JUMP TO:
- Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
- Online sportsbooks available in Ontario
- How to sign up and place a bet in Ontario
- What you can't bet on in Ontario
- Ontario sports betting promos and bonus offers
- Responsible gambling resources in Ontario
Ontario legalized sports betting in April 2022, when the province's competitive iGaming market officially launched.
The change followed the federal government's legalization of single-event sports betting nationwide in August 2021, with Ontario the first province to open its market to private, commercial operators.
So, how do you start betting if you live in Ontario or if you're just visiting the province but wish to bet while you're there? Here are all the details you'll need to get started, including how to join a sportsbook, which sportsbooks are offered in the province, and the best promos and sign-up bonuses available.
MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL
Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
Yes! The Canadian government passed Bill C-218 in August 2021, legalizing single-event sports betting and ending the requirement to place parlay bets on multiple outcomes. The province's competitive iGaming market officially launched in April 2022.
With the federal change allowing provinces to regulate as they saw fit, Ontario established its own framework for a regulated iGaming market. It allowed private operators, not just the provincial lottery, to offer online sports betting and casino games.
Online sports betting is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontartio (AGCO). The AGCO oversees the licensing and registration process for operators and vendors, and enforces compliance with the state's gambling laws.
The sports betting market is overseen by two provincial organizations:
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which handles overall regulation and licensing.
- IGaming Ontario (iGO), which manages the commercial agreements with private operators.
To place sports bets in Ontario, you will need to be:
- at least 19 years old with online access
- physically in the province (verify with GeoComply)
- able to verify your sportsbook account
MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA
Online sportsbooks available in Ontario
Here are the online sportsbook options in the state of Ontario.
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Fanatics
- BetMGM
- bet365
- Caesars
- ToonieBet
- Sports Interaction
- Betway
- theScore Bet
- TonyBet
- Pinnacle
- Bally Bet
- Betano
- BET99
- BetRivers
- LeoVegas
- Casumo
- PowerPlay
- Titan Play
- NorthStar Bets
- PROLINE+
- NEO.bet
How to sign up and place a bet in Ontario
The process to start your sports betting journey in Ontario is quite simple. Here's the three steps:
Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered Ontario sportsbook
Choose one of the sportsbooks listed above.
Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit
Follow the steps to sign up for your preferred sportsbook. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state lines.
You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in Ontario.
Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
Step 3: Place your bets!
Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!
To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!
MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?
What you can bet on in Ontario
While sports betting is legal in Ontario, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for Ontario sports bettors.
- Licensed online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, CFL, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
- College sports lines, totals and futures (excluding Canadian universities)
- Olympics
- Esports
- Horse racing
- Political events (with some restrictions)
- Entertainment events (with some restrictions)
What you can't bet on in Ontario
There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in Ontario. With college sports, for example, it is legal to wager on lines, totals and futures, but you cannot wager on college player props. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind.
- Unlicensed iGaming or online casino gambling
- High school sports
- Canadian minor league sports
- UFC events
- Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
- Must physically be in Ontario to place wagers
MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books
Ontario sports betting promos and bonus offers
Due to Ontario's sports betting regulations, sportsbooks cannot advertise specific welcome bonuses or sign-up promotions to the general public.
However, promotions are offered by most sportsbooks after you create an account with them. You must visit the individual sportsbook websites or apps to view their current offers.
Here are the kinds of promos and bonuses typically offered by Ontario sportsbooks after account creation, and a quick explainer on how you can find them.
Promos and sign-up bonuses for new customers (available after account creation)
- First bet offers: Some sportsbooks may give you a bonus bet if your first wager loses, up to a certain amount.
- Bet and get: You might receive a bonus for placing a first wager of a specific amount, regardless of the outcome.
- Deposit match: A sportsbook might match a percentage of your first deposit in bonus funds, up to a maximum amount.
Promos and bonuses for existing users
- Odds boosts: These increase the potential payout on specific bets or parlays.
- Same-game parlay (SGP) insurance: If one leg of your SGP fails, you can receive your stake back in bonus bets.
- Loyalty programs: You can earn points for placing bets, which can be redeemed for bonus bets or other rewards.
- Referral bonuses: If you refer a friend who signs up and meets the wagering requirements, both you and your friend can receive a bonus.
- Profit boosts: Get an extra percentage added to your winnings on specific types of wagers.
- Bonus bets: The sportsbook provides a bonus to place a wager. If the bet wins, you get the winnings, but the stake is not returned.
How to find current promos
- Visit the sportsbook's website or app: To view the promotions available to Ontario players, you must register and log in. For example, theScore Bet and NorthStar Bets display their promotions on their websites for registered users.
- Check dedicated promotions pages: Most sportsbooks have a "Promotions" or "Offers" section within their apps or on their site.
Popular teams to bet on in Ontario
- Toronto Raptors (NBA)
- Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
- Ottawa Senators (NHL)
- Toronto FC (MLS)
- Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
Responsible gambling resources in Ontario
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.
- ConnexOntario 24-hour help: 1-866-531-2600
- Responsible Gamblin COuncil (RGC)
- Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)
- iGaming Ontario
- Youth and young adult education programs from RGC
- Self-exclusion programs via iGaming Ontario and RGC