Players from United States accepted
Since approving single-event bets, Ontario has been setting the pace in Canada. Many other provinces that want to establish a regulated gambling market look up to it. Indeed, sports betting is smooth in OT thanks to regulation by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.
Ontario’s online betting market actually went live in 2022. When we checked the current state, we found 30+ legal bookmakers. Experts at BetZillion carefully rated each one to identify the most reliable. These include reviewing the markets, bonus offers, payment methods, mobile support, and other core aspects. That’s how we arrived at the top list on this page. As a result, you can trust all featured betting sites to deliver. Learn more about the best betting sites in Ontario and how to craft winning bets with BetZillion's guidance in the Canadian province.
List of the Best Ontario Betting Sites
Besides allowing single-wagers, Ontario also started with regulations of the sports betting markets. It opened it to new Ontario sportsbooks, leading to many prominent sportsbooks opening their doors in the province. Even now, many new sportsbooks in Ontario are entering the market, which continues to grow.
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Welcome offers
Nowadays, it's hard to say how many sportsbooks and casino operators offer their service to Ontario bettors. Still, there are more options for punters wanting to place an Ontario bet. And while some ON sportsbooks are more popular than others – due to their reputation in other countries – there are plenty of excellent bookmakers and ON sports betting apps.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best Ontario betting sites and take a closer look at how the online betting scene in the province looks. But for starters, it's wise to know that the ON sports betting industry is extremely healthy, and there are more than enough platforms that offer online sports betting in Ontario one would need.
BetMGM Sportsbook Ontario
BetMGM was one of the first sportsbooks that entered the ON sports betting market and is considered one of Ontario's best sports betting sites even to date. As one of the biggest and most popular sportsbooks in the United States, BetMGM didn't need long to become popular in Ontario, and it's easy to see why – it has everything you'll ever need in solid ON betting sites, including a mobile betting app.
theScore Bet Sportsbook Ontario
Although not one of the largest sportsbooks in the world, theScore is a massive brand among Ontario bettors, especially those who wager from their phones. TheScore is known to have the best ON sports betting apps and continues to hold the largest market share among mobile bettors.
BetRivers Sportsbook Ontario
Much like theScore, BetRivers isn't one of the largest sportsbooks in North America, but it is enjoying success in Ontario, where it was one of the first sportsbooks to open its doors as soon as it gained the license to operate.
DraftKings Ontario
A juggernaut in the online betting and DFS scene, DraftKings needs no special introduction in Ontario. It went live in Ontario in April 2022. It was one of the most popular new Ontario sportsbooks, mainly due to its DFS offer, but then lost in popularity following the latest regulations, severely harming the DFS scene.
Caesars Sportsbook Ontario
Widely known as one of the top betting brands, Caesars is easily one of Ontario's most popular and best betting sites due to its excellent sports betting offer and superb mobile betting app. And beyond all that, Caesars is known to have one of the best Ontario betting promotions, which makes it stand out from the very competitive market.
888sport Sportsbook Ontario
888sports operated in Ontario even before the betting regulations, which helped its popularity among locals who knew about it before 888sports acquired a license.
Although it's arguably not as good as some of the top-rated platforms that offer online sports betting in Ontario, 888sport is doing just fine and is one of the most visited ON betting sites.
Bet365 Sportsbook Ontario
When we talk about the best Ontario betting sites, it's difficult not to mention Bet365. Unlike most competitors, Bet365 is a British sportsbook and was one of the available ON betting sites even before the province accepted the needed regulations to make sports betting legal. As a well-known operator, bet365 enjoys massive popularity among local bettors and is among the most recognizable ON sportsbooks.
FanDuel Sportsbook Ontario
FanDuel was one of the first new sportsbooks in Ontario after the passage of the bill, and as one of the top sportsbooks in the USA, it's not surprising to learn that FanDuel enjoys success in Canada as well. As of 2023, FanDuel is one of the top three ON sports betting sites, largely due to offering one of Ontario's best sports betting apps, excellent odds, and superb market coverage.
Sports Interaction Ontario
Sports Interaction is one of Canada's leading sportsbooks, which opened its doors in 1997 and has since amassed a large following of loyal bettors.
It offers casino games, excellent sports wagering market coverage, competitive betting odds, a mobile betting app, and some of the best Ontario betting offers, rounding up everything you would expect to find in the best betting sites in Ontario.
PointsBet Ontario
Originally an Australian sportsbook, PointsBet quickly spread worldwide, even in Ontario, where it has operated since 2022. It was one of the founding sportsbooks in Ontario. It took advantage of excellent betting odds, some of the best Ontario sports betting promo offers, and a highly popular mobile betting app. It took advantage of the timing to accumulate a massive following of loyal punters who call PointsBet their home.
Unibet Sportsbook
As a part of the Kindred Group, which operates 11 sportsbooks, Unibet only needed a short time to enter the ON sports betting market, where it continues to work.
Known as one of the biggest sportsbooks in Europe, Unibet also gained quite a following of bettors in Canada, especially in Ontario, where it's known as one of the largest ON betting sites.
Pinnacle Sportsbook
Established in 1998, Pinnacle offers some of the best gambling odds in the ON sports betting market. As the world's biggest and most popular sharp bookmakers, Pinnacle quickly found its home in Ontario, where it operates as one of the most visited ON sportsbooks.
At the same time, it lacks Ontario betting promotions found on Caesars or other sportsbooks, but exceptional odds and market coverage make it arguably the best sportsbook in Ontario.
Wynnbet Ontario
WynnBet launched in Ontario in 2022 and quickly made a name for itself as an excellent ON sportsbook. With one of the largest offers of casino games, competitive odds, excellent market coverage, and one of the best sports betting apps in Ontario, WynnBet is a perfect choice for any punter from Ontario who is looking for a place to wager.
