Ontario Sports Betting: Legal Updates and Market Report 2024

by Ryan Gutzler (rgutzler) Last Updated 2024-11-07T20:05:33

If you’ve been waiting for the day sports betting would be legal in Ontario, your time has come. In June 2021, federal lawmakers passed Bill C-218, known as the Regulated Sports Betting Act, which removed the federal prohibition on single-game sports betting in Canada. The bill was enacted on August 27, 2021, which means that single-game wagering is allowed throughout the country. It is now up to the provinces to regulate single-sports betting.

Ontario quickly authorized sports betting and allowed outside operators to enter the market on April 4, 2022. Currently, over 30 sportsbooks are live in the province, and everything is going great for Ontario sports bettors. They have choices and competition for their deposits, the province has a new source of tax revenue, and sportsbooks have a new market to try and conquer.

Legal Sports Betting Update for Canada 2023

Each year an estimated $10 billion is wagered through illegal booking services in Canada, which often have ties to organized crime. The Canadian Gaming Association also estimates that people wager $4 billion through offshore betting services. The legalization of single-game wagering will bring this money back to Canada for monitoring and taxation, though so far, no provinces aside from Ontario have given up their existing lottery-run sports betting monopoly.

Legal Sports Betting Update for Ontario 2023

Ontario was quick to react to the legalization of single-game sports booking. On July 28, 2021, Ontario had its sports betting regulations drafted. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation gave Proline+, the lottery-run online sportsbook, a head start before opening up the province to outside operators on April 4, 2022. With the new regulations, Ontario sports betting sites are now able to operate legally, providing a variety of options for bettors.

In Support of Canadian Sports Betting

Sports betting has had public support from a wide range of organizations and individuals. From major sports leagues to local police, we’ve seen overwhelming support for the legalization of sports betting across Canada. For example, PointsBet is the official sports betting partner for MLSE’s pro teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Some of the key players include the Canadian Football League – hoping to increase viewership – and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

The Canadian Gaming Association unsurprisingly fully supports legalized single-game wagering. The association oversees sports betting in Canada and is hoping provinces outside of Ontario will present sports betting soon. 

The biggest opponent of legalized sports betting is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. They fear the legislation limits their authority over their licensed operators. This could cause them to lose licenses with businesses in provinces with legalized sports betting because Ontario doesn’t recognize its authority as a sports betting regulator.

The Ontario Sports Betting Market

At over 35% of Canada’s population, Ontario is one of the largest gambling markets in North America. With over 15 million residents, there are plenty of people looking for sports betting opportunities. With the addition of sports betting, there could be an influx of tourists from neighboring US states as well looking for a holiday or vacation. However, this may be limited due to the fact that online wagering is now available in New York and Michigan, the two biggest border states.

As the provincial regulator, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation hopes to create a safe environment for online sports betting in Ontario.

Existing Ontario Sports Betting Market (OLG/Proline and Offshore)

Previously there were two ways to bet on sports in Ontario: OLG and Proline. These both provide a variety of gambling options for locals and tourists in Ontario.

OLG 

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation offers a variety of gaming and gambling options. It strives to provide socially responsible gambling products that can benefit Ontario’s economy. Since 1975, the OLG has provided over $55 billion to the province of Ontario.

OLG offers a variety of lottery games, instant games, sports lottery, and other games. They also own or are partners at several casinos in Ontario, including Shorelines Casino Belleville, Casino Niagara, and Caesars Windsor. OLG also supplies slot machines to racetracks in Ontario, including Casino Ajax, Elements Casino$1 billion Mohawk, and Casino Woodbine. 

Proline

Proline is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s answer to online sports betting. The Proline+ app allows people to bet on a wide range of sports in Ontario, including baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. Even with increased competition from outside operators, Proline+ remains a major player in Ontario’s online sports betting market.

Proline gives the Ontario government a chance to compete against the top sportsbooks, with the revenue generated going to pay for important government programs.

Offshore

It’s estimated that over $14 billion are spent by Canadians on offshore gambling enterprises. Even though offshore gambling is illegal, that doesn’t deter most die-hard gamblers. 

There are inherent risks when gambling offshore, and you can never be sure your data, information, and money are secure. Ontario hopes to eliminate these risks by legalizing sports betting. 

Legalizing sports booking will cut these profits dramatically and transfer them to Ontario. The legislators in Ontario realize that online gambling is not going away. By legalizing and regulating the market, Ontario hopes to provide a safer and more reliable gaming experience.

iGaming Ontario has been established to ensure any potential online sports betting website meets stringent safety and security standards before they are allowed to place bets in Canada. 

iGaming Ontario 

Online gambling has sometimes had a bad reputation. iGaming Ontario was developed by the Government of Ontario to help online gamblers experience a safe and secure environment while online. Many online sportsbooks also include an Ontario sports betting app, providing a seamless and convenient betting experience on mobile devices for interested sports bettors.

