Best Canadian
Betting Sites
Looking for the very best online betting sites in Canada? We’re the one-stop-shop for your online betting needs. Get the latest news about sports gambling regulations! Don’t miss out on the top Canadian perks and learn how to optimize your betting strategies – all while playing safely at reputable and legal Canadian betting sites.
- Award-Winning App
- Same-Game Parlays
- Available in French
Provinces
Payment Methods
+2
19+. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.
- Comprehensive Cash Out
- Available in French
- Low Minimum Withdrawal
Provinces
Payment Methods
+3
- Live Streaming
- Regular Soccer Club Sponsor
- Low Minimum Withdrawal
Provinces
Payment Methods
+3
- Best Value for eSports
- HD Live Streaming
- Robust Cashout Feature
Provinces
Payment Methods
+7
- Competitive Odds
- Excellent App
- Great for eSports
Provinces
Payment Methods
+2
19+. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.
The Latest From LegalBet Canada
Exclusive Interview With Play’n GO Affiliate Manager
LegalBet Canada sat down with Play’n GO affiliate manager Edward Eklund to discuss the latest news regarding Play’n GO’s entry into the regulated Ontarian market, and what to expect from Play’n GO in the future. You can read the full interview here!
Soccer Betting
Unsure which betting site is the best for soccer betting? We’ve just released a brand new guide covering our recommended sites, popular leagues to bet on, and our soccer betting tips!
iDebit
If you’re looking to bet using iDebit, our iDebit guide is the answer! Discover our recommended Canadian sites that offer iDebit and useful information like withdrawal fees, withdrawal times and more!
Why Play on Sites Offered by Regulated Operators?
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Secure Payments
Regulated, legal sites ensure that your deposits are protected and your winnings are paid out in a timely fashion.
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Responsible Gambling
You also have access to extensive responsible gambling resources, including betting limits, help line, and account timeout.
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Reputable Business
Only trustworthy companies apply for betting licenses in regulated markets. These companies undergo thorough vetting from the regulator in order to become legal.
Is Online Betting Legal In Canada?
Can You Bet Legally Online in Canada?
Yes! Canada legalized online betting at a federal level in the 1990s. Up until June 2021, only parlay bets were allowed, but Canada has now legalized single-event sports betting. It is up to each province to regulate sports betting, so what you can or can’t do depends on your location. We suggest you check out our province guides to learn all about the regulations in your province.
Finding websites to place legal bets in Canada is not as easy as it should be. We’re here to help you navigate a world of sports betting legislation, state lotteries, and international betting sites to find the best betting options for you. We even have a betting site comparison tool!
Where is Online Betting Legal in Canada?
Online betting is legal throughout Canada, but the options available can vary from one province to the next. As of August 2021, each province can decide on sports betting regulation. They can allow private operators to operate in the regulated market, or leave it limited to the provincial monopolies.
The majority of provinces will expand their selection on the provincial betting sites for the time being. The exception is Ontario, which opened the market to regulated private operators on the 4th of April 2022. Alberta has also issued a call of interest for private operators, but will be limiting the market to two operators. The LegalBet Canada team is following all updates from provinces, so stay tuned!
What are the Most Recent Sports Betting Laws in Canada?
The Canadian Criminal Code is the most important piece of legislation currently regulating online gambling in Canada. The Code, as it’s commonly known, disallowed all sorts of betting activities from being run as a business, with one notable exception: pari-mutuel betting for horse racing events.
However, with the approval of Bill C-218 in June 2021, the Code has now been amended to allow a provincial government, entity, or person licensed by the Lieutenant Governor of that province to conduct and manage a lottery scheme.The lottery scheme can involve betting on a race, a fight, athletic event, or a single sports event in that province.
Is Single-Event Sports Betting Legal?
Single-event sports betting is legal as of August 2021! After years of unsuccessful bill attempts, Bill C-218 managed to get approved by the Senate and receive Royal Assent to pass into law.
This comes after decades of only allowing parlay bets at provincial betting monopolies. Legalizing single-event sports betting will drastically improve legal betting options for Canadian players.