Coolbet Ontario sportsbook
Although relatively new to the betting scene, CoolBet quickly gained the attention of Ontario bettors, who were eager to experience everything this new Scandinavian sportsbook had to offer. With an exceptional in-play betting offer, excellent odds, a rich selection of casino games, and a solid mobile betting app, CoolBet has everything you would expect from top-of-the-line ON betting sites.
The only reason why CoolBet isn't one of the biggest ON betting sites is its need for recognition, but even that's bound to change with time.
BetVictor Ontario
BetViktor started as a land-based sportsbook but then transitioned to the online betting industry, where it made a name for itself as one of the top online bookmakers. Initially, BetVictor offered only sports betting, but it has since expanded its offer to include casinos. It nowadays provides one of the most diverse gambling options among all ON betting sites.
Sportsbooks to Avoid in Ontario
More than enough platforms offer online sports betting in Ontario, and many are excellent choices for casual and serious bettors. Yet out of all the great ON sportsbooks, there are a few bad apple people should avoid. Those include:
- Zenit
- CRSportsBet
- AmericasBookie
The three mentioned sportsbooks are known as some of Ontario's worst for many reasons. Those include slow payouts, allegations of not paying customers, terrible customer support, and reports of confiscated winnings.
Besides the three, it's wise to avoid any sportsbook that doesn't hold a license, as only this way can you ensure the safety of your money and personal information. However, even though there are ON sports betting sites everyone should avoid, there are also plenty of excellent Ontatri bookies, which are easy to find.
Top Betting Bonus Deals & Offers
All bookmakers operating in Ontario, including new Ontario sportsbooks, will have bonuses, offers, and various promotions. Mostly, you will find bonuses available no matter which bookmaker you choose. However, it's important to note that some sportsbooks' Ontario betting offers are better than others.
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Nevertheless, you can expect all Ontario sports betting promo offers to include welcome bonuses, occasional free bet sign-up offer, and various promotions, which can come in many shapes and sizes. But while grabbing Ontario bettong bonuses is simple. There are a few things to know about the promotions and rewards you'll find while betting in Canada.
Free Bets for Ontario Customers
Free bet bonus is one of the best betting sites offered in Ontario. You can come across it on sports betting apps or a wagering website. As the name suggests, the free bet bonus grants you free money to bet with, and it can be acquired in many different ways.
Typically, the free bet bonuses given to existing users are the same size as the customer's average bet with the sportsbook. If you regularly bet with $10, you can expect to receive a $10 free wager randomly, several times throughout the year. As one of the best Ontario betting promos, free bets also come with just a 1x rollover requirement, meaning you only have to bet with the bonus cash once to be able to withdraw it.
Rollover Requirements
Almost any Ontario sports betting bonus will come with a rollover requirement, including welcome offers, free wagering cash, deposit bonuses, and even a free bet. Essentially, a rollover requirement tells you how many times you must wager the betting cash given to you before you can withdraw it.
So if ON sportsbooks have a running promotion that will grant you $100 in free wagering cash, but with a 20x rollover requirement, you'll have to bet with $100 20 times before you're allowed to withdraw the bonus. In this case, you have to roll over $2,000.
Risk-Free Bet Ontario Offers
A risk-free bet is a self-explanatory bonus the sportsbooks give existing users as a part of promotions. As its name suggests, free bets are bonuses that allow you to wager on a specific game or tournament, and if your wager loses, you get your money back.
In most cases, the money you receive back comes as free wagering cash, so you can only withdraw it after you complete the rollover requirement.
Loyalty Programs for Ontario Sports Betting
Ontario's best sports betting sites will also have loyalty programs, often billed as VIP programs, which is essentially a system that awards existing users. With the loyalty program, as a bettor, you collect points based on your activity with the sportsbook and then exchange them for various rewards.
The rewards from the loyalty program can be anything the bookmaker can think of, including a free week at one of the resorts, a free skiing ticket, or anything similar. But more commonly, the rewards are free bets, higher betting limits, deposit match bonuses, reload bonuses, or enhanced odds.
How to Start Betting in Ontario
To start betting in Ontario, you don't have to do much, and it's very simple to go from having no betting account to placing your first bet. You only need a couple of minutes of your time, a stable internet connection, a computer or a smartphone, and the required documents in your hand.
| Steps | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 🔍 Step 1: Select a Sportsbook | Before you can start betting in Canada, you need to pick a sportsbook. There are many options and great choices, so it's hard to miss but focus more on the best sports betting sites in Ontario with a proven reputation, a valid license, and preferably a mobile betting app. |
| đź“‘ Step 2: Register Online | Once you pick a sportsbook or multiple ON sports betting sites you want to use, it's time to register. To do so, click the “sign up” or “register” buttons, usually in the top right corner, and start the process.
Depending on the bookmaker, you'll be asked to provide the usual information, including username, password, date of birth, email, address, and a picture of your ID. Once you're done, you must verify the account via a verification link which will be sent to your email, and you need to open it. |
| đź’ł Step 3: Deposit Funds | You can log in and make your first deposit with your betting account. To do so, navigate to the cashier's tab or click the “deposit” button, usually next to your balance in the top right corner.
Once you begin the deposit, you'll be asked to pick the desired payment method and input the amount you want to deposit. Depending on the sportsbooks and the payment method you choose, the deposits can either be instant or take a couple of minutes. |
| 🖱️ Step 4: Choose Your Bet Types | With the account set up and money deposits, you can now explore the betting markets on the bookmaker. All sportsbooks will have an easy way to access the betting markets, usually located in the top menu under “sports” or “Esports.” |
| đź‘Ť Step 5: Start Betting | Once you've decided which Ontario bets to place, click on your selection, input the desired amount you wish to wager, and put in a wager. From there, all you have to do is wait for the match to finish before you return to looking for the next betting opportunity.