Potential online sportsbooks will need to meet rigorous standards before they can operate in the Ontario online sports betting markets. These standards include fairness, social responsibility, and integrity. To achieve these standards, iGaming Ontario has established the following objectives.

Consumer Choice

Online sportsbooks must provide fair competition that will improve consumers’ experiences while gambling online. They must also provide choices for consumers and respond to their preferences.

Consumer Protection

As an online sportsbook, you must provide safe and responsible play. Underage access is strictly prohibited. Sportsbooks must also comply with applicable laws, including anti-money laundering regulations and privacy and information security laws.

Legal Market Growth and Provincial Returns

iGaming Ontario will leverage private sector expertise and growth opportunities for private businesses in Ontario. Legal gambling will reduce the unregulated online gambling market and can capture illegal revenue. This revenue can be reinvested into Ontario.

Reduce Red Tape

iGaming Ontario encourages innovation and speed to market that reduce regulations that may be a burden to the business.

The Top Ontario Sportsbooks 2024

Legal sportsbooks rushed into Ontario as soon as they were allowed to begin operating in the province. Ontario sports bettors have a wide range of options, with over 30 of the best Ontario betting sites currently active. Here are the major operators:

Bet99

Bet99 is a new sportsbook, but it is also one of the best ones available in Ontario right now. The Swiss company has only been around since 2019, but it offers a solid product and an excellent user experience. We expect Bet99 to be a top operator in Ontario as the market matures.

PointsBet

An Australian-based sportsbook, PointsBet was launched in the United States in 2019 and is one of the fastest-growing online sportsbooks. They include a wide range of bet types and ways to win. The iPhone and Android-based app make betting easy and mobile. 

PointsBet considers Canada a large market after the recent changes to legalize sports betting. The company launched in Ontario on Day 1 and continues to do quite well in the province. 

FanDuel

FanDuel is another American gambling company that started as a daily fantasy sports website. They now provide sports betting, online casinos, and online horse racing. Founded in 2009, they enable online gambling and sports booking in many US states. They boast over 6 million current active users. FanDuel was also in Ontario on Day 1 and will remain a top operator in the province for the foreseeable future.

BetMGM

A subsidiary of MGM casinos, BetMGM provides online sports booking services to New Jersey, Colorado, Nevada, and many other states. BetMGM has partnerships with all the major sports leagues in the United States. BetMGM is live in Ontario and has been quite successful thus far.

theScore Bet

Launched in 2019, theScore Bet is the first mobile sportsbook in the United States. The mobile app offers wagering on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. It also offers NCAA football and basketball betting. While anyone can download the app, you can currently wager in New Jersey, Colorado, and Indiana. As a local Canadian company, theScore Bet has staked its claim on Canada, and thus far has been the market leader, exceeding revenue expectations.

Bet365

Based in the United Kingdom, bet365 provides online sports betting and casino gambling. They currently provide online gambling services for the UK, Gibraltar, Malta, Bulgaria, Australia, and now Canada.

DraftKings

DraftKings started as a daily fantasy sports company and has recently added sports betting. In August 2018, Draftkings Sportsbook opened for business in New Jersey. It now offers professional sports booking in over a dozen US states. The latest numbers estimate over 8 million users of DraftKings, which is sure to increase now that the company is operating in Ontario, going live in the province on May 17, 2022.

Additional Operators

• Bally Bet
• 888sport
• Caesars Sportsbook
• BetRivers
• Unibet
• Coolbet
• Leovegas
• Rivalry
• Party Sports

Top Ontario Sports Teams

Toronto and Ottawa are homes to many professional sports teams, including NHL, MLB, NBA, MLS, and Canadian Football. All these teams have dedicated fan bases that may be interested in sports betting. The PGA Tour also stops in Ontario for the Canadian Open. In addition, many Ontarians have a favorite NFL football team, including the Bills and Lions due to their proximity to the province.

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Since 1917, Toronto has been the home of The Maple Leafs. The team has won 13 Stanley Cup championships throughout the years, with their last win coming in 1967. The current period marks the longest drought between championships at 52 seasons without a Stanley Cup Victory. The team boasts 75 players inducted into the NHL hall of fame.

Toronto Raptors (NBA)

An expansion team of the NBA, the Toronto Raptors, was established for the 1995 NBA season. After struggling through the 1990s, the Raptors found success in the 2000s when Vince Carter Joined the team. After winning their division title six times, the Toronto Raptors finally won the NBA championship.

Along with the Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors call Scotiabank Arena in Toronto home.

Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)

The Toronto Blue Jays were part of the 1977 Major League Baseball expansion along with the Seattle Mariners. They won the world series in 1992 and 1993 and have limited success in the East Division since then, gaining the title in 2015. They currently call Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto home.

