Sports Betting in Ontario — Complete 2026 Guide | Odds Scout

Ontario Sports Betting: Canada's Most Open Market

Ontario stands as the trailblazer of regulated online sports betting in Canada. Since the launch of its open, competitive iGaming market in April 2022, the province has become home to more than 35 licensed sportsbook operators — making it the most dynamic sports betting jurisdiction in the country. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or completely new to wagering, this guide covers every aspect of legal sports betting in Ontario.

The Legal Framework: How Ontario Got Here

Bill C-218 and the Single-Event Betting Revolution

For decades, Canadian bettors were restricted to parlay-only wagering through provincial lottery corporations. That changed in August 2021 when Bill C-218 (the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act) received Royal Assent, amending the Criminal Code to allow provinces to offer single-event sports betting. Ontario was the first — and so far the only — province to open its market to private-sector operators.

iGaming Ontario and the AGCO

Ontario's regulated market is overseen by two key bodies:

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) — The provincial regulator responsible for licensing, compliance, and enforcement. The AGCO sets the rules that every operator must follow, including advertising standards, responsible gambling requirements, and player protection measures.
iGaming Ontario (iGO) — A subsidiary of the AGCO that serves as the conduct and manage entity. iGO manages the commercial relationships with licensed operators and oversees the day-to-day operations of the regulated market.

This two-tier structure ensures robust consumer protection while allowing a competitive marketplace to flourish.

The April 4, 2022 Launch

Ontario's regulated iGaming market officially opened on April 4, 2022. The launch was significant for several reasons:

It was the first time private-sector sportsbooks could legally operate in a Canadian province.
It set the template that other provinces — notably Alberta — are now following.
Major international operators (bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings) entered the market on day one, bringing world-class platforms to Ontario bettors.
The market has since grown to over 35 licensed operators, generating billions in wagers annually.

Who Can Bet: Eligibility Requirements

To place a legal sports bet in Ontario, you must:

Be at least 19 years of age.
Be physically located within Ontario at the time of placing your wager (operators use geolocation technology to verify this).
Use an operator that is registered with iGaming Ontario and licensed by the AGCO.

Important: You do not need to be an Ontario resident to bet — visitors who are 19+ and physically present in the province can use any licensed sportsbook.

How to Verify an Operator Is Licensed

Protecting yourself starts with choosing a legitimate operator. Here's how to verify:

Visit the AGCO's public register of registered iGaming operators on their official website.
Look for the iGaming Ontario logo on the operator's website or app — all registered operators are required to display it.
Check our sportsbook reviews where we only feature AGCO-licensed operators.

Using unlicensed (offshore) sportsbooks means forgoing all consumer protections, including dispute resolution, responsible gambling tools, and guaranteed payouts.

Top Sportsbooks for Ontario Bettors

Ontario's open market means you have access to the world's best sportsbooks. Here are the leading operators:

Sportsbook	Key Strengths	Welcome Offer
bet365	Widest market coverage, excellent live betting, industry-leading app	Check latest offer
BetMGM	Strong NHL/NBA markets, competitive odds, robust loyalty program	Check latest offer
FanDuel	Intuitive interface, same-game parlays, excellent promotions	Check latest offer
DraftKings	Innovative features, strong player props, DK Rewards program	Check latest offer
PointsBet	Unique PointsBetting feature, competitive Canadian sports odds	Check latest offer
Betway	Clean interface, strong esports coverage, frequent boosts	Check latest offer

For current sign-up bonuses and promotions available to Ontario bettors, visit our Ontario sportsbook promotions page.

AGCO Advertising and Responsible Gambling Rules

Ontario has some of the strictest advertising standards for sports betting in North America. Key rules include:

No active athlete endorsements — Operators cannot use current professional athletes or teams in their advertising campaigns. This rule, introduced in February 2024, was designed to prevent the normalization of gambling among younger audiences.
Mandatory responsible gambling messaging — Every advertisement must include responsible gambling information, including the ConnexOntario helpline number.
No inducements to bet — Advertising cannot present gambling as a way to make money or guarantee outcomes.
Age-gating requirements — Digital advertising must be targeted to audiences where at least 70% are 19 or older.
No advertising during live sports broadcasts of events being wagered on, with limited exceptions.

