Ontario Sports Betting Sites in 2024 ??? Best Legal Sportsbooks

?? Online Sportsbooks in Ontario

More and more Ontario sports betting sites are launching in the province. With the passing of the regulated sports betting act, operates taking money bets for sports can operate legally. All sites must hold a valid license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and adhere to regulatory rules.

The best Ontario betting sites offer numerous betting types, low margins, and great odds. Betting platforms update odds in real-time, so you see which side is the fan favourite; you can place live bets as the match continues and see emerging trends. Sports betting operations in Ontario have just begun, and more operators are planning on launching.

Discover the best places to bet on sports in Ontario!

LeoVegas – Best Ontario Sports Betting App

LeoVegas is a popular casino that is also a famous betting brand. The sportsbook is an official sports betting partner for many teams, like Manchester City FC and FC Internazionale Milano. Betting in Ontario is easy with LeoVegas since the operator is familiar with casino players worldwide. You can place bets from NHL to major league baseball and esports.

LeoVegas is the perfect place to place bets and play casino games.

BetRivers – Excellent Ontario Sportsbook

BetRivers is an internationally famous sports betting operator that has many loyal users. You can access the sportsbook via a browser or download the official BeRivers app. The mobile app is available for all iOS and Android phones and tablets. The sports betting platform is available to Ontario bettors and requires players to be physically within the province’s borders.

Enjoy live betting with BetRivers!

BetMGM – Favourite of Ontario Sports Bettors

BetMGM is one of the most popular sport betting platforms in the world. The sportsbook has been dubbed the King of Sportsbooks and has earned its place as the number 1 betting site in North America. MGM Sportsbook is only available for Ontario players, so it’s an exclusive platform for local players that other Canadians cannot access.

The King of Sportsbooks never dissapoints!

Pinnacle – Best Live Betting Options

Pinnacle is an industry veteran with over 24 years in the sports betting industry. The often-hailed Winners Welcome sportsbook’s goal is to make you a winner. This feat has been achieved by offering the lowest margins and the best odds. Pinnacle Sportsbook doesn’t have time for any funny business and instead focuses on offering great odds for great sports.

Pinnacle welcomes winners!

DraftKings – Great Margins for Sports Fans

DraftKings is an American sports betting company that first launched with fantasy sports. In the following years, the site has grown into a massive powerhouse and is leading the sportsbook competition. The brand was among the first sports sites to launch in the regulated Ontario market and has accepted local players since May 2022. Enjoy DraftKings’ unique bet types, like live betting and Teasers+.

Start placing bets on one of the best sports betting brand in North America.

? Ontario Sportsbooks at a Glance

Top Ontario sportsbooks:

• ? LeoVegas Ontario: Trending sportsbook in Ontario.
• ? Pointsbet Ontario: The best exclusive betting options.
• ? Betway Ontario: Great platfrom for new sports fans.
• ? Betrivers Ontario: Amazing gambling platfrom for all players.
• ? BetMGM Ontario: Exclusive partnerships with the best sports teams.
• ? Northstar Bets Ontario: Local gambling company that understand Ontarions.
• ? Caesars Palace ONline Casino Ontario: Legendary betting site with land-based casinos.
• ? Bet99 Ontario: Fan favourite among Canadian bettors.
• ? 888 Ontario: Iconic sports betting brand with great odds.

Sports Betting Apps

You’ll find multiple Ontario sports betting apps for both iOS and Android devices. Betting apps can be downloaded from your device’s app store or directly on the betting site. Northstar Bets and BetMGM provide some of the best apps. Mobile platforms offer all the same features and options as desktop versions do. So you can place the same bets with the same odds and won’t miss a thing.

BonusFinder Tip

Mobile sports betting allows players to bet on the go. As long as you're within the province's borders, you're good to go.

?? How to Start Betting

Online sports betting is effortless compared to in-person betting. You can skip all the hassle of going to a casino to place your wagers. Instead, you can do it from home with your mobile device or desktop. You can also take part in a Great Canadian Sportsbook, a betting kiosk at a participating casino, or an OLG lottery terminal.