Remember that in some sportsbooks or sports betting apps, you'll find various betting promotions tied to wagers. For example, a sportsbook can have an Ontatrio free bet promotion if you bet on MLS, but it will only be available if you opt-in. So before you place any bets, ensure there are no promotions and Ontario betting offers you can take advantage of. |
Choose Your Bet of the Day in Ontario
As long as you're using the best sports betting sites in Ontario, you won't be limited on what you bet on. Especially if you're using known sportsbooks such as Barstool Sportsbook, Unibet, Bet365, or FanDuel, you won't have any issues betting on whatever you like.
WHAT IS THE BEST BET FOR TODAY?
That includes all international sports tournaments and all local Ontario sports events. Moreover, some ON sports betting sites will also have special betting markets on regional competitions and teams, so keep an eye out for any special Ontario sports betting bonus markets that might be available.
Bet on Sport
Sports betting is very popular in Ontario and easily accessible regardless of which bookmakers or ON sports betting apps you use. That especially holds for Ontario's most popular sports, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and even soccer.
Even though those are the most popular sports in Ontario, you can bet on other sports. On the contrary, if you're using the best Ontario sports betting app or sportsbook, you'll have access to betting markets on any sport imaginable, including volleyball, archery, cricket, and more.
Basketball Betting
Basketball has been gaining in popularity over the last decades and is one of Ontario's most popular sports. That is largely thanks to the Toronto Raptors and their success in the NBA, namely in 2019 when they became the first non-US team to win the Championship.
As one of the world's most popular sports, basketball betting markets are available on all sportsbooks. Especially if you're betting on NBA and other major basketball competitions, it's impossible to find an ON sports betting site that won't have markets for it.
Baseball Betting in Ontario
Baseball might not seem like a sport that is popular in Canada, but it is. Even though the Toronto Blue Jays are the only Canadian Major League Baseball (MLB) team, many cities across Canada have their minor leagues. You can even bet on some with the right ON sportsbook.
Hockey Betting in Ontario
To no one's surprise, ice hockey is the most popular sport in Ontario and the most bet-on sport across ON sports betting sites. Canada's national sport is hockey, so it makes sense for all Ontario sportsbooks to have ice hockey betting markets available.
That includes markets on international tournaments, NHL and other major leagues, and many of the smaller second-division ice hockey leagues.
Betting on Soccer
Soccer has, much like basketball, been gaining in popularity in Canada over the last few decades and is, as of 2023, one of the most-watched sports in the country. It also grew the popularity of soccer betting, which is easily accessible on all of the best Ontario betting sites.
It will be easy to find markets if you want to bet on the MLS, World Cup, European leagues, or even some little Canadian soccer competitions.
Betting on Lacrosse
Lacrosse is Canada's second most popular sport, which is hardly shocking since it has been played in the country for decades. Although generally less popular than soccer, basketball, or ice hockey, most of the best sports betting sites in Ontario will have Lacrosse betting markets, especially during important events.
Betting on Horse Racing
People from Ontario have been betting on horse races even before they could place single-match bets on other sports, so it's unsurprising to learn that horse racing betting is very popular among locals. Moreover, all ONsportsbooks have horse racing markets, covering the US, UK, Ireland, Australian, and Asian horse races.
Betting on Other Sports
We've mentioned some of the most popular sports among Ontario bettors, but those are not the only sports you can bet on via ON sports betting sites – far from it. Other popular sports people bet on include golf, tennis, table tennis, darts, bowling, and Esports, and if you want to bet on award ceremonies or politics, that's also available.
Bet on Competitions
In the same way, you can bet on any sport on Ontario bookmakers; the bookies are also not limited to which sports competitions they can offer betting markets. Besides, when the markets are not working – usually when the sportsbooks adjust the odds – you can find betting markets on any competition.
The biggest sports events, such as NFL, NBA, MLS, and the NHL, will have much better coverage. Still, it's easy to find markets for lesser events, especially for Canadian sports betting competitions such as the Canadian Football League or the Ontario Hockey League, which are highly popular among local punters.
NFL Betting
NFL isn't particularly popular in Canada or Ontario, but due to its proximity to the United States isn't still one of the most bet-on sports competitions. Every bookmaker, including new Ontario betting sites, will have NFL betting markets, which is hardly surprising since all sportsbooks from anywhere in the world do.
So if you want to bet on the NFL from Ontario, it's as simple as registering with any bookmaker such as Bwin, CoolBet, WynnBet, Points bet, or 888casino and placing a wager.
Betting on NHL
To no one's surprise, betting on NHL is extremely popular in Ontario and Canada. Every ON sports betting site will have NHL betting markets. Some of the best Ontario sportsbooks will also have special promotions and bonuses, especially for matches including one of many Canadian NHL teams.
Betting on NBA
Even though it is rare to connect Canada to basketball, it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country (in terms of popularity), and not only do a lot of people watch the NBA, but plenty of bettors also bet on it.
Betting on MLB
Betting on MLB is quite popular among Ontario bettors, and all Ontario legal sports betting sites will have markets for it. That is because Ontario is home to the two-time World Series champions Toronto Blue Jays, one of the province's most popular sports teams.
Kentucky Derby
Horse race betting is very popular worldwide, and Ontario is no exception. Due to the accessibility of horse racing betting markets, it's trendy among bettors, yet out of all the events, Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular.
Held in the United States, the Kentucky Derby is among the most prestigious horse racing events, with markets available on all Ontario online betting sites. Moreover, all of the best betting sites in Ontario will also have special promotions for the Kentucky Derby, such as enhanced odds, insurance, and even free bets.
Bet on Teams
Ontario has many professional sports franchises, which compete across various sports and leagues. And naturally, all Ontario professional teams are very popular among bettors.
Considering all of Ontario's top sports teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Bluejays, and Toronto Maple Leafs, compete in major sports leagues, finding betting markets on it is very straightforward.
Toronto Maple Leafs
One of Canada's most recognizable sports teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs, are also one of the most popular teams in the world that competes in the NHL. Founded in 1917, the Maple Leafs have won 13 Stanley Cups, and even though the team has had little success since the 1960s, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain one of the most popular teams among Canadian bettors.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors are one of the main reasons basketball has become so popular in Canada, and their success story reached new heights in 2019 when they became the first Canadian team ever to win the NBA Finals.
Unsurprisingly, the Toronto Raptors have a large following of fans in Ontario and worldwide, especially among punters, who seek high odds of the Raptors repeating their success from 2019.
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays reached their peak popularity in 1993 when they won their second consecutive World Series. While they've since been nearly forgotten, the Blue Jays started gaining in popularity again in recent years.
As one of the most successful teams in Canada, Toronto Blue Jays are one of the most bet-on sports teams in Ontario, especially among the die-hard baseball fans who wait for the day when Toronto Blue Jays win their third World Series title.
Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators are another highly successful NHL team hailing from Canada, having won four Stanley Cups before relocation to St Louis. Like Toronto Maple Leafs, the Ottawa Senators are extremely popular among Canadian bettors, and most ON betting sites will have special promotions on the Senators when they play important matches.
Toronto FC
Even though football (soccer) isn't one of the most popular sports in Canada, it is gaining in popularity, mainly thanks to Toronto FC as one of three Canadian teams competing in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
What Else Can You Bet On In Ontario?
Even though ice hockey, basketball, baseball, and soccer are the four most popular sports in Canada and Ontario, those aren't the only sports local punters can bet on. All of Ontario's best sports betting sites do an excellent job with their offer of betting markets, which include any sport you can think of.
From cricket to volleyball, darts, and even athletics, ON sports betting sites don't limit their customers on what they can bet. So as long as you have an account with a solid online sports betting provider in Ontario, you can bet on any sport or competition you desire.
Award Ceremonies
Besides being able to bet on sports, Ontario punters also have a chance to wager on various award ceremonies, including Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Oscars, and others. Although markets for those tend to be far less extensive, they're easily accessible on sportsbooks in Ontario.
Politics
Like betting on various award ceremonies, it's also possible to bet on politics via the best betting sites in Ontario. And local punters aren't limited to only betting on Canadian politics. Sportsbooks that offer political betting offer far more markets, which include major countries such as the USA, Germany, France, and more.
Esports
Esports betting has become extremely popular over the last decade and is now as easily accessible as sports betting. Every website which offers online sports betting in Ontario will also have Esports betting markets, especially on the major titles such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2.
The best sports betting sites in Ontario will expand on that and cover Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Hearthstone, Call of Duty, and many of the world's biggest mobile games. So if you intend to bet on Esports, it's extremely easy to find a bookmaker with that option – as simple as betting on sports in Ontario.
Daily Fantasy Sports Betting
After legalizing sports betting on mobile apps, prominent operators such as FanDuel and DraftKings exited the Ontario market and stopped offering Daily Fantasy Sports. That was mainly because the Alcohol and Gaming Commission introduced a $100,000 registration fee and a 25% tax on all DFS revenue, which FanDuel and DraftKings felt was too much.
Newest Sportsbooks to Launch in Ontario
2023 is a big year for Ontario, especially in online betting and gambling. Since the turn of the year, many new Ontario betting sites have entered the market, including many land-based retail sportsbooks.
That includes a new retail sportsbook, the Caesars Sportsbook at Caesars Windsor, Fitzdares, and Betsafe. It marks the first time Fitzdares and Betsafe entered the Ontario market, and they quickly found success due to their great market coverage, competitive odds, and excellent promotions and bonuses.
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Ontario celebrated one year of legal online betting on April 4, and with how things have been going over the last 12 months, it's fair to assume that more sportsbooks will enter the booming market. The province ended the fiscal quarter with over $11.5 billion wagered – a 91% increase from the previous quarter.
Ontario Sports Betting Legislation
Online sports betting is legal in Ontario, and many ON sports betting sites and ON sports betting apps are available to local punters. Moreover, it's completely legal to bet in person at several land-based sportsbooks, granted it's less popular than online ON sports betting, which has been gaining in popularity in recent years.
As of 2022, the ON sports betting market is also open to private operators, which led to many new Ontario sportsbooks opening their doors in the province, now creating a blossoming online betting market that continues to grow yearly.
Ontario Betting Laws
The only important piece of ON sports betting legislation is Bill C-218 or The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. It legalized one-game betting, allowing local punters to place bets on a single event – rather than on parlays. It was the only way betting in Canada was possible before Bill C-218.
The only exception was online horse betting in Ontario, where punters were allowed to place bets on a single race. Besides that, single-game betting was the only option to bet in Ontario.
ON Sports Betting Bill
When we talk about the process of legalizing sports betting and the growth of online betting in Ontario, the most important legislation was Bill C-218, also known as The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act.
Before it, ON betting sites were only allowed to offer single sports wagering on horse races, while to bet on any other sport, the gambling laws stated that the punters have to place parlay bets on a minimum of two events. Since the passage of The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, the ON sports betting landscape has become far less restrictive, allowing punters to bet on whatever sport they like and however they desire.
Sports Gambling Taxes in ON
The great news for aspiring bettors from Ontario is that there are no taxes on your betting winnings unless you're a professional bettor who operates as a private business. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) outlined all the types of income you don't have to declare on your tax returns, including lottery and betting winnings, so no matter how much you win betting, it won't be taxed.
What Is the Sports Gambling Age in Ontario
The legislation about the minimum betting age in Ontario is very clear – the legal gambling age is 18 years old; however, you must be at least 19 to bet online or enter one of many land-based casinos in Canada. According to the law, all licensed establishments must verify your age as part of the regulatory compliance process, done online through account verification, which you must complete when signing up with any sportsbook.
Responsible Gambling in Ontario
Ontario takes responsible gambling very seriously and has focused on it since legalizing online betting. The document “Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming” includes a special section about responsible gambling, which lists six key risks the regulator must address.
Those keys also include advertising sports betting and gambling, which isn't allowed for minors. Moreover, all ON sports betting sites must prevent their customers from playing excessively by integrating responsible gambling controls into their software. And to top it all off, all sportsbooks – from bet365 to Golden Nugget sportsbook – must make their customers aware of gambling addiction and include self-exclusion in their software.
All licensed establishments must adopt policies to mitigate these risks or lose their license. At every Ontario sports betting site, you will find a responsible gaming section that explains how to avoid developing problem gambling.
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Ontario
There are so many ON sportsbooks that it's easy to pick one, sign up for an account and start betting. But since there are so many options, knowing how to choose the best sports betting sites in Ontario with all the features you'll need is much more important.
Here are a few things to remember when deciding which sportsbook to register with, which will help you find the best bookmaker.
- First and foremost, you must ensure that the sportsbook you're registering with is safe, legit, and licensed. It would help if you never used unlicensed or shady sportsbooks as it will put your money and personal information at risk.
- The sportsbook's reputation is as important as safety, so preferably, you should research, read online reviews, and see what other people say about their experience using it before you sign up for any bookmaker.
- After you ensure that the sportsbooks follow regulations, are safe, and reputable, you also have to check whether it has competitive betting odds and enough betting markets. You want only to use bookmakers where you can place Ontario bets at competitive odds and have enough betting markets available, so you can wager on whatever you like.
- Other features, like a mobile betting app's availability, are also a big plus. Even if you don't intend to bet from your phone, it's highly advantageous to have an app available, especially considering some sportsbooks offer special promotions exclusive to those who use ON sports betting apps.
- All modern and new Ontario betting sites should also have live betting options, which include a solid in-play betting market and live streaming. Like the mobile app, live betting might not sound important to some. Still, it's a good indication of good bookmakers, and it's one of the major differentiating factors between mediocre and the best sports betting sites in Ontario.
- The banking department is just as important. It can process payments quickly and has little to no fees. Even though nowadays, sportsbooks have plenty of deposit and withdrawal methods; you want to make sure that the sportsbook accepts the payment method you wish to use.
If you find a sportsbook that checks those marks, consider signing up for an account. However, preferably you should register with multiple Ontario bookmakers as this is the only way to ensure that you have access to as many markets as possible and, ultimately, that you can always bet with the best available odds.
Which Ontario Bookmaker Has the Best Odds?
Everyone wants to bet on the sportsbook that has the best odds, but that's not possible to achieve by having an account with just one sportsbook. That is why you should register with several of Ontario's best sports betting sites rather than just sticking with one.
Betting markets are highly volatile, leading to situations where sportsbooks price certain matches differently. For example, MGM Bets can offer 2.10 for the Dallas Mavericks to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, while Bet365 will price Dallas Mavericks at 2.15. So if you intend to bet on Mavericks, you should do it with Bet365; however, that doesn't necessarily mean that Bet365 will always have better odds than MGM.
The only way to find the best odds on any given match is to search through all available markets and bet with the sportsbook that has the best offer. But you can still look through hundreds of sportsbooks – you can stick with only a few known to offer competitive odds.
Deposit Methods at Ontario Sportsbooks
If you want to bet, you must first deposit money into your betting account, which is typically very simple. Especially on Ontario sports betting sites, it's easy to deposit since the sportsbooks that operate in the province usually accept a wide range of payment methods, ensuring that you will be able to find a way to fund your betting account.
But there are a few things to remember. Before you deposit, check for any sign-up bonus bet promotions or other deposit bonuses.
Secondly, it's wise to know that some Canadian banks refuse gambling deposits. So there is a chance that you won't be able to use a direct bank transfer, and there are only so many betting sites that accept Visa debit cards, yet that's hardly an issue since there are many alternative ways to make a deposit.
Some of the most popular payment methods among Ontario bettors include:
- ecoPayz – an international payment service accepted by most sportsbooks and offers quick payments.
- PaySafeCard – a very popular prepaid card used by bettors worldwide; however, it's not taken by all betting sites in Ontario
- Crypto – very fast and anonymous payments, available on almost all new Ontario sportsbooks.
- iDebt is a third-party payment app that lets you link your bank account and enable quick and reliable payments.
- Apple Pay – although not accepted by all Ontario sportsbooks, Apple Pay can be used to deposit money into your betting account with some bookmakers.
- PayPal is a highly popular online payment method that offers quick and secure payments worldwide.
Withdrawal Methods at Ontario Sportsbooks
If your Ontario bets are going well and you wish to withdraw your winnings, you would usually use the same methods to withdraw money as you did to deposit money into your betting account; however, that's only sometimes possible.
The withdrawal options will differ depending on which sportsbook you use, but there will typically be fewer withdrawals than deposit methods. Especially if you're using Pro-line, you can only withdraw with a bank transfer, whereas Ontario's best betting sites will have a few more options.
