassador, BetRivers Canada hopes to make a significant splash on the Canadian sports betting market now that they’re live in Ontario.

theScore Bet Canada

Available Provinces: ON

A Canadian sports media giant with a large presence in eSports as well, theScore already boasts a beautiful app you can access from your mobile device at any time. With a growing presence in the US, theScore Bet Canada officially joined the legal and regulated Ontario sports betting market on April 4, 2022.

THESCORE BET
ONTARIO
Sign Up and Download
theScore Bet App in Ontario!
19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.
BET NOW
NEW ONTARIO USERS
SIGN UP NOW

BET NOW

On August 5, 2021, it was announced that Penn National Gaming had entered into an agreement to purchase theScore for roughly $2 billion in cash and stock. Penn already acquired the popular Barstool Sports brand in 2020 and has helped the company launch their Barstool Sportsbook throughout the United States.

888sport Canada

Available Provinces: ON

Active since 2008, 888sport has plenty of sports betting industry experience and offers all first-time bettors and sharps in terms of a smooth betting experience.

888SPORT
ONTARIO
Sign up at 888sport Ontario
& Download the App Now!
Must Be 19+ Years of Age to Register

BET NOW
NEW ONTARIO USERS
SIGN UP NOW

BET NOW

Though 888sport Canada is up against some real heavy hitters in the Canadian market, they are a formidable sportsbook with a strong app experience and good features.

Coolbet Canada

Available Provinces: ON

Coolbet has plenty to prove in the Great White North as one of the lesser-known sportsbooks on the Canadian sports betting scene. That said, they are quickly building up their name and presence in Canada and should be an online sportsbook to watch in the very near future.

Betway Canada

Available Provinces: ON

Boasting an impressive international presence in countries like the UK, Italy, Ireland, and Poland, Betway is going to consolidate all that global experience to bring an impressive sports betting experience to Canadians.

NEW ONTARIO USERS

Sign-up & Download the Betway Ontario App Today!

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Bally Bet Canada

Available Provinces: ON

One of the biggest names in gambling has made it’s way north of the border, as the Bally Bet sportsbook has officially arrived in Ontario. With the legendary Bally’s Corporation brand giving this sports betting app a wealth of experience, Canadian sports bettors can wager with confidence through Bally Bet Canada.

Bet365 Canada

Available Provinces: ON

After operating in the Canadian sportsbook grey area for several years, Bet365 Canada is now a fully regulated sports betting app in Ontario and it already has one of the strongest and most loyal followings in Canada.

Look for Bet365 Canada to continue to operate as one of Canada’s favourite sports betting apps and appear in more provinces as regulated markets open up nationally.

FanDuel Canada Sportsbook

Available Provinces: ON

FanDuel is one of the biggest online sportsbooks in the US, and they already have a Canadian presence with daily fantasy sports.

With an awesome mobile sports betting app, FanDuel Canada is a welcomed addition to the Canadian sports betting scene.

Why Choose a Legal Canada Sports Betting App?

Using a Canadian sports betting app is the best way to take full advantage your sports betting experience in Canada. It’s quick, convenient, and you can access them from inside whichever province you’re in (as long as it’s legal and regulated, of course).

Still not convinced? Here’s a few key reasons why you should choose a legal Canada sports betting app.

You Have Greater Control of Your Winnings

Using an unregulated sports app from overseas in Canada comes with some risks. The main one is that your banking process is always a little trickier and it could take more time and effort to set up than through a regulated Canadian sports betting app.

Instead of having to use third-party sites and wire transfers internationally, everything with a regulated Canadian sports betting app is straightforward and you can generally use debit cards, credit cards, and even PayPal with ease.

Promos That Actually Matter

Listen, there’s a reason so many people use private sportsbooks worldwide: it all comes down to promo value. Private sportsbooks often hand out juicy promos that government-run sportsbooks simply can’t compete with and that’s a big part of what makes them so much more enticing.

They also have deep sports betting experience which means odds boosts and other special promos are also on the table for Canadian sports bettors looking to get in on some sports action.