1. Select an Ontario betting platform:
   Ontario bettors have numerous sport betting sites to choose from. You can start with OLG’s PROLINE+ betting platform, which can be used without an account. Or you can try one of the commercial brands listed on our toplist. Before you start creating an account, remember to read reviews and compare odds.
2. Create a Sports Betting Account:
   Signing up for a sportsbook account online is very easy. Tap on one of the green buttons above, and you’ll be redirected to the betting sites. Then tap sign up or register and enter your personal details. Due to regulations, Ontario sportsbooks may ask personal questions.
3. Deposit Funds:
   Now it’s time to transfer money to your account. Check the minimum deposit limit and choose which payment method you want to use. Players in Ontario can use debit/credit cards, Interac, e-wallets, bank transfers, and PayPal. PayPal cannot be used on gambling platforms outside of Ontario, so Ontario PayPal betting sites are the only ones where you can use this option.
4. Choose your Bet Types:
   Many Ontario sportsbook sites share similar betting types, like parlay or live betting. However, modern sportsbooks offer exclusive types only available on these sites. For example, PointsBet offers name-a-bet and boosted odds.
5. Place your Wagers:
   Choose your sports and start betting. Now is the perfect time to check what betting options you have and what the odds are. If the match hasn’t started yet, you have plenty of time to check the match lineup and other conditions. And if the match is already live, you have a great opportunity for live betting and get a quick win. You can choose how much you’re betting whenever you place a bet. Placing a high bet with low odds is not as rewarding as placing a high bet on low odds.
6. Withdraw Winnings:
   When you’ve won bets, you can use your winnings to bet more, or you can cashout. Many sports betting sites have a minimum withdrawal option, so check how much you can cashout. Withdrawals take longer than deposits, but if you use the same payment method for both, you may get your money faster.

The Pros and Cons of the Sports Betting Market

Ontario has managed to launch a successful betting market where competition thrives. With over 30 operators, local players can choose where to put their money. And with an open market, operators try to attract the most bettors by offering low margins.

?? Reading the Odds

Sports betting odds can be displayed in different formats, but the most common ones are fractional odds, decimal odds, and moneyline odds. The most common format in Canada is Monyline Odds, the popular choice in North America.

Moneyline Odds

Moneyline odds are presented with a plus (+) sign or a minus (-) sign. Positive (+) odds indicate the potential profit on a $100 wager, while negative (-) odds indicate the amount you need to wager to win $100.

• Positive Moneyline Example: If you see odds of +250, it means that if you bet $100 and win, you’d receive a profit of $250. For a $10 wager, you’d receive a profit of $25 (since 10% of $100 is $10).
• Negative Moneyline Example: If you see odds of -150, it means you need to bet $150 to win $100. For a $10 wager, you’d win a profit of approximately $6.67 (since $10 is about 6.67% of $150).

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are represented as fractions (e.g., 3/1, 5/2, 7/4). The first number (numerator) represents the potential profit, and the second number (denominator) represents the amount you need to wager.

• Example 1: If you see odds of 3/1, it means that for every $1 you wager, you could win $3 in profit. So, if you bet $10 at 3/1 odds and win, you’d receive $30 (including your initial wager).
• Example 2: If you see odds of 5/2, it means that for every $2 you wager, you could win $5 in profit. So, if you bet $10 at 5/2 odds and win, you’d receive $25 (including your initial wager).

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are expressed as decimals (e.g., 2.00, 3.50, 1.75). To calculate potential winnings, simply multiply your wager by the decimal odds.

• Example 1: If you see odds of 2.00, it means that if you bet $10 and win, you’d receive $10 x 2.00 = $20, which includes your initial wager.
• Example 2: If you see odds of 3.50, it means that if you bet $10 and win, you’d receive $10 x 3.50 = $35, which includes your initial wager.

In addition to potential profit, your initial wager is returned if your bet is successful. Odds reflect the bookmaker’s assessment of an event’s likelihood, and different bookmakers might offer slightly different odds.

?? Timeline of Ontario Sports Betting

Ontario province opened legalized sports betting on April 4, 2022. Since then, numerous betting operators have obtained Alcohol and Gaming Commission licenses and started accepting players in Ontario. Online casinos and sports betting sites have similar regulations and rules that must be upheld to operate legally in the province.

After a year of regulated online gambling, iGaming Ontario has seen huge success. Revenue has risen, and gambling companies are paying taxes to the local government. The player base has steadily shifted to legal platforms, although some still play on unlicensed sites.