These rules make Ontario's market one of the most consumer-friendly in the world.

Popular Sports and Teams for Ontario Bettors

Ontario is home to some of Canada's most storied franchises, making local sports betting markets particularly exciting:

Hockey (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators drive enormous betting volume. Leafs games consistently rank among the most-bet NHL events on Ontario sportsbooks. Props, game lines, and futures markets for these teams are available at every licensed operator.

Basketball (NBA)

The Toronto Raptors, Canada's only NBA franchise, generate significant interest. Player prop markets for Raptors stars are among the most popular bets placed in the province.

Baseball (MLB)

The Toronto Blue Jays offer a long baseball season of betting opportunities — 162 regular-season games plus playoffs. Run lines, totals, and player props are widely available.

Soccer (MLS & International)

Toronto FC provides local MLS action, while international soccer (Premier League, Champions League, World Cup qualifiers) also sees heavy Ontario betting volume.

Football (CFL & NFL)

The Toronto Argonauts of the CFL attract dedicated bettors, while the NFL remains one of the most popular sports for wagering across Ontario — particularly with the proximity to the Buffalo Bills.

Ontario-Specific Bonuses and Promotions

Because Ontario's market is so competitive, operators frequently offer province-specific promotions. These commonly include:

Welcome bonuses — Sign-up offers for new accounts, often structured as bonus bets or deposit matches.
Odds boosts — Enhanced odds on popular Ontario team matchups (Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays).
Parlay insurance — Refunds on parlays where one leg loses.
Loyalty programs — Ongoing rewards for regular bettors.

All promotions offered by AGCO-licensed operators must meet strict fairness standards, including clear terms and conditions. Browse the latest offers on our Ontario promotions page.

Banking: Deposits and Withdrawals

Ontario sportsbooks offer a range of deposit and withdrawal methods:

Interac e-Transfer — The most popular method among Canadian bettors. Instant deposits, withdrawals typically within 24 hours.
Interac Online — Direct bank transfers via your online banking portal.
Credit/Debit Cards — Visa and Mastercard accepted at most operators (note: some banks may decline gambling transactions).
PayPal — Available at select operators for both deposits and withdrawals.
Apple Pay / Google Pay — Increasingly available for mobile deposits.
Bank Wire — For larger transactions, though processing times are longer.

Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings

Here's good news for Ontario bettors: recreational gambling winnings are not taxable in Canada. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not consider casual gambling winnings as income. However, if the CRA determines that gambling is your primary source of income (i.e., you are a professional bettor), your winnings could be subject to income tax. Consult a tax professional if you're unsure about your situation.

Responsible Gambling in Ontario

Ontario takes responsible gambling seriously. Every licensed operator must provide:

Deposit limits — Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.
Loss limits — Control maximum losses over a set period.
Session time limits — Receive alerts after a set amount of time spent on the platform.
Self-exclusion — Voluntarily ban yourself from all licensed Ontario sportsbooks.
Reality checks — Periodic pop-up notifications showing your session duration and net position.

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit their website for free, confidential support 24/7.

For more information, visit our responsible gambling resources page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sports betting legal in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario has a fully regulated, legal sports betting market with 35+ licensed operators. Single-event wagering has been available since April 2022.

What is the minimum age to bet in Ontario?

You must be 19 years of age or older to place a sports bet in Ontario.

Can I use offshore sportsbooks in Ontario?

While offshore sites may accept Ontario bettors, they are not licensed by the AGCO and offer none of the consumer protections of the regulated market. We strongly recommend using only licensed operators.

Do I have to be an Ontario resident to bet?

No. You must be physically located in Ontario and be 19+, but you do not need to be a resident.

Are my winnings taxed?

Recreational gambling winnings are generally not taxed in Canada. Professional gamblers may be subject to income tax on winnings.

Final Thoughts

Ontario's sports betting market is the gold standard in Canada. With a robust regulatory framework, dozens of licensed operators competing for your business, and strong consumer protections, Ontario bettors have access to the best sports betting experience in the country. Use our tools and resources to compare odds, claim the best promotions, and bet responsibly.