Remember that you need to verify your account before making any withdrawals, so it's highly advisable to complete the KYC verification as soon as you open your account. The verification can take a few days, so it's more convenient to do it as quickly as possible.
Depending on the method, the withdrawals will be processed in a few minutes or take up to one week. The fastest withdrawal methods are usually e-wallets and crypto, which can be executed instantly. Conversely, bank transfers can be delayed, especially if you want to withdraw during holidays or over the weekend.
Top Ontario Sports Betting Apps
Whether you're using old or new sportsbooks in Ontario, there will be a way to bet from your phone since all sportsbooks have a mobile version of the website. But if you're serious about mobile betting, consider using sportsbooks with a mobile betting app.
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100% up to $600
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Up to $30 in Free Bets
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Although there is no such thing as the best app, many best sports betting apps in Ontario are found on prominent sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars. In fact, more than a few sportsbooks have excellent betting apps, ensuring that you'll find a good option without much hassle.
If you're a mobile bettor, mobile betting apps are a must-have since they work better, are stabler, and are more convenient than a mobile website. Moreover, some new Ontario sportsbooks will have special promotions, free bets in Ontario, and other offers exclusive to mobile apps, which is one more reason why anyone should download mobile apps downloaded.
How to Download Ontario Sports Betting Apps on iOS
If you're using an iPhone and want to download a mobile betting app, it should take a maximum of a few minutes. Most have their apps posted on the App Store. Some sportsbooks will have a download link on their website, but not as of 2023.
- Connect your iOS device to the internet
- Visit App Store
- Search for the name of the sportsbook from which you want to download the app
- Find the official mobile betting app
- Download
How to Download Ontario Sports Betting Apps on Android
Downloading an app to your Android device is as simple as doing it on iOS devices. And just like with iOS devices, you might be able to find the apk download file listed on the sportsbook's page or find the app on Google Play
- Connect your Android device to the internet
- Visit Google Play
- Search for the name of the sportsbook from which you want to download the app
- Find the official mobile betting app
- Download
Ontario Live Betting & Streaming
Live betting is extremely popular among sports bettors, and it's easy to see why. It's entertaining and can be highly profitable if done correctly since sportsbooks usually struggle to adjust live odds, offering punters plenty of opportunities to place Ontario bets at great prices.
However, live betting requires two things. You must be very knowledgeable about the sport or league you're betting on and need a good sportsbook for the job.
But the biggest differentiating factor is live streaming, which only some sportsbooks have. Live streaming options are an extremely important feature anyone who wants to bet in-play needs on the sportsbook he is using since it's the best way to follow the games and place bets according to what's happening.
Even though anyone can watch sports games via various live streaming services, it's less convenient than having live streams on the sportsbook. Not to mention that those services cost money.
So if you want to live bet, your top priority should be registering with sportsbooks with solid live betting markets and live streaming options.
Land-Based Ontario Betting Sites & Locations
Most countries where sports betting is legal will have online betting sites and land-based, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks; however, things are more complex in Ontario. Although there are many online ON sports betting sites, you can only find a few land-based Ontario bookies.
The only exception is casinos, including Caesars Winsor and other land-based sportsbooks within the Rivers Casino brand. These offer land-based ON sportsbooks in betting lounges where you can place bets in person.
While available, brick-and-mortar ON sports betting isn't as popular as online betting or ON sports betting apps, and it's easy to see why.
And beyond that, online ON betting sites have betting bonuses and promotions, including free bets, which are very rarely available at land-based sportsbooks. So even though some prefer to bet in person, using websites that offer Ontario online sports betting is objectively better.
Ontario Vs. Pennsylvania and Michigan Sports Betting
Ontario is the sports betting hub of Canada and the country's largest province, with nearly 15 million residents. It would make it the fifth-most populous state in the United States, surpassing even Pennsylvania, known for its blossoming sports betting industry.
In 2022, Pennsylvania reported an $18 billion sports betting handle and a massive $1.4 billion revenue, trailing only Nevada and New Jersey.
Another US state heavily involved in sports betting is Michigan, which neighbors Ontario and likely had much to do with Ontario deciding to legalize sports betting fully.
And even though Ontario launched sports betting much later than the two states, it didn't need long to catch up in the numbers, reporting that over $21.6 billion was wagered on sports in the first nine months of legal online betting. Another interesting thing about Ontario, compared to Michigan and Pennsylvania, is how the province approached regulating its betting markets.
Pennsylvania requires all applicants to pay a $10 million fee plus 36% of their revenue as taxes. Michigan set its license fee at just $100,000 and 8.4% taxes, plus a yearly fee of $50,000.
Ontario took something from both approaches and set its licensing fee at $100,000 (annually) and a 20% tax rate, much more than what sportsbooks in Michigan must pay but far less than in Pennsylvania.
The Site's Reputation
When registering with Ontario online sports betting sites, it's important to consider the site's reputation. Even though a sportsbook can be legal and licensed, it might not be the most enjoyable to use due to limited players, slow payments, or any other reason.
So after you ensure a sportsbook is safe, consider checking its reputation by looking through any online review to see how other punters enjoyed using it.
Accessibility
Accessibility is often overlooked but an important thing to consider when picking a sportsbook. You prefer to use a sportsbook accessible from your PC and mobile phone. Most ON sports betting sites are accessible via mobile phones, yet not all have a mobile app.
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness goes hand in hand with the site's reputation and should be considered when deciding which sportsbook to register with. You naturally want to use only betting sites run by companies you trust, not only those licensed and legal.
User Experience
Everyone should use a sportsbook they enjoy using, which is why user experience is vital. Even though the odds quality is objectively the most important thing you should look for in a sportsbook, there's no reason to use an ON sports betting site you don't like the look of or a bookmaker that doesn't have the features you need.