What Betting Sites are Legal in Canada?
As things stand, you have a few legal betting options. One option is betting at the provincially owned sites like PlayNow and PROLINE+. These provincial sites are available in all provinces. Other options vary by province. For example, Ontario offers legal betting sites as part of its regulated market. These include LeoVegas and Unibet.
Other provinces have not opened their market to private operators yet. Since the betting selection tends to be limited at the provincial sites, a lot of Canadians opt for international betting sites instead. These sites are not operated in Canada, so you can bet at these popular betting sites without any legal repercussions. All our recommendations are perfectly safe betting options. Just make sure to select your province when loading our betting list!
Is Online Betting Taxable In Canada?
Canada is one of the best places to live if you’re into online betting.
Why? Because sports gambling winnings are, for the most part, tax-free!
We say “for the most part” because professional gamblers may be taxed.
As long as you bet for fun and your betting activity can’t be considered a business, you’re tax-free!
Did you know you don’t even have to pay taxes on your winnings if you win the lottery?
Although your online betting winnings themselves are not taxed, any income derived from them is.
For instance, if you deposit them into a bank account and then accrue interest, that interest will be taxed.
Online Betting Legislation in Canada: The Latest Updates
August 1, 2022
Betway has acquired the official iGaming Ontario license.
bwin is another addition to Canada’s legal betting market!
July 1, 2022
Other brands are edging closer to Ontarian licenses! These include brands like Betway, Spin Casino, Ruby Fortune, Royal Vegas, and Jackpot City.
Bet99 is also rumoured to be getting the full license very soon!
May 23, 2022
Ontario’s list of legal sportsbooks keeps on growing!
The latest additions include DraftKings, Northstar Bets, and Rivalry.
April 4, 2022
Ontario launches its online regulated market! This means that Ontarians can enjoy new legal betting sites, including well-known names like FanDuel and LeoVegas.
For the latest updates on legal betting in Ontario, and a full list of Ontario betting sites, check out our Ontario betting guide.
March 25, 2022
The list of sites with an Ontarian license keeps increasing.
BetMGM, CoolBet, LeoVegas, and Fitzdares have been added to the list.
March 14, 2022
Ontario’s AGCO has been busy approving operators ahead of the 4th April launch.
Officially approved operators include 888, PointsBet, theScore and BetRivers. However, the list is expected to keep growing.
February 12, 2022
Nova Scotia starts offering legal single-event bets! The Atlantic Lottery Corp. expanded its Pro-Line product into the province.
Nova Scotia was the last Canadian province without any online single-event betting.
January 28, 2022
iGaming Ontario announced that single-game betting can be offered by private operators in the province on the 4th of April, 2022.
The specific number of operators remains to be seen, although operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers, and theScore are confirmed.
December 10, 2021
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission announced that it is accepting bids from private operators that wish to enter the province’s sports betting market.
However, the AGLC will initially limit to two private operators to speed up the process as much as possible. This is expected to happen in 2022.
November 3, 2021
BC hits milestone as BC bettors wager more than $25 million in the first two months of single-event sports betting.
Although there is no official news, there’s a lot of speculation that BC might open the market to private operators in the future.
September 23, 2021
Saskatchewan announces that its online casino and sports betting will go through the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
The site’s revenue will be split 50/50 between the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the province.
September 1, 2021
Alberta launches single-event betting by expanding the selection on its PlayNow platform.
The province has hinted at opening up the betting market to private operators in the future.
August 27, 2021
Single-event betting is officially legal in Canada. Provinces can now regulate single-event betting as they wish.
Ontario, Québec, BC, and Manitoba are all offering single-event betting on their provincial lottery sites from today.
August 12, 2021
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, David Lametti, announces that single-event sports betting in Canada will go live on the 27th of August.
This will give provinces the chance to set their own rules and regulate sports betting in the region.
June 29. 2021
The Bill receives Royal Assent from the country’s chief justice, Richard Wagner.
The Prime Minister and his cabinet will now set a date for the legislation to come into force.
June 22, 2021
The Senate approves Bill C-218 without any amendments. The bill’s next step is to go to the Governor General to receive royal assent.