Ottawa Senators (NHL)

Based in Ottawa, the Senators have been part of the NHL since 1992. The original Ottawa Senators were a team in the NHL from 1883 until 1934, winning 11 Stanley Cups. Since re-entering the NHL, the Senators have won four division titles and made sixteen playoff appearances.  The team calls the Canadian Tire Centre home in Ottawa, Ontario.

Toronto FC (MLS)

Last but not least is Toronto FC, the championship-winning soccer franchise. Toronto has had a great deal of success since its entry in the MLS in 2007, even winning the MLS Cup twice (!), capturing the trophy in 2016 and 2019.

Top Ontario Brick and Mortar Casinos

Sports betting is legal online in Ontario, and retail sportsbooks are slowly starting to open up. We expect the following casinos to eventually all feature huge retail sportsbooks where bettors can wager and watch the games.

Caesars Windsor

Opened in 1994, Caesars Windsor is operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation with licensing agreements from Caesars Entertainment. You can find the casino in Windsor, Ontario. The casino was expanded in 2008 with a new tower, Augustus. An estimated six million people visit the casino every year from Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and other Midwestern US States.   

Casino Niagara

Located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Casino Niagara boasts 95,000 sq ft of gaming space and views of Niagara Falls. The casino currently offers a Sports Lounge where visitors can place a variety of bets on games, matches, and fights. From point spread bets to parlays, you can gamble the night away. 

We expect Casino Niagara to have a successful transition to single-game sports betting. While gambling has recently become legal in New York, many tourists will still cross the border to enjoy gambling at Casino Niagara.

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort

Opened in 2004, this $1 billion project is one of the most prominent structures of the Niagara Skyline. You can enjoy stunning views of the Horseshoe Falls while enjoying the casino as well.The casino features over 3000 slot machines and over 100 gaming tables. The 35-floor hotel features 374 world-class rooms for visitors. The teams at Niagara Fallsview Casino are excited and preparing to open their sportsbook soon.

Casino Rama

Casino Rama is Ontario’s only First Nation commercial casino. Opened in 1996, the casino features 192,000 sq ft of gaming space, 289 hotel rooms, and 2500 slot machines. Both the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation own the casino.

Casino Rama is less than 2 hours from Toronto, making it a great getaway for many tourists and gamblers. While sports betting is not ready at Casino Rama yet, we are confident Casino Rama will be at the forefront of sports betting in Ontario.

Gateway Casino Sault Ste. Marie

Gateway Casino Sault Ste. Marie was Northern Ontario’s first casino. Located near the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie, the casino is filled with tourists from Canada and the United States. 

It features 35,000 sq ft of gaming space, 360 slot machines, and 9 table games. While smaller than the other casinos on this list, Gateway Casino still attracts many customers partially because the drinking age in Ontario is 19, which encourages many young US visitors to visit the casino. With its proximity to the US border, expect this casino to be fully prepared to accept your single-game sports bets as soon as possible. 

Ontario Sports Betting FAQ

What Is the Legal Gambling Age in Ontario?

Each province determines the legal age to gamble in Canada. While some provinces allow gambling at 18, you must be 19 or older to legally gamble in Ontario.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ontario?

Yes! Single-game wagering is legal and available in Ontario. Over 30 sportsbooks are currently operating in the province, ready to take your wager upon the creation of a sports betting account.

Is It Safe to Bet Using an Online Betting Website?

The major online sports betting sites are required to meet stringent safety and security measures to operate. Rest assured that your personal information and deposits are safe with a legal, regulated online sportsbook or casino betting site.

What Sports Can I Bet on?

The answer depends on which online site you are using. Some have a wider variety of sports, but all sportsbooks are traditional single-game sports betting on the major sports, including baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer.

Will I Be Able to Place Single-Game Sports Bets at Casinos?

To be determined. While casinos haven’t opened retail sportsbooks at their locations quite yet, we are hopeful that they are coming soon, along with more mobile sports betting ventures. 

What Online Sportsbooks Are Available?

Some of the most popular sportsbooks in the world are operating in Ontario, including PointsBet, FanDuel, BetMGM, theScore, and bet365. Ontario will also provide Proline+ for online sports betting. 

How Can I Pay for Online Sports Betting in Ontario?

Most online sportsbooks accept a wide range of payment services, including credit cards, PayPal, Interac Online, WebCash, and ACH eCheck. Please refer to your favorite online sportsbook for more info on their current payment options. 

Is Gambling Dangerous?

While gambling can be fun, it can also become a serious problem for many people. Gambling addiction can ruin your life. Remember that gambling in any form can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, we encourage you to seek advice or help. Many institutions and apps also have responsible gambling tips that can help you set healthy limits.