Legal Online Sports Betting in Canada in 2024
For a long time, Canada remained almost completely closed to legal betting. Because of the position of the Government of Canada, hundreds of millions of dollars flowed away from the country, as local punters preferred offshore betting sites.
Everything changed on June 22, 2021 when the Senate of Canada approved bill C-218 “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” and legalised single-game betting. In this article, we will talk about the development of the Canadian betting market, the provinces regulating the gambling industry, types of bets allowed and where to place them.
What’s next for sports betting in Canada?
In 1892, the Government of Canada banned all forms of gambling in the country, except for racing betting. Single-game betting was also forbidden for almost 129 years. In those days, the Criminal Code of Canada determined gambling as an offence against “religion, morals and public convenience”.
In 1969, Bill C-150 “Criminal Law Amendment Act” was passed, which allowed lotteries to support charities and the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976. The first experience showed that it is possible to earn on gambling, and the Canadian authorities started experimenting with the types of gambling that could be legalised and turned into an extra source of income. In 1989 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the first commercial land-based casino was opened. However, betting remained out of regulation.
Since the early 2000s, with the rise of the internet, gambling and betting have gone online. The Criminal Code of Canada prohibited anyone in the country from accepting sports bets. However, the last amendments to the betting legislation were made as long ago as 1960. And for two decades, the imperfection of the Criminal Code allowed Canadians to bet on offshore betting platforms.
Canadian authorities did not take any action for a long time to clarify the situation – whether to legalise betting or not. A serious discussion of this issue arose only in the mid-2010s, when Canadian gambling industry experts published a report with interesting statistics: every year Canadians spent approximately $500 million on bets in provincial lotteries and $4-$15 billion on offshore betting sites. These billions of dollars flew away from Canada into accounts in Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda, and other countries. Only 6 years after discussions about legalising betting began, a law was passed on August 27, 2021.
“The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” did not automatically legalise single-game betting throughout Canada, it only gave the right to launch such a procedure. Each province had to decide for themselves, whether to allow full-scale gambling for locals in their region or not. Here is how single-game betting is regulated in each Canadian province.
Canada sports betting at a glance
Single-game betting legalised | August 27, 2021 |
Regions with legal online sports betting | 10 |
Regions with in-person sports betting | 13 |
Best sportsbook in 2023 | Sports Interaction |
Largest sports betting market | Ontario |
Canadian sports betting timeline
On June 22, 2021, the Senate of Canada approved bill C-218 called “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act», proposed by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the bill and it went into effect on August 27, 2021. This date marked the end of the single-game betting ban era in the country.
Here is a complete chronology of events on the betting legalisation in Canada.
Date | Event |
February 25, 2020 | Bill C-218 called “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” on the legalisation of single-game betting was submitted to the House of Commons of Canada. Approved in the first reading. |
June 12, 2020 | Five of North America’s top professional sports leagues (NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, CFL) publicly declared their support for single-game betting in Canada. |
February 17, 2021 | Bill C-218 called “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” was approved in the second reading. |
April 22, 2021 | The House of Commons of Canada finally approved bill C-218 called “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” in the third reading. Further, the bill was referred to the Senate of Canada. |
April 30, 2021 | The Senate of Canada approved bill C-218 in the first reading. |
May 25, 2021 | The Senate of Canada approved bill C-218 in the second reading. |
June 22, 2021 | The Senate of Canada finally approved bill C-218 called “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” in the third reading. |
August 12, 2021 | Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David T. Lametti announced the effective date of bill C-218 – August 27, 2021 |
August 27, 2021 | Bill C-218 “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act went into effect. On the same day, single-game betting was legalised in Quebec, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba. |
September 1, 2021 | Single-game betting was legalised in the province of Alberta |
February 11, 2022 | Single-game betting was legalised in the province of New Scotia |
April 4, 2022 | Single-game betting was legalised in the province of Ontario |
November 3, 2022 | Single-game betting was legalised in the province of Saskatchewan |
Legal sports betting options by province
The Government of Canada realised that the single-game betting legalisation would bring significant extra gains to the regional budgets. As soon as the discussion of bill C-218 called “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” began in February 2020, some regions openly declared that they would legalise single-game betting on their territory, while others offered phased plans for the betting industry’s development.
For instance, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) announced in advance that single-game betting would be launched on PlayNow.com.
The Government of Canada lifted the ban on single-game betting on August 27, 2021. However, each province and territory of the country independently decided on the date of the single-game betting legalisation in their regions.
Ontario
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | April 4, 2022 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) |
Major professional sports teams | Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto FC (MLS) |
Ontario is the most populated province located in the central part of Canada. In this region, single-game betting has been officially allowed since April 4, 2022. The minimum bettors’ age must be at least 19.
In the province of Ontario, there are two dozen of legal bookmakers. All of them were licenced by the local regulator called the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Quebec
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | August 27, 2021 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission |
Major professional sports teams | Montreal Canadiens (NHL), Montreal Impact (MLS), Quebec Remparts (QMJHL), and Quebec Capitales (Can-Am League) |
Quebec is Canada’s largest province. In this region, single-game betting was legalised on August 27, 2021. In Quebec, all betting licences are granted by the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission.