The Mobile Sports Betting Experience is Undefeated

In this day and age, people are all about immediate accessibility and sports betting apps represent that to a tee. You can customize your sports betting settings to only follow certain teams and sports and you’re able to do it whenever you want from wherever you want.

That’s really what people ultimately want when betting on sports. They want to enjoy the wagering experience on their own time and on their own terms. Canadian sports betting apps let you do exactly that.

How To Install a Canadian Sports Betting App on Android & iOS

Whether you prefer Apple, Google, Samsung, or anything in-between, installing a Canadian sports betting app on Android or iOS is quite simple and straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Download your sports betting app of choice from the App Store or Google Play
  2. Set up an account with your preferred sports betting app
  3. Go into your mobile betting app account and make your first deposit
  4. Place bets on your favourite teams, sports, and events

That’s it. There’s really not a whole lot more to it. But, as always, you should make sure you read the fine print of each Canadian sports betting app you use, so there’s no misconceptions about what you’re getting into.

Canada Sports Betting Latest News

  • April 4, 2022: Legal and regulated online sports betting officially launches in Ontario. Sports betting apps and sportsbooks including Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, Bet365, BetRivers, theScore Bet, and more are now available in the province.
  • April 1, 2022: A total of 25 operators are now listed as licensed on the official AGCO website, including a recent addition of Caesars Sportsbook Ontario. While all of these operators may not be ready for day one of sports betting in Ontario, they are all expected to go-live in the near future.
  • March 29, 2022: With privately-owned sportsbooks set to launch in Ontario in less than a week, FanDuel and DraftKings are removing Daily Fantasy Sports contests from Canada’s most populous province. The two massive sports betting operators announced they will no longer offer paid or free daily fantasy contests in the province of Ontario as of April 1, 2022.
  • March 28, 2022: The Kindred Group announced their Unibet platform received AGCO approval to launch in Ontario on April 4. Country Manager Canada for Kindred, Amanda Brewer, had this to say “This is an exciting day and a significant milestone for both Kindred and Unibet…The iGaming market in Ontario is expected to be one of the largest in North America, which makes it a truly interesting proposition for Kindred.”
  • March 22, 2022: As the April 4 launch of privately-owned sportsbooks in Ontario approaches, theScore Bet has officially debuted their mobile app and are now accepting early registrations. Meanwhile, BetMGM Canada has received official approval from the AGCO to launch in Ontario on April 4.
  • March 10, 2022: Rush Street Interactive announced its BetRivers sportsbook platform is now officially licensed to operate in Ontario. The Ontario iGaming market opens on April 4, 2022, and BetRivers Canada is expected to be available in the province on day one.
  • March 9, 2022: The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is partnering with the National Hockey League to become the NHL’s first sports betting partner in Canada. The OLG platform PROLINE will be an official sports betting product of the NHL, giving this lottery-run sportsbook distribution rights to the NHL logo and additional promotion across NHL media channels.
  • February 23, 2022: A massive new brand deal was announced in Ontario, as Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is partnering with Amazon to create in-person and virtual experiences including free-to-play gaming and on-demand sports betting. MLSE is the parent company of teams like the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Toronto FC. Jordan Vader, Senior VP of Global Partnerships at MLSE, commented, “Tapping into the technology developed by AWS will also enhance how we engage with fans, giving them exciting, personalized experiences in and out of our venues from before the puck drops in the rink to after the final buzzer on the court.”
  • February 7, 2022: Entain plc has made a major move in the Canadian market, acquiring the Sports Interaction sportsbook in a $300 million CAD deal. Entain already has submitted a license for the private sports betting market in Ontario, although it is unclear which iGaming brand they will lead with.