Once it receives royal assent, it will be passed into law and a date will be set for its launch.
Learn More
Interested in learning more about the latest legal updates?
Read our detailed guide on single-event sports betting legislation!
Selecting The Best Online Betting Site
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Licenses
Ontarians can look out for an iGO license (iGaming Ontario). Other provinces do not have a provincial license, but can use the iGO license as a point of reference. It may not apply in your province, but it’s still a good sign of the brand’s reputation!
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User Experience
Yes, you should judge a (sports)book by the cover! How the website looks and feels is important. Your experience should be seamless, intuitive, and above everything, fun.
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Odds and Markets
It doesn’t matter if you’re placing a parlay bet or single bet: a good sports betting platform should offer competitive odds on all the top sports and markets.
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Payment Options
In our books, the ideal betting site has a vast array of payment methods. More than that, however, it lets you deposit and withdraw money with ease and as cheaply as possible!
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Other Features
It’s 2022, so it goes without saying: betting apps (or well-optimized mobile sites) are almost mandatory. Other features such as cash out and live streaming are also welcome.
Sports to Bet On in Canada
Ice Hockey
You can’t think of Canada without thinking of ice hockey, so expect to find plenty of NHL bets and other leagues at legal sports betting sites.
Bet on Ice Hockey
Basketball
If you’re a basketball fan, you can rest assured that you won’t run out of betting options for the NBA and other top basketball leagues.
Bet on Basketball
Football
Bet live or pre-match on the NHL play-offs, Super Bowl, and others. You can also enjoy seasonal promotions like risk-free bets and cashbacks at top betting sites.
Bet on Football
Tennis
Look forward to tennis betting with the best odds all year round! Bet on the grand slam tournaments, or back a winner in singles or doubles matches.
Bet on Tennis
eSports
CS:GO, DOTA 2, LoL. Overwatch. eSports betting is an ever-growing category and you are likely to find it at most sports betting sites in Canada.
Bet on eSports
Soccer
There’s a reason why soccer is a popular category at many sites. The possibilities are endless! Bet on the Premier League, World Cup, and more at soccer-focused sites like LeoVegas.
Bet on Soccer
Cricket
Look forward to cricket betting at top sports betting sites like LeoVegas Whether it’s the ICC Cricket World Cup or smaller events, LeoVegas offers several betting options.
Bet on Cricket
Golf
Golf might not be the most popular sport in Canada, but you’ll find plenty of options. Bet on the Canadian Open and plenty of other popular golf tournaments.
Bet on Golf
Curling
Curling betting sites are not easy to find, but some of our recommended sportsbooks do have curling betting options!
Bet on Curling
Different Bet Types
Moneyline
Moneyline is the most common and straightforward bet. If you bet the moneyline, you are betting on the team or individual who will win the game.
Point Spread
With a point spread bet (also known as a handicap bet for some sports), you wager on which team will win the game and the points margin by which they’ll win.
Parlay
For decades, parlay bets were the only legal option at Canadian betting sites. Also known as accumalators, these bets combine multiple wagers and have bigger payouts.
Totals
Sometimes referred to as Over/Under bets, these bets are on the total points scored in a game and whether the amount will be over or under that indicated.
Prop Bets
Do you want to bet on the first team to score? Or if there will be overtime? Or which player will score most points? You’ll definitely find a prop bet that will cover this!
Live Bets
Live bets are placed while the game is in full swing. Not only is it thrilling, it also gives you the chance to spot value betting opportunities while the game develops.
Payment Methods at Canadian Betting Sites
Interac
Interac is Canada’s leading payment brand. It is by far the most popular payment method for Canadians at online betting sites.
Credit Cards
Credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and American Express are a quick hassle-free way to fund your betting account.
ecoPayz
ecoPayz is a prepaid option that allows you to quickly deposit play at the best sports betting sites in Canada.
Paysafe Card
Paysafecard is another prepaid online payment method you can use at most Canadian betting sites. It comes in the form of vouchers with a 16-digit PIN code.
