Ontario Sports Betting
Ontario's sports betting landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, offering residents and visitors a wide array of legal betting options.
This comprehensive guide will explore the ins and outs of sports betting in Ontario, from its legal status to the best sportsbooks and betting strategies.
Legal Ontario Sports Betting
Sports betting in Ontario has been legal for decades, but the scope and accessibility have expanded dramatically in recent years.
The province now offers a robust and regulated market for both online and retail sports betting, providing bettors with numerous options to engage.
What is Legal Sports Betting in Ontario?
Legal sports betting in Ontario encompasses a wide range of activities, including:
- Online sports betting through provincially licensed operators
- Retail sports betting at casinos and other authorized locations
- Parlay betting through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)
Bettors in Ontario can legally wager on various sports events, from professional leagues to college sports and international competitions. The minimum age for sports betting in Ontario is 19 years old.
Ontario Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
The evolution of sports betting legislation in Ontario has been a gradual process:
- 1985: The Criminal Code of Canada is amended to allow provinces to operate lottery schemes, including sports betting.
- 1992: Ontario introduces Pro-Line, a parlay-style sports betting product operated by OLG.
- 2021: The Canadian government passes Bill C-218, legalizing single-event sports betting nationwide.
- April 4, 2022: Ontario launches its regulated iGaming market, allowing private operators to offer online sports betting.
Sportsbooks Available in Ontario
- Availability across most of US legal states
- Competitive odds & diverse markets
- Attentive customer service
- Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
- App speeds vary for some users
- Geo locate sometimes unreliable
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting
- Efficient & secure payments
- Strong security measures
- Mobile app connectivity issues
- Maximum bets on odds boosts are low.
- Promotional restrictions
- Available in many U.S. States and Canada
- Numerous betting markets
- Major partnerships with teams/leagues
- Users have the ability to set deposit/time limits
- Promotions are timely and change rapidly
- Connectivity issues on betting app
- One of the biggest welcome bonuses.
- Secure payments.
- Efficient customer service
- Some users have described slow loading times
- Limited live streaming options
- Some bonus wagering requirements are unclear
- Availability: LeoVegas is available in all 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada.
- Competitive Odds: LeoVegas has competitive odds and numerous markets on a range of sports.
- Dedicated Responsible Gambling Site: Although tough to find, LeoVegas provides a dedicated website for responsible gambling.
- Wagering Requirements: LeoVegas Welcome Bonus has very high wagering requirements for new bettors.
- Responsible Gambling Hard to Find: LeoVegas makes finding responsible gambling content hard to find including limiting tools.
- Margin (Vig) on certain markets can reach upwards of 10%, which is very high comparable to other sportsbooks.
- Licensed throughout Canada
- Many responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, loss limits, among others
- Live streaming of many games
- Customer support is not as fast as other brands
- Limited banking options
- Bonuses include very difficult wagering requirements
- Sportsbook margin (Vig) is up to 10% on some niche sports
- Licensed and regulated in all 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada
- Sports Interaction app is available for iOS and Android
- Responsible gambling tools, including deposit and time limits
- Limited promotions overall
- No horse racing betting
- Licensed in Ontario.
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Responsive and helpful customer support team
- Good selection of responsible gambling tools and resources
- Not licensed in Canada outside of Ontario. Holds offshore license which does not protect bettors
- No promotions outside of the welcome bonus
- No live streaming of sports
- Licensed across Canada and compliant with regulations
- Quick and attentive customer support team
- Odds are competitive with other Canadian sportsbooks
- Few deposit methods and cryptocurrency is no longer accepted
- Difficult wagering requirements on bonuses
- No live streaming of sports
- Licensed and regulated across all of Canada.
- Highly competitive odds
- Numerous responsible gambling tools and resources.
- Very fast and professional customer service.
- Promotions with difficult wagering requirements.
- VIP programs may lead to excessive gambling to have any chance of winning.
- Daily odds boosts
- Videos offering betting advice
- Responsible gambling tools for self regulating
- Limited availability across the US
- Some users complain about withdrawal speed
- Available across Canada
- Accepts cryptocurrency for fast transactions
- Reduced Vig (Margin) on a range of markets
- Numerous responsible gambling tools and resources
- No mobile app
- Customer support quite slow
- Holds an offshore licensed (outside of Ontario) and not regulated by provinces/territories directly.
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Best Ontario Sportsbooks
Ontario's regulated market has attracted numerous reputable sportsbooks. Some of the top options include:
- bet365
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- PointsBet
Online Sports Betting in Ontario
Online sports betting has become increasingly popular in Ontario, offering convenience and a wide range of betting options.
Licensed operators provide secure platforms accessible via desktop computers and mobile devices, allowing bettors to place wagers from anywhere within the province.
How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Ontario?
Signing up for an online sportsbook in Ontario is a straightforward process:
- Choose a licensed sportsbook and visit their website or download their app.
- Click on the "Sign Up" or "Register" button.
- Provide your personal information, including name, address, and date of birth.
- Create a username and password.
- Verify your identity by uploading the required documents.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Make your first deposit and start betting.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Ontario?
Ontario sportsbooks offer a wide variety of sports and leagues to bet on. Here are some of the most popular options:
NFL
The National Football League is one of Ontario's most popular sports for betting. Bettors can wager on regular season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Popular bets include point spreads, moneylines, and totals.