  • February 3, 2022: During a recent earnings call, Penn National Gaming President Jay Snowden said theScore Bet received important approvals from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This important development comes ahead of the launch of private sports betting in Ontario on April 4, 2022.
  • January 28, 2022: Ontario’s iGaming market is set to launch on April 4, 2022. This launch will pave the way for major US online sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Sportsbook to enter the province.
  • January 26, 2022: In another major milestone leading up to the launch of Canadian sportsbooks, theScore Bet announced they have become the first private market operator in Ontario to receive official Responsible Gaming Accreditation. TheScore Bet is expected to be one of the first sportsbooks to launch in Canada in 2022.
  • January 18, 2022: A report from the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCG) has been circulating online and underlines the negative impact the current proposed iGaming model in Ontario could have on tax revenue and jobs in the industry. With a provincial election set for June, this report could potentially hinder the introduction of commercial sportsbooks in Ontario and Canada as a whole.
  • January 14, 2022: The PointsBet sportsbook has announced a brand endorsement deal with the Trailer Park Boys. The official partnership with Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles will include appearances in ad campaigns along with authentic content collaborations.
  • December 22, 2021: Western Canada received some new retail sports betting options, as Scientific Games launched platforms in partnership with the Western Canada Lottery Corp. This product is available in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, although wagers through this service are limited to $100.
  • December 20, 2021: TheScore Bet obtains Gaming Laboratories International GLI-33 certification for their app. This is one of the key requirements theScore Bet needs to meet in order to become a regulated online sportsbook operator in Ontario.
  • December 9, 2021: Multiple sources tell Sports Handle that Alberta is looking to adopt a limited operator model in the province. The move could limit Alberta’s sports betting market to only two sportsbook operators in the province.
  • November 4, 2021: Penn National Gaming President and CEO Jay Snowden says “we anticipate theScore Bet will be our leading brand in Canada while we will continue to lead with Barstool Sportsbook in the US.” It’s expected that theScore Bet will be at the forefront of online sports betting in Ontario when it launches in the near future.
  • November 2, 2021: British Columbia generates $25 million in wagers two months after the launch of single-game sports betting in the province. This could open an opportunity for major North American sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel to enter the province in the near future.
  • October 18, 2021: FanDuel appoints Dale Hooper as General Manager of Canada. Hooper will be tasked with building a long-term strategy for Canadian markets and become a key figure in bringing FanDuel to each province.
  • October 14, 2021: Rush Street Interactive announces its entry into the Canadian market through its BetRivers brand. They will be launching their social gaming platform, CASINO4FUN®, in Ontario.
  • October 13, 2021: DraftKings announces deal with NHL to become an official sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and iGaming partner in the United States. Given the NHL’s large presence in the country, there’s a high likelihood that something similar will follow when DraftKings Canada launches.
  • September 9, 2021: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) issues its final regulatory standards for online sports and event betting. This sets the stage for the regulated iGaming market to launch in Ontario.
  • August 27, 2021: The Canadian federal government enacts legislation to legalize single-game sports betting in the country. Each province will determine how to regulate single-game sports betting within their provinces.
  • February 4, 2021: DraftKings and the NFL expands their daily fantasy sports (DFS) and content partnership to Canada. The move will help DraftKings build more brand awareness in Canada and emulate their NFL partnership in the United States.