• Summer 2023: More Ontario sports betting operators are on the horizon. Our intel shows around 28 applications are waiting at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Among these, the American operate Stake is one all but confirmed.
• April 4, 2023: iGaming Ontario celebrates its first year of regulated gaming commission. 30+ operators of sportsbooks and online casinos have obtained the AGCO license.
• Fall 2022: All Ontario sportsbooks must have joined iGO before October 31. After the cutout, all non-licensed operators must seize operations.
• Summer 2022: Many more sportsbook operators join iGaming Ontario. Among these are Northstar Bets, DraftKings, and BallyBet.
• April 2022: The regulated gambling market of Ontario is finally launched! PointsBet, FanDuel, and BetRivers are the first to get the license and start to operate legally.
• December 2021: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) makes a public announcement that any operator under contract with iGaming Ontario is allowed to offer their products to Ontario residents
• June 2021: Senate passes Sports Betting Bill C-218, allowing Canadian sportsbooks to apply for licenses that let bettors place single-game wagers.

iGaming Ontario Celebrates 1st Anniversary

Launching a booming gambling market has brought new revenue to the local government. The licensed gambling model doesn’t just benefit the players, as more high salaries job positions have been created thanks to iGaming. As the positive trend is foreseen to continue, iGO has built a successful and well-thought-out model that other provinces are keeping a close eye on.

?? How We Review Ontario Sports Betting Sites

When we review Ontario sportsbooks, we look at five key factors: mobile support, user experience, payment methods, security, and customer support. All brands on BonusFinder Ontario must display the iGaming Ontario logo and only accept bettors physically located in the province.

• Mobile Betting Apps: A betting app is not a must; however, many players prefer having the option to download a real money betting app and use it for online gambling. The betting platform should work well on mobile browsers if an app is unavailable.
• User Experience: Whether it’s the app or browser version, the user experience is one of the most important aspects when reviewing gambling sites. If the players like the site, they are more likely to use the same operator instead of looking for something new.
• Payment Methods: Every gambler should be able to use their preferred payment method for deposits and withdrawals. Canadian bettors use Interac and debit/credit cards, so any Ontario sports betting site should offer at least these options.
• Security and Safety: All Ontario online sportsbook platforms must have an AGCO license and protect user data. Websites must be built using safe technology, and the brand must be able to pay all withdrawals for players.
• Customer Support: Modern sportsbooks should offer different customer support channels, like live chat or an email address. Sports bettors should be able to contact the company 24/7 for urgent matters.

How is Online Sports Betting Legal in Ontario?

Yes, betting on sports is legal in Ontario. The journey began in 1985 when the province permitted parlay bets and pari-mutuel wagers. Fast forward to August 27, 2021, when the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) took a significant step by introducing single-game online sports betting. And to top it off, the province’s brand-new iGaming market officially kicked off on April 4, 2022.

Notably, on February 1, 2022, OLG revamped PROLINE, opening up the exciting opportunity for Ontarians to place single-game bets at around 10,000 full-service retail sportsbook locations within the province. Before this change, single-event wagering was confined to the online realm through the province’s PROLINE+ betting platform.

Finally, since October 2022, Ontario sports enthusiasts have had access to four retail sportsbooks. Great Canadian Sportsbook, a dedicated sportsbook lounge, can be found at Elements Casino Brantford, Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel, Pickering Casino Resort, and Shorelines Casino Belleville. In addition, Caesars Windsor’s Caesars Sportsbook is the only full-service Ontario retail sportsbook.

Single Game Sports Betting

In the Canadian sport betting history, single-game sports betting was not legal until relatively recently. Before legislative changes, sports bettors in Ontario could only place parlay bets, where they had to bet on the outcomes of multiple games or events together in one wager. However, the legalization of single-game sports betting in Canada has expanded the options available to bettors, allowing them to focus on individual games and events.

Who Can Do Betting in Ontario?

The simple rule is that you must be over 19 years old and be physically located in Ontario. However, you can place in-person wagers at the OLG lottery terminal if you’re 18. In addition, you can create an account, view odds, and transfer money even if you’re not in the province.

• Legal Age: The general rule of thumb is that legal sports betting is allowed for people over 19 years old. The only place where you can place a bet when you’re 18 is OLG’s lottery terminals. Also, Caesars Sportsbook requires you to be 21+ years old.
• Location: To place a sports bet, you must be physically within Ontario’s province lines. So, if you’re travelling to Quebec or Alberta and want to place a bet to support the Toronto Maple Leafs, you cannot. You can use other sport betting platforms provided by non-Ontario sportsbooks, but you cannot bet on any AGCO-licensed platform.
• Registration: While you cannot place a bet outside Ontario, you can create an account and check live updates on any Ontario sports betting site. Remote access is permitted, and you can add funds while travelling.
• Retail Betting: You can place bets in retail sportsbooks or use sports betting kiosks. Many land-based casinos offer betting markets so you can place sports bets while enjoying the casino.
• Mobile Betting: Placing a bet on online sportsbooks is legal and easy. Make sure to download a licensed betting app, and you can start placing bets from anywhere in Ontario. For example, you can place wagers while watching a match in a sports bar or stadium.