British Columbia
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | August 27, 2021 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) |
Major professional sports teams | Vancouver Canucks (NHL), Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS), Vancouver Giants (WHL), and Vancouver Canadians (Baseball) |
British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province. The region legalised single-game betting on the bill’s adoption date.
In British Columbia, sports betting is regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). Its residents can bet on any betting site (legal or offshore), and the local regulator has created its own betting platform – PlayNow.com. Only residents over the age of 19 are allowed for registering on the site.
New Scotia
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | February 11, 2022 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Atlantic Lottery Corporation |
Major professional sports teams | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL), Halifax Hurricanes (NBL), Wanderers FC (CPL) |
New Scotia is Canada’s southeastern province. The local authorities legalised single-game betting on the territory on February 11, 2022. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation is now the regulator.
New Brunswick
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | August 27, 2021 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Atlantic Lottery Corporation |
Major professional sports teams | Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL), Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL), and the Fredericton Red Wings (MHL) |
New Brunswick is Canada’s eastern province and the only region with two official languages (English and French). On August 27, 2021, New Brunswick became one of six provinces with legalised single-game betting on bill C-218 adoption date. In New Brunswick, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, a state organisation, has become the local regulator.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | August 27, 2021 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Atlantic Lottery Corporation |
Major professional sports teams | Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL), St. John’s IceCaps (AHL) |
Newfoundland and Labrador is the tenth province to join Canada. The authorities of this region also decided not to postpone the single-game betting legalisation and enforced bill C-218 on their territory on August 27, 2021. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation now regulates the betting industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Prince Edward Island
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | August 27, 2021 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Atlantic Lottery Corporation |
Major professional sports teams | Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL), Island Storm (NBL Canada), Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) |
Prince Edward Island is Canada’s eastern province, separated from the mainland. It is part of Canada’s so-called Maritime Provinces. On August 27, 2021, single-game betting was officially legalised on Prince Edward Island. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation is now the local regulator.
Manitoba
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | August 27, 2021 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation |
Legal provincial online sportsbook | Sports Action |
Major professional sports teams | Winnipeg Jets (NHL), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), Winnipeg Goldeyes (Baseball), and Manitoba Moose (AHL) |
Manitoba is Canada’s central province with just over 1.3 million residents. On August 27, 2021, local residents were officially permitted to single-game betting. The Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation was appointed as the local regulator.
Alberta
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | September 1, 2021 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) |
Major professional sports teams | Calgary Flames (NHL), Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Calgary Stampeders (CFL), Edmonton Elks (CFL), Edmonton Eskimos (CFL), Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL). |
Alberta is one of two Canada’s provinces with no direct access to the sea. In the region, the gambling industry has always been highly developed. There were over 10 casinos in Alberta before betting was legalised. Furthermore, after September 1, 2021, locals got another opportunity to have a good time in the form of single-game betting. Regulatory oversight over the betting industry is provided by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
Saskatchewan
Legislation status | Allowed |
Law adoption date | November 3, 2022 |
Bookmaker’s betting regulator | Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) |
Major professional sports teams | Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), Saskatoon Blades (WHL), Regina Pats (WHL), Swift Current Broncos (WHL), Saskatchewan Rattlers (CBL) |
Saskatchewan is one of the last Canada’s provinces to legalise single-game betting. It happened only on November 3, 2022. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is now the local regulator.
Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon
The Canadian territories of Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon still ban single-game betting. The residents of these territories can only place parlay bets.
Safest Canada betting sites for 2024
In Canada, most legal bookmakers are of foreign origin. Some of them have their headquarters in the United States, others are headquartered in offshore zones. Based on the products offered, Match.Center highlights the top 5 bookmakers in Canada.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is one of the largest US bookmakers that controls about 30% of the US legal betting market. The bookmaker has been operating in Canada since May 2022 and is licenced by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). DraftKings offers a pretty large selection of betting markets. Here, you can bet on all major leagues of North America (NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, CFL), as well as on soccer, auto racing, MMA, tennis, fantasy sports etc.
In addition to betting, the DraftKings site offers an online casino, a sports news blog and its Marketplace, where you can buy game packs and NFT cards.
FanDuel
FanDuel is the largest US bookmaker and fantasy betting site, controlling 40% of the US betting market. In Canada, the bookmaker officially launched in 2022 after receiving a licence in the province of Ontario.
FanDuel offers its customers a mid-level selection of sports betting events. In total, there are just over 20 sports to bet on. Lacrosse and golf are the most interesting ones. Also, there is the Racebook book section with lots of racing betting markets. Meanwhile, on the betting site, the Fantasy sports section is only available in the USA. As for unique features, it is worth mentioning only the FanDuel TV video streaming service, an online casino and the top betting app, according to Webby.
BetMGM
BetMGM is the third largest US bookmaker, after DraftKings and FanDuel. BetMGM, and like the two betting companies above, it has been licenced by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to operate in Canada.