Canada Sports Betting Legalization

Prior to the launch of single-game sports betting in Canada in August 2021, some bettors relied on the use of offshore sportsbooks to place wagers. Unfortunately, the legality behind this type of Canadian sports betting is grey at best. There are many international sites who operate sportsbooks that cater to Canadian sports bettors, but it takes revenue away from the Canadian government.

As a result, the Canadian government made the decision to legalize single-game sports betting so that it could have better control over the market at large. When private sportsbooks entered the Canadian sports betting market on April 4, 2022, they did so as regulated operators that have approval from the provincial government they’re working with.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) serves as an interesting caveat to the regulated sports betting market in Canada. Since the tribe is not under federal Canadian jurisdiction, the KGC can license sportsbooks without the government’s input. That said, operators that are licensed through the KGC need their servers to be hosted on their land and transactions must also take place through them. They operate in a similar grey area to offshore sportsbooks because they are not regulated by the provincial or federal government.

Sports Betting in Canada by Province

With the Senate of Canada passing Bill C-218, Canada officially legalized single-game sports betting in the country on August 27, 2021. That said, single-game sports betting will not be regulated at the federal level and each province will determine how they want to approach it on a provincial level.

Ontario Sports Betting

Launch Date: April 4, 2022

Canada’s biggest and most populous province is home to Drake and Justin Bieber, but Ontario is also the province with the most professional sports teams with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Blue Jays—just to name a few. For fans of these teams, Ontario sports betting is a huge market.

canada sports betting toronto maple leafs

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) used to operate the only legal sportsbook in the province: PROLINE+. They already accepted parlay sports wagering prior to the passing of Bill C-218 and they’ll be a in good spot to support single-game betting as it grows. They were joined by many top private sportsbooks such as theScore Bet, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, Bet365, BetRivers, and more on April 4, 2022.

British Columbia Sports Betting

Launch Date: TBD

We see you Vancouver Canucks fans! BC was eager to get on the single-game sports betting train when it was legalized late in summer 2021. The province’s PlayNow Sportsbook is currently the only legal sportsbook within BC, but don’t be surprised to see more sportsbooks join the fray in the near future.

canada sports betting canucks

Quebec Sports Betting

Launch Date: TBD

La belle province is home to the historic Montreal Canadiens (and poutine), but their foray into single-game sports betting has been a long time coming. Loto-Québec has already been in the sports betting industry with parlay betting, and they now accept single-game sports betting.

canada sports betting montreal canadiens

Additionally, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission is regulatory body that operates online casinos and online sportsbooks within the province. They operate within the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, which is located in Quebec.

Alberta Sports Betting

Launch Date: TBD

Alberta appears to be leading the prairie charge for single-game sports betting. With Play Alberta setting plans in motion to open an online sportsbook in the near future, check back in with us to get the latest updates.

Single Game Sports Betting in Canada

Single-game betting is now legal in Canada. It was legalized on August 27, 2021. With that in mind, each province will dictate how to regulate sports betting within their own provincial guidelines.

“We have a lot of sportsbooks that have been accessing the Canadian market for well over a decade,” said Amanda Brewer of the Canadian Gaming Association in an interview with CBC News. “They’re coming in, they’re offering sports betting and they are paying no tax, so the provinces don’t collect any revenue, and you have absolutely no guarantees that whomever you’re you’re betting with is offering safe consumer protections.”

That is now expected to change as provinces set up their own single-game betting rules and regulations and move money away from organized crime groups that have also been running illegal sports betting operations in Canada for years.

Betting on major single-event sports like the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup Final was not possible prior due to the parlay betting rule across several provinces. Bettors had to make a sports bet on at least three different events and predict each event correctly for the bet to pay dividends.

With that rule no longer in place, sports bettors in Canada are free to bet on their favourite sporting events one at a time. Go ahead and put some money on that Toronto Raptors game against the Miami Heat you’re thrilled to see when Kyle Lowry returns.

Sports You Can Bet On in Canada

With single-game sports betting now legal, Canada has plenty of options for bettors to wager on within its borders and outside of it.

NHL

We all know hockey is Canada’s favourite national pastime, and the number of NHL teams in the country reflects that with seven of them spread across the Great White North:

  • Calgary Flames
  • Edmonton Oilers
  • Montreal Canadiens
  • Ottawa Senators
  • Toronto Maple Leafs
  • Vancouver Canucks
  • Winnipeg Jets

The Leafs and Habs are part of the Original Six NHL teams and their rabid fanbases are sure be to sports betting hotspots. But don’t sleep on Western Canada with the Canucks, Flames, Oilers, and Jets all home to massive fanbases as well—especially as the only big four major league sports teams in their respective cities.

NBA

There’s currently only one active NBA team in Canada—the beloved Toronto Raptors.

With a fanbase spanning the whole country (especially since the Vancouver Grizzlies departed for Memphis in 2001), the Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019 with Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Pascal Siakam at the helm.

canada sports betting raptors example

The Raptors’ “We the North” campaign have made them Canada’s NBA team as opposed to just Toronto’s. Raptors fans are spread out across the country as they continue to hunt for a second NBA title.

MLB

With the Montreal Expos no longer in operation, the Toronto Blue Jays are also Canada’s only active MLB team.

But what a team it has been. The Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993 and have shown time and again that Toronto is a great home for professional baseball. In 2015, they even captured an East Division title for the first time since their back-to-back titles.