Available Sports to Bet on
If you're only betting on major leagues and sports, then market accessibility isn't an issue. However, checking whether the sportsbook you want to register with has the market coverage you're after becomes important if you bet on more niche sports and smaller leagues.
The Odds
The odds are the most important factor when deciding which sportsbook to register with, as they will directly affect potential profits. Although not the only thing to look for, you should always prioritize ON sports betting sites with the best available odds.
Types of Sports Bets Offered at the Best Ontario Sportsbooks
Ontario bettors are open to which sports or competitions they can bet on, and there are no limits on which bet types they can use. The offer will differ from sportsbook to sportsbook, but if you're using a decent betting site, you'll have more than enough bet types to choose from, including moneyline, props, handicaps, totals, futures, and more.
Single Game Betting in Ontario
Only recently, it was possible to bet on single games on Ontario sports betting sites, and local punters could only place parlays with at least two selections. The only exception to that rule was horse races.
However, when Ontario fully legalized sports betting, single-game betting became allowed for all sports and all competitions. So no one can stop you if you want to place a single bet on football, basketball, soccer, or any other sport.
Parlay Betting
Parlay betting used to be extremely popular in Ontario, mainly because that was the only way of betting on sports outside of horse races. And even though punters can now bet on single games, many still combine several bets into a parlay in hopes of hitting it big.
Props Betting
Although more of a niche approach to betting, proposition bets are quite popular among Ontario punters as wagers that aren't directly tied to the game's outcome. Still, rather than focus on specific events – such as will x player get sent off – props can spice up your betting experience, and they often come with great odds, making them a very interesting bet type.
Futures Betting
Futures betting or outright betting is a type of bet with which you're predicting an outcome of an event that will happen in the future. Examples of futures are who will win the NBA Championship or which team will be crowned NFL champions.
Like all over the world, futures are extremely popular among Ontario punters, mainly because fortunes come with excellent betting odds, which can reach double or even triple digits and can earn you a nice payout.
How to Win at Betting in Ontario
Everyone wants to win at betting, but only some know how to do it. So here are some important tips to follow if you want to win at betting in Ontario.
- Registering with a good bookmaker is the most important thing in any successful betting journey. You want an account with a sportsbook with useful features, competitive odds, and solid market offer so you can bet at fair prices and on anything you want.
- Live betting can be a good and profitable way to approach betting, so consider registering with sportsbooks with great in-play betting markets, odds, and live streaming options.
- You should have accounts with multiple bookmakers, allowing you to find the best available odds on the match you want to bet on.
- If you're new to betting, you first need to learn the basics, including what odds mean, how to read betting markets, and how bookmakers operate.
- Familiarize yourself with the sport and the competition you want to bet on and find websites that can offer you valuable data and information to help you find betting picks.
- Those who are just starting to bet on sports should consider finding a solid betting service with betting picks and predictions from reputable punters. Not only to copy the tips but also to better understand how to research and find betting opportunities yourself.
The Most Active Betting Cities in Ontario
Sports betting is very popular across the province, yet a few Ontario cities stand out as the most active in betting on sports.
Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada, so naturally, most sports bets placed in Ontario will come from the city. But then there's also the fact that sports are very popular in Toronto, home to many of Canada's best sports teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.
Ottawa
When we talk about Canadian cities where live and breathe sports, you can't leave out Ottawa, home to the NHL team Ottawa Senators, and many smaller hockey teams. And considering sports – especially hockey – are extremely popular in Ottawa, it's unsurprising that most locals also bet on sports.
Hamilton
A port city in Ontario, Hamilton is neighboring Toronto, so much of what is said about Toronto and the popularity of sports betting in Toronto can also be said about Hamilton. Even though Hamilton doesn't house any major sports teams, that doesn't detract from the locals' love of sports and sports betting.
Kitchener
Located just north of Hamilton, Kitchener is a fairly small city, but its love for sports and sports betting is no smaller than any other city in Ontario.
ON Casinos with Sportsbooks
If you prefer to bet in person rather than online, there are many Ontario casinos with sportsbooks, and the number continues to grow. As of 2023, there are many casinos where you can bet on sports in-person, including:
- Caesars Sportsbook in Caesars Windsor
- Great Canadian Sportsbook at Shorelines Casino Belleville
- Great Canadian Sportsbook at Pickering Casino Resort
- Great Canadian Sportsbook at Elements Casino Brantford
- Great Canadian Sportsbook at Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel
ON Betting Tips & Predictions
If you're new to sports betting, consider finding a reliable betting service that offers predictions and tips. Even though you should eventually learn how to find betting opportunities on your own, following betting tips from reliable tipsters is a great way to start.
It will help you better understand how professional tipsters think, how they approach finding betting opportunities, and what things they look for when deciding what to bet on. All that is very valuable to know and understand, especially if you've never vetted on sports before.
But even once you get a firm understanding of sports betting, following professional tipsters has its perks. Even the most successful bettors follow other tipsters to, at the very least, get a second opinion on what they want to bet on, which never hurts anyone.
Free-Play Sports Betting Contests for Ontario
Free-play sports betting contests are perfect for new bettors who want to experience sports betting without risking money. As the name suggests, free-play sports betting contests are betting competitions that don't cost money but still put your tipping skills to the test.
Even experienced bettors will often sign up for free-play betting contests since they can be fun, allowing you to take more risks without risking your money.
The way free-play sports betting contests work is very simple. You enter a competition with other bettors and go head-to-head with them, betting on games and earning points. Whoever has the most points by the end of the season (NBA, NHL, or any other competition) then reaches various prizes.
