Looking for your one-stop-shop for everything sports betting related in Ontario? Then you’ve come to the right place. Our site is dedicated to providing you with the latest in sports news and events in the province as well as reviews and info about the best legal bookmakers (learn more about us). You can also take advantage of our betting guides, geared at all major Canadian sports such as Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Football, Soccer and MMA.
For a quick list of our top online sportsbook picks for this month and popular sports and teams available to bet on in Ontario, click below.
Top Legal Sportsbooks in Ontario – September, 2022
After scouring the internet reviewing all major online sports betting sites in Ontario, we present to you our list of the top 5 legal sports betting sites in the province. You can also check the full list of legal sportsbooks in Ontario.
bet365 Online Betting Sportsbook
bet365 is a British-based online sports betting company which has been around for over 20 years. The brand is known for providing one of the most complete sports betting experiences and is fully licensed to provide legal sports betting and casino gaming in Ontario. Players can access the platform both through internet browser and via mobile app, available for free download on iOS and Android devices.
The sportsbook features over 25 sports and 100+ leagues from all over the world. Popular sports leagues in Canada such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, CFL, UFC and NCAA are all featured on the site. Bettors will also have access to a number of international sports like Soccer, Tennis and Rugby as well as niche sports like eSports, Darts, Snooker and Table Tennis.
The dedicated live betting section at bet365 gives users the chance to bet on sports events which are in progress. Live streams can be accessed on select sports events which allow you to watch sports events while you bet. (T&Cs Apply) Live score and gamecast are also available in the ‘In-play’ section to follow live bets.
To use the service you need to be logged in and either have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Live streaming is not available in all countries and events available may depend on your location.(T&Cs Apply)
One of the biggest selling points of the sportsbook is the variety of betting features and tools on offer to bettors. Some of the most useful features include the Cash Out Button, Same Game Parlays, Edit Bet Feature and Bet Builder.
If you’re interested in playing online casino games in addition to betting on sports, bet365 has over 400 titles to choose from. Casino game types include Slots, Table Games, Jackpots, and Live Casino Games. A separate Casino App and Live Casino App are available for quick access to casino games on mobile devices.
BetRivers Sportsbook & Casino
BetRivers Ontario is owned and operated by renowned gambling provider Rush Street Interactive. As you’d expect, the site has an outstanding user interface and loads of great features which can be used to enhance your betting experience. The site can be accessed via mobile app on iOS and Android devices, allowing customers to place bets from anywhere within Ontario provincial boundaries.
The betting odds at BetRivers are on par with other major sportsbooks in Ontario with added ‘House Special’ odds available for select matchups. If you’re looking to bet on live odds, the live betting section provides up-to-the-second odds on hundreds of betting markets daily. Live streaming can be used to follow sports events within the live section, along with real-time scores and gamecast.
A Buyout feature can be used on select bets at BetRivers, giving players the option of cashing out of a bet before it completes. The amount that you will receive if you buy out is typically based on odds at the time of your cash out. