Legal Online Sports Betting in Canada in 2023
As we all know – online sports betting went through difficulties until it finally became fully legal in Canada.
On August 27, 2021, less than two months after the royal assent of Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, the federal ban on single-game sports betting was lifted in Canada. On February 11, 2022, Nova Scotia became the final province to legalize betting on a single event.
On November 3, 2022, Saskatchewan’s BCLC-powered PlayNow sportsbook went live.
On April 4, 2022, Ontario’s new iGaming market was launched. This was the first time a provincial government had allowed third-party online operators to join. 28 online sportsbooks and more than 60 gaming websites have been approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario. If you are still wondering which are the provinces and territories allowing legalized online sports betting in Canada, then you are on the right place, because we are about to give you more information. Don’t forget that some licensed betting platforms offer legal alternative links, but we would advise you to go for a legalized platform in your location. Now let’s get to the topic!
Is sports betting legal in Canada?
Yes, sports betting has been legal in Canada since 1985. However, single-game betting is about to change the world of sports wagering and take it to an unprecedented level. Both pari-mutuel gambling and parlay bets, which combine two or more wagers, were the only forms of sports betting that were permitted in the country prior to August 27, 2021.
Additionally, these wagers could only be made through the lottery system of each province. Because of this, Canadians were investing an estimated $14 billion annually into offshore gambling websites in search of better online options.
The clearer answer of the question ‘Is sports betting legal in Canada’ is – yes, it is legal in Canada, with each of the provinces of the country being able to regulate the activities with their own set of rules. This means that you should always check the regulations based on your location, otherwise you may browse wrong information.
| Canada sports betting at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Single-game betting legalized | Aug. 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 |
Why legalize single-game sports betting in 2021?
The declining revenue from sports betting was the primary driver behind Canada’s decision to legalize single-game wagering.
Many pessimists, including a few elite athletics associations, have also changed their minds as a result of the successful implementation of legal sports wagering south of the border. In the year 2023, it is still unclear exactly how each province in Canada will regulate the sports betting industry.
Third-party operators were only accepted by Ontario and Alberta, and the other provinces still lack the desire to do so.
Even though Canada doesn’t have many third-party operators, Canadian bettors can now bet much easier and don’t have to look for specific alternative links to bet on their favorite sport.
Provinces where single-game sports betting is legal
There are seven provinces where single-game online sports betting is fully legal now, and these are – Manitoba, British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Quebec and Prince Edward Island.
Bill C-218 permits every area to direct how and when they manage sports wagering. Who can offer sports betting, which sports are eligible for wagering, and what kinds of bets are allowed are all up to the provincial governments.
So, every province will have different regulations – the locations with less population will probably be limited, however, the provinces with much more population will have less limitations.
Table of Contents
Legal – online and retail: Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Nova Scotia | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan
Legal – retail only: Northwest Territories | Nunavut | Yukon
Where to bet in Canada
Is sports betting legal in Alberta?
Alberta now officially allows single-game sports betting with the first provincially controlled online betting option that was launched on 1st of September, 2021, via PlayAlberta.ca, an online gambling website regulated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC).
In 2023, AGLC plans to welcome two more sportsbook operators to Alberta. Alberta sports bettors in all actuality do as of now have both on the web and disconnected choices accessible to meet their lawful betting requirements.
Is sports betting legal in British Columbia?
Canada’s westernmost region sent off single-game games wagering on PlayNow.com on Aug. 27, 2021. The BCLC announced on November 1, 2021, that PlayNow received over $25 million in single-game sports bets within two months of single-game wagering becoming legal. Online and in-person sports betting is legal in British Columbia.
The Pacific Province was well-positioned to offer single-game wagers through PlayNow.com, Canada’s largest online sportsbook, operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. So, if you are based in British Columbia, you will be able to enjoy the great variety of sports betting options.
Is sports betting legal in Manitoba?
In Manitoba, single-game wagers are now legal (online and in-person). Since August 27, 2021, the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) has permitted wagering on a single event on PlayNow.com. Since November 1, 2021, retail single-game betting has been available on the Sport Select platform of WCLC. Manitoba sports bettors can try their luck at a number of legal offshore sports betting websites in addition to PlayNow. These locales offer an unrivaled encounter for new and prepared bettors through better extra offers, chances, and wagering open doors. If you are also based in Manitoba, you will surely be able to enjoy betting options, but be prepared to spend some time on choosing the best option.
Is sports betting legal in New Brunswick?
On August 27, 2021, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) made single-game sports betting legal in New Brunswick. All gambling in New Brunswick is regulated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), and there are not many legal sports betting options at the moment. At an ALC retailer, you can place bets on moneyline, over/under, point spreads, and other odds, and online bets.
It’s possible that one of NB’s two casinos will house a retail sportsbook as the sports betting landscape continues to change. However, legal offshore sports gambling websites provide New Brunswickers with the best value for their money.
These sportsbooks outperform offerings regulated by provincial governments in terms of performance, promotions, and betting options.
Is sports betting legal in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Legal (online and in stores) On August 27, 2021, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) made single-game sports betting legal in Newfoundland and Labrador.
When it comes to legal sports betting, both Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick are served by the Atlantic Lottery. On The Rock and in the center of the Big Land, Pro•Line is available both online and offline.
Offshore sportsbooks allow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to legally wager on sports. Compared to Pro•Line, these websites provide much better odds and a wider variety of bet options with fewer wagering restrictions.
Is sports betting legal in Nova Scotia?
Single-game betting became legal in Nova Scotia on February 11, 2022. ALC launched its online casino product in Nova Scotia on July 21, 2022. Sports betting is regulated and offered to residents of Nova Scotia by the ALC. In Nova Scotia, legal bets can be placed online with Pro•Line Stadium or in person at an ALC retailer, typically a grocery store, gas station, or convenience store.
Betting with one of the numerous legal offshore websites that are currently operating in Canada is a more favorable legal online sports betting alternative for residents of Nova Scotia. Better odds, fewer restrictions, and attractive promotions for new bettors are all available at these sportsbooks.
NS does not have any physical sportsbooks, but the province is home to two casinos, Casino Nova Scotia Halifax and Casino Nova Scotia Sydney, which may one day house sportsbooks.
Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. started offering lawful online based single-game wagering on Aug. 27, 2021. Canada’s most crowded area set its new serious iGaming market live on April 4, 2022. DraftKings, FanDuel Ontario, BetRivers Ontario, bet365 Ontario, PointsBet Canada, and theScore Bet are among the more than sixty online gaming websites (28 sports betting websites) that have been approved thus far by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario.
Over two dozen provincially regulated sports betting sites, four Great Canadian Sportsbooks, and Caesars Sportsbook Windsor now allow visitors and residents of Ontario to legally wager. So, if you are based in Ontario, there are good news for you – the variety is great. All online gambling is managed by third-party operators under the control of iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Is sports betting legal in Prince Edward Island?
On August 27, 2021, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) made single-game sports betting legal in P.E.I. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) is in charge of regulating sports betting on Prince Edward Island. P.E.I. residents can place wagers either in person at an ALC retail location or online. P.E.I. sports bettors are restricted to offshore gambling websites outside of Pro•Line. These sportsbooks are authorized to work in different wards, and accordingly ready to work in Canada too.
Is sports betting legal in Quebec?
Since August 27, 2021, legal sports bettors in Quebec can place single-game wagers online. Bets can be placed both online and in person throughout the province, either through the legitimate betting operators in this province of Canada. The variety in Quebec is not great, but we only expect this to change.
Is sports betting legal in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) confirmed that betting was legal (online and offline) on November 3 2022. Single-game sports betting was quietly introduced on November 1, 2021, by Western Canada Lottery Corporation through a redesigned Sport Select.
Saskatchewan residents are now able to wager on a single sporting event – though all selections must still be confirmed in person at a participating retailer.
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and the British Columbia Lottery Corp. (BCLC) reached an agreement on June 6 2022 – to offer the province’s players access to the regulated platform. It will contribute to the expansion of legal sports betting in Saskatchewan. So good news for you if you are based there- because the best is yet to come.
Is sports betting legal in the Northwest Territories?
Sports betting on a single game is now legal in the Northwest Territories (retail only). With Sport Select, residents will be able to wager on a single event starting on November 1, 2021.
Northwest residents, on the other hand, are still waiting for fully online betting. Northwest residents can wager at participating retail establishments like gas stations and convenience stores, but online wagering is not permitted by Sports Select. Even though the variety is not great, we expect it only to grow.
Is sports betting legal in Nunavut?
On November 1, 2021, WCLC introduced a redesigned Sport Select product. Bettors in Nunavut can now place single-game wagers at local retail establishments thanks to the platform.
Online ticket creation, the creation of a QR code, and in-person confirmation of choices are available to residents. However Nunavut sports gamblers should stick to offshore sportsbooks. Considerably more great bets can be put online with these authorized administrators.
Is sports betting legal in Yukon?
In November 1, 2021, single-game sports betting made its way to the Land of the Midnight Sun, giving legal (retail only) Yukon bettors good news. With Sport Select, residents can now place single-event wagers at participating retailers. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation oversees and regulates sports gambling in the Yukon.
Since the WCLC does not provide any legal alternatives for online sports betting, the only offline betting option is Sport Select. All sports bets must be placed at a specific WCLC retail location, even though Yukoners can conduct research and make their selections online.
Safest Canada betting sites for 2023
Even though offshore sportsbooks are allowed in Canada – you should only use licensed sites for the safest online sports betting experience possible.
We invested a lot of time and effort to analyze the available sportsbooks and to provide all players with honest and detailed reviews, so we can ensure that Canadian gamblers have the best online gambling experience possible. For 2023, these are the five most reputable sportsbooks in Canada:
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Sports Interaction
With Sports Interaction, Canadian sports bettors can bet without having to worry about their safety and security. The Canadian Kahnawake Gaming Commission issues a license to the online service provider, which is also known as SIA.
In addition to offering competitive betting odds, Sports Interaction also provides a wide range of betting options. They remain at the top of our list of Canada’s best sportsbooks due to their excellent customer service and safe banking options.
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Bet365
For more than two decades, bet365 has been a global leader in online sports betting. A mobile app, an extensive library of bet types, and generous bonuses for new Canadian bettors are all available on the UK-based platform.
The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner and the Malta Gaming Authority ensure bet365’s licensing and compliance.
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Betway
Perhaps the best mobile application available in Canada is Betway’s. Canadian sports bettors will find this to be an appealing option when you add in its loyalty program, bonus offers, and easy live chat. Betway is a well-known online sportsbook with licenses from the UK Gaming Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. If you choose Betway, you will surely not regret.
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Pinnacle
Canadian gamblers can take advantage of some of the best sports betting odds currently available at Pinnacle. The low-margin, no-fluff model of the online sportsbook enables it to offer favorable lines and quick withdrawal turnarounds. This provider offers a lot of payment choices, incredible client service, and strong inclusion of significant elite athletics. Pinnacle is still one of the best sports betting options in Canada today, with licenses in Curacao and Malta.
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Betano
Betano is undoubtedly one of the most popular and loved betting providers in Canada. It has obtained license by the official iGaming Ontario gambling commission, and its trustworthiness is also boosted by the band’s soccer sponsorships. The provider offers more than amazing betting options, including some of the top-notch sports and events, as well as great customer support and many different payment options.
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