CFL
The Canadian Football League is another popular betting option in Ontario. Sportsbook users can make bets on regular season games, playoffs, and the Grey Cup. Three of the league's nine teams reside in Ontario.
NBA
Basketball fans can bet on NBA games throughout the season, including the playoffs and Finals. Ontario sportsbooks offer a range of betting options, from traditional point spreads to player prop bets.
MLB
Major League Baseball provides numerous betting opportunities, with a long regular season and exciting postseason action. Bettors can wager on game outcomes, run totals, and player performances.
NHL
Hockey holds a special place in Canadian sports culture, and Ontario bettors can wager on NHL games, including those featuring local teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators.
College Sports
While not as prominent as in the United States, college sports betting is available in Ontario. Bettors can wager on major NCAA events and tournaments in various sports.
NASCAR
Motorsports enthusiasts can bet on NASCAR races, including individual race winners, top finishers, and season-long championships.
Ontario's Sports Teams to Bet On
Ontario is home to several professional sports teams that attract significant betting interest:
- Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
- Toronto Raptors (NBA)
- Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
- Toronto FC (MLS)
- Ottawa Senators (NHL)
- Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
- Ottawa Redblacks (CFL)
Ontario College Sports Teams
While betting on college sports is allowed in Ontario, it's important to note that the province doesn't have a significant college sports scene comparable to the NCAA in the United States.
Types of Wagers Available
Ontario sportsbooks offer a diverse range of betting options to cater to different preferences and strategies:
Moneyline
A straightforward bet on which team or player will win a game or match.
Parlays
Combining multiple bets into a single wager for potentially higher payouts.
Totals
Betting on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a specified number.
Point Spreads
Wagering on the margin of victory in a game, with one team given a handicap.
Futures
Long-term bets on outcomes such as championship winners or season MVP awards.
Prop Bets
Wagers on specific events within a game, often unrelated to the final outcome.
Live Bets
Placing bets during a game as odds fluctuate based on the action.
Prohibited Bets
While Ontario's sports betting market is relatively open, there are some restrictions on certain types of wagers:
- Betting on events involving minors (under 18 years old)
- Wagering on non-sporting events, such as elections or entertainment awards
- Betting on amateur sports below the U Sports level
Choosing the Right Ontario Betting Site
Selecting the right sportsbook is crucial for a positive betting experience. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Ontario Online Sports Betting Site is Right for me?
- Licensing and regulation: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by the AGCO.
- Competitive odds: Compare odds across multiple sites to get the best value.
- Bonuses and promotions: Look for attractive welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions.
- User interface: Choose a site with an intuitive, easy-to-use platform.
- Mobile compatibility: Opt for sportsbooks with well-designed mobile apps.
- Customer support: Prioritize operators with responsive and helpful customer service.
- Banking options: Select a site that offers convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
- Range of betting markets: Choose a sportsbook that covers the sports and events you're interested in.
Why Should I Have At Least 3 Ontario Sportsbook Accounts?
Having multiple sportsbook accounts offers several advantages:
- Line shopping: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value.
- Diverse promotions: Take advantage of various bonuses and offers from different operators.
- Expanded betting options: Access a wider range of sports and betting markets.
- Reduced limitations: Spread your action across multiple books to avoid account restrictions.
What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?
Ontario sportsbooks typically offer a variety of banking options, including:
- Credit/debit cards
- e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Online bank transfers
- Interac
- Prepaid cards
- E-checks
Sports Betting in Ontario: The Big Picture
The sports betting industry in Ontario has grown rapidly since the launch of the regulated market.
With a population of over 14 million and a strong sports culture, the province is the largest sports betting market in Canada.
Ontario Sports Betting Tax Rate
Sports betting revenue in Ontario is subject to taxation. Licensed operators pay a 20% tax on gaming revenue to the province, which helps fund various government initiatives and programs.
Importance of Responsible Gaming in Ontario
Responsible gaming is a crucial aspect of Ontario's sports betting industry.
The province and licensed operators are committed to promoting safe gambling practices and providing resources for those who may be experiencing gambling-related issues.
Key responsible gaming initiatives in Ontario include:
- Self-exclusion programs
- Deposit and betting limits
- Time management tools
- Access to problem gambling helplines and resources
- Mandatory responsible gaming training for industry employees
Ontario Sports Betting FAQ
Legality
Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Ontario for individuals 19 years and older.
Ontario Sports Teams
Can I bet on Ontario sports teams?
Yes, you can bet on Ontario-based teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Ontario?
While not explicitly illegal, it's recommended to use AGCO-licensed sportsbooks for better consumer protection.
College Sports
Can I bet on college sports in Ontario?
Yes, betting on college sports is allowed, including U Sports events.
Licensing
How do I know if a sportsbook is licensed in Ontario?
Check the AGCO website for a list of licensed operators or look for the iGaming Ontario logo on the sportsbook's website.
Summary of Ontario Sports Betting Options
Ontario offers a diverse and well-regulated sports betting market, providing numerous options for bettors:
- Online sports betting through licensed operators
- Retail sports betting at casinos and authorized locations
- OLG's Pro-Line parlay product
- A wide range of sports and betting markets
- Competitive odds and promotions from multiple sportsbooks
With its commitment to responsible gaming and consumer protection, Ontario has established itself as a leader in the North American sports betting industry.
As the market continues to evolve, bettors can expect even more innovations and opportunities in the future.