On the betting site, there are 25+ sports to bet on, including, for instance, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, Gaelic games or lacrosse. If you prefer not only to bet, but also to watch the game, BetMGM offers live broadcasts. In addition to betting, the platform also provides the casino and poker sections.
Sports Interaction
Sports Interaction is one of the first legal Canadian bookmakers. For a long time, it had only a licence from the Kahnawáke Gaming Commission, but later the betting company was licenced by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Currently, Sports Interaction is a bookmaker offering a wide selection of betting events (25+ sports), regular odds boosts bonuses and a casino. Given the fact that Quebec is a French-speaking province, the betting site also operates in French.
Sports Interaction actively supports responsible gambling and offers lots of self-limiting options on its site. For example, bettors can temporarily block their account (for 1-3 months) or set maximum deposit limits for a period, ranging from 24 hours to 6 months.
Betway
Betway is one of the most experienced bookmakers in the Canadian betting market, as it has long experience in operating in other countries.
In 2022, Betway was licenced by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and offered locals over 30 sports to bet on. It also provides an interesting section with specials. For instance, you can bet money on who will be the next James Bond after David Craig.
We should also mention the Esports section, where you can bet on CS:GO, LoL, Dota 2, Valorant, Call of Duty, Rocket League, Halo, Mobile Legends, Wild Rift. Also, for this sport, Betway often offers enhanced odds, which is Esports boost.
Overview of legal gambling in Canada
In Canada, gambling extends beyond sportsbooks; other forms of entertainment, such as lotteries, casinos, and horse racing, are also developing actively.
Lotteries
Lotteries are an important part of the history of Canada. In this country, the first lottery was established by the French in the mid-18th century. Over the years, lotteries have been used in various provinces to fund public projects including roads, bridges, and churches. However, in 1892, the Canadian government passed a law banning all types of lotteries.
It took 8 years before the Government realised the potential economic benefits of lotteries and amended the law. Since 1900, lotteries were no longer banned if the income from them was donated exclusively to charity. In 1969, the Senate of Canada passed a law granting provinces the right to organise and run lotteries.
Today, lotteries are allowed in all provinces and territories of Canada. All of them have their own rules and laws regulating the sale, distribution, and holding of lottery tickets.
Players must be of legal age, that is, 18 or 19 years old, depending on the province. For example, in Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan lotteries are available to players from the age of 18, while in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, New Scotia, Ontario, they are available for players from the age of 19.
Racing
Racing has always been an integral part of the history of Canada. At the end of the 19th century, the sport began developing rapidly, partly due to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the appearance of racetracks across the country. Furthermore, until 1969, horse racing was the only legal form of gambling entertainment in the country.
As of today, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency is the principal regulator of racing on behalf of the Government of Canada, but each province has its own regulator as well. However, not all provinces have hippodromes. Still, there are no races in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, and Yukon.
Casino
It was only in 1985 that Canada legalised casinos, when non-profit organisations were allowed to open casinos and donate their gains to charity. Winnipeg, Manitoba was home to the very first commercial casino, Crystal Casino, which opened in 1987.
Canada vs. US sports betting
In terms of taxation, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) divides all punters into professionals and non-professionals. The latter do not pay the profit tax. Meanwhile, in the USA, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) taxes all bettors on winnings from sports betting at a flat rate of 24%.
Since 2017, thanks to Canada’s liberal approach to gambling, the local population betted over $17.3 billion annually and ranked 5th after Macau, the USA, the UK and Australia. However, only $500 million of the total amount was legally betted, the rest of it was not. It is expected that 5 years after the legalisation of single-game betting, by 2026, in Canada, the betting turnover will reach $28 billion, i.e. the CAGR should be an astronomical 123%.
In general, the Canadian betting market is significantly smaller, compared to the US one. In the USA, the legal turnover of beats reaches $261 billion, compared to a potential turnover of $28 in Canada.
Canada sports betting FAQ
Is betting on sports legal in Canada?
Since August 27, 2021, single-game betting has been legal in Canada. However, each of Canada’s provinces independently decided on the time of enacting the law in their territories. Currently, single-game betting is legalised in all provinces except for the following three territories: Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon.
When did sports betting become legal in Canada?
Bill C-218 called “The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” was approved by the Senate of Canada on June 22, 2021. Later, on August 27, 2021, the law officially went into effect.
What is illegal gambling in Canada?
Each of Canada’s provinces independently decides on the type of gambling activities (betting, casinos, lotteries, poker etc.) to be legalised in their territories. The province of Ontario is the most developed gambling region of the country. Simultaneously, in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, single-game still remains illegal.
What sports will I be able to bet on in Canada?
As of March 2023, you can bet on any sport if single-game betting is legal in your province.
What is the legal age for betting online in Canada?
In Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, you can bet online from the age of 18, while in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Scotia, Ontario, you can do it from the age of 19.
Do I have to report sports betting on taxes?
If gambling activity is not your major source of income, then you do not have to declare your sports betting winnings to the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). In the opposite case, you have to do it.
Do sportsbooks report to the CRA?
Yes, all Canadian licenced bookmakers must report to the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). Each bettor’s winnings are subject to tax that must be paid by the bookmaker, not the player.