If you’re in or near Vancouver, however, you might also be a Seattle Mariners fan with a strong following the Pacific Northwest. The Mariners might not be a Canadian MLB team, but the BC faithful treat it like their own.

NFL

Unfortunately, there are no active NFL teams in Canada right now. That said, the Buffalo Bills have a strong following in Ontario because of their proximity and there are several other NFL teams that Canadians follow nearby.

One of those is the Seattle Seahawks, who share the Washington state border with BC. When the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in 2013, legions of British Columbians celebrated the victory like the team was their own. You can also catch plenty of British Columbians at Lumen Field whenever live games are at full capacity.

Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has a rich history in Canada with some of the best fighters to ever do it from the Great White North.

canada sports betting mma

That list includes none other than French-Canadian MMA icon Georges St-Pierre who retired from the UFC in 2019 with a 26-2 record. GSP is widely regarded as the best welterweight in MMA history and he’s headlined plenty of massive UFC cards in Montreal and Toronto.

The UFC itself has a very strong presence in Canada and regularly puts fight cards on for fans all over the country. This has translated into a loyal fanbase in the country that regularly tunes in for major pay-per-view events.

CFL

Just because Canada doesn’t have an NFL team doesn’t mean there’s no professional football around. The Canadian Football League (CFL) has been in operation since 1958 and the league has eight teams across the country:

  • BC Lions
  • Calgary Stampeders
  • Edmonton Elks
  • Hamilton Tiger-Cats
  • Montreal Alouettes
  • Ottawa Redblacks
  • Saskatchewan Roughriders
  • Toronto Argonauts
  • Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Though they cancelled their 2020 season because of COVID-19, the CFL returned in 2021 and the league offers plenty of great action for Canadian bettors to wager on.

Lacrosse

Here’s a fun fact: did you know that lacrosse is Canada’s real national sport? No, it’s technically not hockey. That probably explains why there’s five National Lacrosse League (NLL) teams based in Canada:

  • Calgary Roughnecks
  • Halifax Thunderbirds
  • Saskatchewan Rush
  • Toronto Rock
  • Vancouver Warriors

With a loyal following in Canada, lacrosse is watched closely by fans and the sport offers a great opportunity for sports bettors in the country.

Soccer

With a gold medal victory at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the Canada women’s national soccer team is a dominant force in the popular sport worldwide.

While the men’s team still has some catching up to do, Major League Soccer (MLS) has three Canadian teams:

  • CF Montreal
  • Toronto FC
  • Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Toronto FC has enjoyed the most success as an MLS club winning the domestic treble in 2017 with the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and Canadian Championship. Montreal and Vancouver, however, have each maintained strong and competitive clubs in the MLS.

Canada Online Sports Betting: Get Ready for Promo Codes & Betting Apps

We typically like to focus on a few key features when we’re evaluating Canadian sportsbooks:

  • Sports Betting Apps for Canadians
  • Banking: Deposits and Withdrawals

You should feel confident placing a bet with any top sports betting operator and provider, but your experience in each of these four categories will differ depending on which online betting site you’re using.

Sports Betting Apps for Canadians

When private sportsbooks were finally able to enter the Canadian market on April 4, 2022 thanks to the Ontario launch, there was a large influx of new sports betting apps on Apple and Android devices.

Sports betting apps in Canada will more than likely include renowned sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and theScore Bet. Given their popularity in the United States, these top-tier mobile apps are expected to make a big splash once they officially launch in Canada.

Banking: Deposits and Withdrawals

As legal sports betting sweeps across the United States, Canada can look to their neighbors across the border for an idea of what regulated single-event wagering will look like.

Sportsbooks operating in America accept most major banking options for making deposits. Other markets, like the UK for example, have more limitations on your deposit options.

Hopefully Canada follows the example set by the US, allowing fans to fund their sportsbook accounts through popular methods like Interac (Visa, Mastercard), credit, or PayPal.

These are some of the deposit and payment methods we expect to see when legal sports betting goes live in Canada:

Deposit Methods Withdrawal Methods
Visa PayPal
Mastercard ACH e-check
PayPal Wire Transfer
ACH e-check Couriered Check
Wire Transfer Money Order

Withdrawal methods in the US typically have more restrictions than depositing options. The UK seems to have more flexibility with their payouts, and it would be great if Canadians could withdraw their winnings to their debit or credit cards.

