With the Canadian sports betting market expanding rapidly, choosing licensed and regulated sportsbooks is more important than ever. Legal operators are held to strict standards—your funds are protected, the odds are fair, and responsible gambling tools are always available. Unfortunately, not all platforms are created equal. Unlicensed offshore sites may look professional but often have hidden risks, such as slow payouts, poor customer service, and data security issues.
This is especially crucial for visitors or temporary residents in Canada, like international students, digital nomads, or travelers who enjoy placing bets while exploring the country. If you’re used to betting back home, you’ll want to find a trusted legal operator within Canadian borders. One simple way to get started is to search “Apuestas deportivas Canadá,” a helpful review site that ranks and compares licensed sportsbooks in Canada. These resources are especially valuable for Spanish-speaking bettors, offering insights into bonuses, odds, and which platforms are best suited for betting while staying in Canada.
A Brief History of Sports Betting in Canada
Let’s rewind a bit. For decades, Canadian sports betting operated in a legal twilight zone. Betting was allowed—but only in parlay bets through provincial lotteries like Pro-Line.
Under the old system, you had to bet on multiple games at once to win anything. That rule, rooted in the Criminal Code of Canada, made single-game betting illegal. Why? Mostly to prevent match-fixing and protect the integrity of sports.
However, as offshore websites grew and millions of dollars flowed out of Canada, lawmakers realized something needed to change.
The Big Shift: Legalization of Single-Event Betting
Enter Bill C-218—a total game-changer. Passed in August 2021, this amendment to the Criminal Code gave provinces the power to regulate single-event sports betting.
You no longer have to bet on three or more games to get in on the action. You can bet on a single game—just like folks in Vegas do.
And with that, Canada officially entered the modern betting era.
The Role of Provinces in Sports Betting
Here’s where it gets a bit complex.
The federal government doesn’t run Canada’s sports betting system. Instead, each province is responsible for creating and enforcing its betting rules. That means what’s legal in Ontario might not be allowed in Nova Scotia—at least not yet.
This decentralized approach makes things confusing but allows for more tailored and responsive regulation.
Ontario as a Leader
Ontario was the first province to fully embrace the new rules with the launch of its regulated online sports betting market in April 2022. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario now oversee private operators like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and more.
This market is open, competitive, and, most importantly—legal.
Quebec and Loto-Québec
Quebec took a different path. It runs all its sports betting through Loto-Québec, the government’s gaming platform. While you won’t find as many options as in Ontario, it’s still a solid, legal place to bet.
British Columbia and PlayNow
BC operates through PlayNow, run by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). It offers sports betting and online casino games and is the only legal platform for residents of the province.
Legal vs. Illegal Betting Platforms
This one’s huge. Not all online sportsbooks are created equal.
Provincial authorities regulate legal platforms, which are required to follow strict security, fairness, and responsible gambling rules.
Offshore sites? Not so much. These are the shady, unregulated operators you want to avoid. They might take your money, delay payouts, or disappear.
So, how do you spot a legal one?
- Check for a license from your provincial regulator.
- Look for clear terms, responsible gambling tools, and real customer support.
If it feels sketchy—it probably is.
How to Bet Legally in Canada
Here’s a simple way to get started the legal way:
- Know your province’s rules (they might be different).
- Choose a licensed operator (like Bet365, BetMGM, or PlayNow).
- Create an account with your ID and location verified.
- Deposit funds using secure payment methods.
- Start betting on your favorite sports!
Types of Sports Bets You Can Make
Betting isn’t just about picking winners. There’s a whole buffet of bet types:
- Single-game bets – The most common and now legal.
- Parlay bets – Combine multiple bets for a bigger payout.
- Live betting – Wager while the game is happening.
- Futures – Bet on outcomes weeks or months in advance.
- Props (proposition bets) – Bet on things like who scores first.
Mix it up depending on your style and confidence level.
Popular Sports to Bet On in Canada
Canada is a hockey country, so it’s no surprise the NHL is a betting favorite. But that’s just the start:
- NFL football is wildly popular and easy to follow.
- NBA basketball is fast-paced and perfect for live betting.
- MLB Baseball – Great for stats lovers.
- Soccer, tennis, and UFC are all gaining ground fast.
Even eSports are starting to show up on betting sites.
Taxes and Winnings
One of the coolest perks is that, in most cases, sports betting winnings are not taxable in Canada—unless you’re betting as a full-time professional (which is super rare).
Still, it’s smart to keep track of your activity. You never know when CRA might come knocking.
Responsible Gambling Laws and Support
Every legal betting platform is required to offer tools for responsible gambling, including:
- Deposit limits
- Time reminders
- Self-exclusion options
Organizations like ConnexOntario and GameSense are there to help if betting starts becoming a problem.
The Future of Sports Betting in Canada
More provinces are watching Ontario’s success and planning to open up their markets. Expect to see:
- More licensed operators
- Innovative betting features
- Integrated sports viewing + betting experiences
And a move toward national standards in the future.
Conclusion
Canada’s sports betting landscape has undergone a massive transformation—and it’s only just beginning. With single-game betting now legal and provinces rolling out their systems, it’s never been a better time to bet legally and safely.
Know your province’s rules, stick to licensed sites, and always bet within your means. The game’s more fun when you play it smart.
FAQs
- Is sports betting legal in all of Canada?
Yes, but how it’s regulated depends on your province. Some have legal online markets; others still use government-run platforms.
- Can I bet on a single game in Canada?
Absolutely! As of 2021, single-event sports betting is fully legal.
- Are my sports betting winnings taxable?
In most cases, no. Unless betting is your main profession, your winnings are tax-free.
- What should I know about using offshore sportsbooks?
Offshore sportsbooks can seem appealing because they often advertise widely, but it’s important to understand that they aren’t licensed or regulated by Canadian authorities. That means there’s less oversight regarding security, payouts, and responsible gambling tools. For the safest and most reliable experience, it’s best to stick with legally approved sportsbooks in your province.
- Which is the best legal sportsbook in Ontario?
That’s subjective, but popular licensed options include BetMGM, 20bet, 888sport, and 22bet.