InstaDebit
InstaDebit is not as popular as Interac, but it’s a Canadian e-wallet that allows you to transfer money quickly to a sports betting site.
Cryptocurrencies
Not all sites offer crypto options, but when they do, they’re a good choice if you value anonymity. The most popular is Bitcoin, but other crypto options like Litecoin are also available.
Best Features On
Online Betting Sites
Discover some of the best tools and resources available to Canadian gamblers!
Cash Out
The Cash Out feature allows you to close a bet before the event is finished. You can use it to both assure a win or reduce a loss. Some betting sites, like Betway, let you choose between cashing out the full bet or just a part of it!
Live Streaming
Live betting is fun, but it’s not the same thing if you can’t watch the game. Some betting sites recognize this and let you live stream the match. This way, you can keep a close eye on those thrilling in-play bets everyone’s always boasting about.
Stats And Scores
Forget diamonds: stats are the bettor’s best friends. Learn all you can about the teams and players, then use all the knowledge you acquired to make an informed bet. At websites like LeoVegas with thorough statistical databases, your task is much easier!
Betting Apps
Looking to bet on the go? The best brands offer stellar apps for enjoyable mobile betting! Most Canadian betting sites support both Android and iOS. Stay away from those that don’t offer a fully optimized mobile experience.
Play Safe!
Enjoy Online Betting
Play For Fun
Rule number one of online betting? It’s a hobby, not a profession. Placing a sports bet should always be fun – and if it’s not, something isn’t right about your experience. It’s important to see online sports betting sites as a source of entertainment, not of funds, and the bets themselves as a way to make your favourite sports even more exciting. Your winnings? They’re the cherry on top, not the cake!
Expect The Unexpected
Remember when the Giants destroyed the Patriots at the 2007 Super Bowl? When Leicester City won the Premier League? Those were epic moments, sure, and will be etched forever in our memory… but they also prove one thing: there is no such thing as a sure bet or a guaranteed win in sports.
Learn From Experience
Fool me once, shame on you, but fool me twice… Losing is part of every gambler’s online betting experience, but it doesn’t have to be a wasted chance. Learn from your mistakes. More importantly, perhaps learn from your biggest triumphs as well. What does your best bet tell you about your overall strategy?
Analyze Your Betting History
There’s a reason why “don’t chase losses” or “stop while you’re ahead” are such clichés: they’re true. Keep an eye on your sports betting history and analyze it with a clear mind. Don’t let the rush of a win or the frustration over a loss influence your decisions. Stay on top of your finances, set a budget if you must, and stick to it!
Best Casino Sites for Canadians
The online gambling sites we review also offer casino options!
We have a full guide dedicated to the best online casinos in Canada, but the following list is a good start.
- Competitive Odds
- Excellent App
- Great for eSports
Provinces
Payment Methods
+2
19+. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.
- Award-Winning App
- Same-Game Parlays
- Available in French
Provinces
Payment Methods
+2
19+. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
⚖️ Is online betting legal in Canada?
In short, yes, but the full answer is a bit more complicated, depending on where you live. In most provinces, only some betting sites (especially state-sponsored lotteries) are licensed to operate. On the other hand, provinces like Ontario have a regulated private market where licensed private betting sites can operate.
🏆 What is the best online betting site?
It depends on what you’re looking for! For instance, LeoVegas has an incredible market and sport variety, while Rivalry is an excellent eSports option. Our Comparison Tool lets you see the brands side by side, helping you discover which one is the best for you.
❓ What are parlay bets?
A parlay bet is one sports bet that combines two or more different events together. To win, you must guess all single bets in the parlay correctly: if only one of the events disappoints, your full bet is lost!
🧾 Is sports betting taxable in Canada?
No! Gambling winnings are not taxable in Canada, making it one of the best countries in the world to bet online.
🏅 Which sports can I bet on in Canada?
From hockey to darts, basketball, and curling, Canadian bettors are spoilt for choice. The most popular sports, with multiple markets on virtually every website, are hockey, basketball, football, and tennis. Competitions like UFC and eSports are on the rise and already have a passionate following – and online betting sites offering these sports are likely to thrive!