Rules and regulations for withdrawing your funds from Canadian betting sites will become clear as legalization approaches. Make sure you visit this page frequently for all the latest updates.

Banking options play a big part in deciding a sportsbook of choice for new customers. The more flexibility you have, the better, but always watch out for hidden transaction fees when you cash out on mobile sites.

Wagering Types

New wagering types will give Canadians a lot more sports betting options, and at the same time reduce the overall risk factor. Parlays are notorious for being risky, as just one wrong leg in your bet slip ruins the whole thing.

We hope to see these main wagering types offered if and when single-game sports betting becomes available in Canada:

  • Moneyline
  • Point Spread
  • Totals (Over/Under)
  • Futures
  • Win Totals
  • Parlays (already available)
  • Teasers
  • Prop Bets
  • Live Betting (real-time wagering)

Canadian Online Gambling Expands

There are number of Canadian online gambling options already available to bettors across the country. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ways Canadians can already wager in anticipation of private sportsbooks entering the market.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Canada

Daily fantasy sports (DFS sites) are currently legal in Canada. In fact, Underdog Fantasy, DraftKings and FanDuel already have DFS Canada operations, while other operators like Jock MKT could enter in the future. This gives these popular sportsbooks a significant edge over other sportsbooks in Canada because they can leverage their large DFS user bases when online sports betting with private sportsbooks becomes a reality.

Canadian Lotteries

The Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) operates Canadian lottery games across the country and has five provincial members:

  • Atlantic Lottery Corporation (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Novia Scotia, Prince Edward Island)
  • British Columbia Lottery Corporation
  • Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
  • Loto-Quebec
  • Western Canada Lottery Corporation (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon)

Most of these lottery corporations also operate single-game sports betting platforms for Canadian bettors. For example, PROLINE+ is Ontario’s sports betting outfit under the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

Horse Racing in Canada

Given its lush and vast outdoor space, it should also come as no surprise that horse racing is a big deal in Canada too. The Canadian horse racing industry, however, was not too pleased when single-game wagering was legalized because they believed more people would bet on other sports outside of horse racing online.

As a result, horse racing would end up being omitted from Bill C-218, meaning horse racing would remain as an in-person experience. People who bet on horse races need to be physically present at a racetrack in order to place bets.

Canada Sports Betting FAQs

You’ve got questions about Canada sports betting and we’ve got answers. Check out the FAQs below to find out more about sports betting in the Great White North.

When can you bet on single games in Canada?

You can bet on single games in Canada right now. The federal government legalized single-game sports betting on August 27, 2021. With that in mind, each province must regulate their own sports betting guidelines.

What online sportsbooks will be launching in Canada?

A number of major sportsbooks have entered Canada including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and theScore Bet. Many of these books have already launched in Ontario.

Do you have to place parlay bets in Canada?

Not anymore. That was the case prior to the legalization of single-game sports betting in Canada.

Can you wager on American teams as a Canadian sports bettor?

Absolutely. You can bet on all your favourite American teams and sports leagues wherever single-game sports betting is available in Canada.

How old do you have to be to place sports bets in Canada?

In Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, you need to be 18 and up. In the remaining provinces, the legal gambling age is 19.

Is mobile sports betting legal in Canada?

Mobile sports betting was legalized in Ontario on April 4, 2022. It is not yet legal in all provinces.

What is the best Canadian sports betting app?

There are a number of great Canadian sports betting apps to choose from including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, theScore Bet, and more.

Prep for Success with Betting Odds and More

Now that single-game sports betting in Canada is here, there’s no reason not to start preparing.

Researching your favourite sports and teams is the best way to get an inside advantage over bookmakers and major sportsbooks. Sports Betting Dime has everything you need to get started, from latest news articles and betting odds to informative betting guides and sportsbook reviews that can teach you the fundamentals of sports betting.

Making a responsible bet is the best way to get closer to the action, and we really hope Canadians get to experience the joys of legalized single-game sports betting now that it’s here!

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