How to Bet on Sports in Canada (2026) — Beginner's Guide

Sports Betting in Canada: What You Need to Know

Sports betting has undergone a massive transformation in Canada. Since the passage of Bill C-218 in August 2021, Canadians can now legally place single-game sports bets through provincially regulated sportsbooks and licensed online operators. Whether you're a lifelong hockey fan who wants to add some excitement to an NHL game or a newcomer curious about wagering on the Raptors, this guide walks you through everything you need to get started.

Before Bill C-218 — also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act — Canadians were limited to parlay bets through provincial lottery corporations. Single-event wagering was prohibited under the Criminal Code. That restriction is now gone, opening the door to a fully regulated, competitive sports betting market.

The Legal Landscape Across Provinces

Sports betting regulation in Canada operates at the provincial level. Each province and territory has the authority to regulate and license sports betting within its borders. Here's how the major provinces have responded:

Ontario: The most open market in Canada. Ontario launched iGaming Ontario in April 2022, allowing private operators to obtain licences and offer sports betting to Ontario residents. Major brands like bet365, FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings all operate legally here.
British Columbia: PlayNow.com, operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), is the primary legal option. Some federally regulated offshore books are also accessible.
Alberta: PlayAlberta, run by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), offers legal online sports betting. The province has also begun licensing private operators.
Quebec: Mise-o-jeu, operated by Loto-Québec, is the provincial platform. Single-game betting is available both online and at retail locations.
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Atlantic Provinces: These provinces primarily rely on their respective lottery corporations, with varying degrees of online betting availability through platforms like Pro-Line and Sport Select.

Key takeaway: Always use a sportsbook that is licensed to operate in your province. Licensed operators are required to follow responsible gambling protocols, protect your funds, and offer fair odds.

Step-by-Step: Placing Your First Bet

If you've never placed a sports bet before, the process is simpler than you might think. Here's a step-by-step walkthrough:

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Sportsbook

Your first decision is choosing where to bet. Look for a sportsbook that is licensed in your province, offers competitive odds, has a user-friendly app, and provides solid customer support. We've reviewed and ranked the top options — check out our sportsbook reviews to find the best fit for you.

Consider factors like:

Welcome bonus and promotions
Range of sports and betting markets
Deposit and withdrawal methods (Interac is the gold standard in Canada)
Mobile app quality
Live betting and streaming availability

Step 2: Create Your Account

Visit the sportsbook's website or download their app. You'll need to provide basic personal information including your full name, date of birth, email address, and a password. Canadian sportsbooks are required by law to verify that you are at least 19 years old (18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec).

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

Regulated sportsbooks must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. You'll typically need to upload a photo of a government-issued ID (driver's licence or passport) and a proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). This step protects both you and the operator from fraud.

Step 4: Make Your First Deposit

Once verified, fund your account. Popular deposit methods in Canada include:

Interac e-Transfer — the most popular method, fast and fee-free at most sportsbooks
Interac Online — instant bank transfer
Visa / Mastercard — credit and debit cards
PayPal, Skrill, or other e-wallets
Bank wire transfer — for larger amounts

Start with an amount you're comfortable losing. A good starting bankroll for a beginner is $50–$100.

Step 5: Place Your Bet

Navigate to the sport you want to bet on, select a game, and choose a betting market (e.g., moneyline, spread, total). Add your pick to the bet slip, enter your stake, and confirm. Your potential payout is displayed before you confirm.

How Do Betting Odds Work?

Odds tell you two things: the implied probability of an outcome and the potential payout if you win. In Canada, most sportsbooks display odds in decimal format by default, though you can usually switch to American or fractional.

Here's a quick example with decimal odds:

Toronto Maple Leafs: 1.80 — If you bet $10 and win, you receive $18 (your $10 stake + $8 profit).
Montreal Canadiens: 2.10 — If you bet $10 and win, you receive $21 (your $10 stake + $11 profit).

The lower the odds, the more likely the sportsbook considers that outcome. Want to dive deeper? Our odds converter tool lets you switch between decimal, American, and fractional formats instantly, and our full guide on understanding betting odds breaks it all down.

Common Types of Bets

As a beginner, you'll encounter several standard bet types:

Moneyline: Simply pick who wins the game. The most straightforward bet.
Point Spread (or Puck Line): The favourite must win by a certain number of points/goals, or the underdog must lose by fewer than that margin (or win outright).
Totals (Over/Under): Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number.
Parlays: Combine two or more bets into one. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, but the potential payout is much higher.
Props: Bet on specific events within a game, like "Connor McDavid to score a goal" or "over 2.5 three-pointers by a player."
Futures: Bet on outcomes decided in the future, such as "Who will win the Stanley Cup?"

Responsible Gambling: Bet Smart

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a source of income. Here are essential responsible gambling principles every Canadian bettor should follow:

Set a budget — Decide how much you can afford to lose each week or month, and stick to it.
Never chase losses — If you're on a losing streak, take a break. Increasing your bet sizes to recover losses is the fastest path to trouble.
Use deposit limits — Most regulated Canadian sportsbooks allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Use them.
Take breaks — Use cool-off periods or self-exclusion tools if betting stops feeling fun.
Know the resources — ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600), the Responsible Gambling Council, and provincial helplines are available 24/7.

Visit our responsible gambling page for more resources and self-assessment tools.

Tips for Canadian Beginners

Before you dive in, here are a few practical tips that will save you time and money:

Bet on sports you know. If you watch hockey religiously, start with NHL. Your existing knowledge is an edge.
Start with moneylines. They're the simplest bet type and the easiest to understand.
Shop for the best odds. Different sportsbooks offer different odds on the same game. Even small differences add up over time. That's exactly what Odds Scout helps you do.
Keep records. Track your bets, wins, and losses. This helps you identify patterns and stay accountable.
Understand the vig. Sportsbooks take a commission (called the "vig" or "juice") built into the odds. It's how they make money, and it means you need to win more than 50% of even-money bets to be profitable long-term.

Ready to Start?

Sports betting in Canada is legal, accessible, and — when done responsibly — a lot of fun. Choose a licensed sportsbook from our reviews page, convert and compare odds with our odds converter, and explore our betting glossary if you encounter any unfamiliar terms.

Welcome to the world of Canadian sports betting. Bet smart, bet responsibly, and enjoy the games.