Sports Betting in Canada: Legal Landscape, Popular Platforms, and Market Growth

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Canada

Canada has undergone significant legal reforms in recent years regarding sports betting. In August 2021, Bill C-218 was officially passed, legalizing single-event sports betting across the country. Prior to this legislation, Canadians could only participate in parlay betting through provincially-run platforms like Proline in Ontario. The passage of Bill C-218 marked a turning point, allowing each province and territory to regulate and license single-game wagering independently.

Provincial Regulation and Market Operators

Sports betting in Canada is regulated at the provincial level, which means the availability of platforms and betting options varies depending on where a bettor resides. Below is a summary of how some major provinces handle sports betting:

Ontario

Ontario became the first province to launch a fully open, regulated iGaming and sports betting market in April 2022. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and its subsidiary iGaming Ontario (iGO) oversee licensing and compliance. Operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet, Bet365, and DraftKings are legally accessible to Ontario residents.

British Columbia

British Columbia allows sports betting through its provincial lottery platform, PlayNow, which is managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). PlayNow offers both parlay and single-event betting options and is accessible to residents of both BC and Manitoba.

Quebec

Loto-Québec operates Mise-o-jeu+, the official platform for sports betting in Quebec. Single-event betting was integrated into the platform shortly after federal legalization, and it continues to serve as the primary regulated option for residents.

Alberta and Other Provinces

Alberta is exploring expansion beyond its current model, which uses PlayAlberta.ca as the central hub for sports wagering. Other provinces such as Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick rely on their respective lottery corporations to manage betting activities, with gradual adoption of single-game options.

Popular Sports for Betting

Canadian sports bettors have access to a wide range of markets. The most popular sports include:

Hockey (NHL): As Canada’s national winter sport, NHL betting draws high engagement across all provinces.
Football (NFL and CFL): Both American and Canadian football enjoy strong followings.
Basketball (NBA): The success of the Toronto Raptors has elevated NBA betting nationwide.
Baseball (MLB): The Toronto Blue Jays provide a local connection to Major League Baseball betting.
Soccer (MLS and international leagues): Soccer is growing in popularity, particularly with global tournaments and the Canadian Premier League.

Licensed vs Offshore Sportsbooks

While the regulated market provides safety, transparency, and consumer protection, many Canadians continue to use offshore sportsbooks that operate in a legal grey area. These include platforms like Stake, 1xBet, and Bovada. Though not officially licensed in Canada, they are not explicitly banned either, and enforcement is minimal. However, licensed platforms offer more security, faster withdrawal times, and better support.

Growth of the Canadian Sports Betting Market

The Canadian sports betting industry is poised for exponential growth. Ontario alone reported over $35 billion in total wagers during its first full year of regulated iGaming and sports betting. With other provinces expected to open their markets, the national potential is significant.

Factors fueling this growth include:

Increased public awareness of legal betting options
Heavy marketing by major operators
Strong mobile integration and app usability
Integration with major sports leagues and franchises

Responsible Gambling Measures

Each province emphasizes responsible gambling through initiatives like deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion tools, and 24/7 support. Licensed platforms must comply with strict guidelines to ensure player safety and promote ethical betting behavior.

Conclusion

Sports betting in Canada has matured from a restricted parlay system to a dynamic, regulated market that attracts billions in wagers annually. With Ontario leading the way and other provinces gradually adapting to the new legal framework, Canadian bettors now have more choices and protections than ever before. As the market continues to evolve, staying informed and choosing licensed operators will remain key to a safe and rewarding betting experience.