Freeplay sports betting contests allow you to enjoy the thrill of betting without risking money. And if you're good at it, you can earn some goodies!
The Pros and Cons of Ontario Sports Betting
Ontario has done an excellent job in growing its sports betting market, which is one of North America's fastest growing. But while most things are perfect, ON sports betting has pros and cons.
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Latest Ontario Betting News
ON sports betting industry is only in its infant phase and continues to develop, with more and more sportsbooks entering the market. Although everything is in order from the legal point of view and likely won't see any changes, the industry still has a lot of room for growth – and according to the projections, it will.
The best way to follow the latest Ontario betting news and whether any big update is added is to check in with various Ontario media outlets which closely follow the scene. But given the province's status as one of the fastest-growing betting markets, any major news will likely hit the mainstream media.
Since the start of 2023, there have been no major developments in the OH sports betting industry. However, it's expected that more big sports betting companies will enter the market by the end of the year, further aiding what has already been a very explosive growth of sports betting in Ontario.
Ontario Sports Betting History
ON sports betting history was quite turbulent up to 2021 with the passage of Bill C-218, which enabled Ontario sports betting sites to offer single-game sports on other sports besides horse racing. The main timelines from 1992 to 2023 include the following:
- 1992 – Pro-Line, a new online sports lottery launches in Ontario
- 1995 – Pro-Line adds over/under bets
- 2020 – Bill C-218, also known as the Safe Regulated Sports Betting Act, is first introduced to the House of Commons
- 2021 – Bill C-218 passes the third reading in the House of Commons and is sent to Royal Assent
- 2022 – Bill C-218 passes, leading to betting regulations and the opening of new sportsbooks in Ontario, including Barstool Sportsbook, Unibet, BetMGM, DraftKings, 888sport, Coolbet, and more. In total, 27 platforms that offer online sports betting in Ontario are given a license, with many more in the coming months.
ON Overview
Before we end our article, we'll touch on some interesting facts about betting in Ontario and the sports in the Canadian province you should know about.
- Ontario is a province in east-central Canada, mostly known as home to Canada's capital (Ottawa) and many highly successful sports teams.
- Ontario's biggest and most popular cities are Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, and London.
- The official language of Ontario is English, though there are several French-speaking communities in the province.
- Ontario's most popular and legal online bookmakers are BetMGM, Caesars, Bet365, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
- The most popular casinos in Ontario with their sportsbooks are Caesars Windsor, Pickering Casino Resort, Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel, Shorelines Casino Belleville, and Elements Casino Brantford.
- Some of the most-used online payment methods among Ontario bettors are PaySafeCard, ecoPayz, PayPal, Interac e-Transfer, and crypto.
- The most popular sports in Ontario are ice hockey, soccer, basketball, horse racing, and baseball.
- Ontario is home to many sports leagues and competitions, including the Ontario Hockey League, yet local bettors still prefer betting mostly on NBA, NHL, and MLB
- Ontario's most popular and successful sports teams are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors.
- Some of the most popular sports persons born in Ontario are Wayne Gretzky, Brooke Henderson, Cory Joseph, Connor McDavid, and Ferguson Jenkins.
- Before April 2022, betting on single games in Ontario was not allowed, so the only way to bet on sports was with parlays.
- Ontario is the most populous province in Canada.
- Ottawa is Canada's capital; however, Ontario's capital is Toronto.
Bottom Line
That concludes our article on Ontario and sports betting in Ontario, teaching everything about the largest province in Canada and how its sports betting industry has developed. Now you know everything there is to know about sports betting in Ontario, so you're ready to find the best ON betting sites and start wagering – but remember to remember the dangers of gambling addiction and never bet with more than you can afford.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is sports betting legal in Ontario?Yes, sports betting in Ontario is legal and has been since the passage of Bill C-218. Interestingly, the government didn't write a new law to legalize sports betting in Ontario but just added amendments to the existing law, legalizing single-game sports betting.
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What is the legal age to place a sports bet in Ontario?According to Ontario law, you have to be at least 19 years old to place a bet or engage in any other gambling activity.
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How old do you have to be to bet on horses in Ontario?To place bets on horse racing in Ontario, you must be 19 years old. According to Ontario's law, people must be at least 19 to engage in any gambling or betting activity, including betting, lottery, casino, and bingos.
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Can I visit an Ontario casino to bet on sports?Yes, betting on sports at Ontario casinos is possible since some casinos have a betting lounge. As of 2023, 11 destinations offer some form of sports betting, including the Caesars Sportsbook at Caesars Windsor.
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Can I bet on sports online in Ontario?Yes, you can bet on sports online in Ontario by using one of many ON sports betting sites in the country. You can bet on any sport, including all major sports leagues from all over the world.
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Are there retail sportsbooks in Ontario?Ontario has no real retail sportsbooks, but this could change. However, it's still possible to bet in person at many locations, namely at casinos offering in-person sports betting.
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Who regulates sports betting in Ontario?Sports betting in Ontario is regulated by iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, created in 2021. It oversees all sports betting in the country and regulates private betting operators.
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Who can bet on sports in Ontario?Anyone over 19 can bet on sports in Ontario if they use licensed sportsbooks that are legal in the country.
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Am I able to use my phone to bet in Ontario?Yes, you can place bets from your phone in Ontario by using the sportsbooks' mobile website or downloading a mobile betting app.
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Can I play daily fantasy sports contests in Ontario?Even though betting on daily fantasy sports in Ontario is legal, it is challenging since FanDuel and DraftKings both exited the market before the launch of online sports betting in 2022. Moreover, due to the betting laws, Ontario players have limited access to DFS as they're not allowed to compete against anyone outside of Ontario.
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