?? Other Betting Markets

While Ontario online sports betting is the most popular type of gambling, it’s not the only thing you can gamble on in Ontario. Many sportsbooks will take bets on major work events, media news, and non-traditional sporting events.

• Entertainment: During the Oscars, Emmy, and other yearly award ceremonies, you can place bets on different winners. For example, when the Academy Awards are on, you can try to guess the Best Picture, the Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role, and so on. For Grammys, you can try to guess Album of the Year, Record of the Year, etc.
• Politics: Gambling is not limited to just entertainment events. You can also place gets on different political events, like elections. The best part is that politics is not limited to Canada. You can also participate in our southern neighbour’s excitement and try to guess the next president. The next election is just around the corner, so why not place a bet on the most likely winner?
• Esports: Say what you want about digital gaming; you can place bets on different reporting events. The biggest events, like the League of Legends World Championship, The International, and Overwatch World Cup, take bets all around the globe. Electronic sports have opened doors to a new kind of gaming and, with it, brought new betting types, exciting odds, and a fun time.
• Univeristy Sports: Varsity Sports has become more popular in recent years. Some of the best sports betting sites offer betting options on university-level sporting events.
• Horse Racing: You can place a bet with HPlbet or at a betting kiosk at a track. You can place bets at Woodbine Mohawk Park (Campbellford), Rideau Carleton Raceway (Ottawa), and Fort Erie Race Track (Fort Erie). Unfortunately, betting sites online cannot offer horse racing betting as Canada’s federal government oversees all horse race betting in the country.
• Fantasy Sports: Placing money on daily fantasy sports is legal, but no sports betting brand currently provides such sports bets. While FanDuel and DraftKings have the biggest DFS options, they haven’t yet launched iGO-compliant sites.

?? Local Sport Teams

Ontario sport teams have passionate fan groups that are loyal and supportive. The number one sport is the NFL, which fills the majority of Ontario online sportsbooks. Following it, NHL is extremely popular among local fans. Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are central figures, capturing a substantial share of online gambling activity. The Toronto Raptors proudly stands as the sole NBA team in Canada and have garnered an army of devoted fans hailing from every corner of the country.

The Toronto Blue Jays, having secured the coveted title of two-time World Series champions, have ignited a resurgence, injecting fresh energy into Canada’s sole MLB team. Expanding the horizon of Ontario’s betting landscape, Toronto FC has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the MLS arena. Meanwhile, the Toronto Argonauts boast an impressive CFL record, clinching a remarkable 17 Grey Cup championships throughout their storied franchise history.

Local teams like Toronto Defiant and Luminosity Gaming have garnered much popularity in esports. Games like Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Super Smash Bros garner global attention, and Ontario-based teams have faired well. Fans can follow this type of sports online as games are usually streamed on the internet for free.

??? Sportsbook Regulations

All sporting-related gambling regulations are covered by the Alcohol and gaming commission of Ontario. The only exception is horse racing, which was exempt from Bill C-218. For all other forms of gambling, online sports betting operators must hold a valid license and follow regulations and rules.

While casino bonuses and betting bonuses are prohibited from being showcased outside operator sites, other forms of advertisement are not prohibited. Betting platforms can market their sites on the internet, on billboards, and at sports events. However, there have been decent talks to ban athletes and celebrities from appearing in such ads.

Responsible Gambling

The Ontario sports betting market is taking responsible gambling seriously. This means that all Ontario sports betting sites offer tools to help with problem gambling. Such tools can be, for example, deposit limits, net-loss limits, and self-exclusion periods.

If you notice that gambling is not fun anymore, stop. If you cannot quit by yourself, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. You can also chat at GamTalk, a platform designed to connect players and provide cooperative support.

?? Online Casino Sites

Besides betting on sports, web casinos are surely popular in Ontario. The gambling market has grown substantially since the province adopted the license model, and online casino gaming is thriving.

Ontario online casino sites feature games like slots, table games, and live casinos. Casino platforms cannot advertise bonuses or other incentives to attract new players to the betting site. Instead, this information can be found directly on the casino site. Online casino games in Ontario tend to have high RTPs, fast withdrawals, and excellent customer support. In addition, all sites must take responsible gambling seriously and provide adept tools.

If you notice Ontario casinos acting against regulations or have other issues to report or ask, you can contact the Alcohol and gaming commission of Ontario. The local regulatory authority is here to help you and ensure that gambling in the province is legal and fair.

Last updated: 2024/07/25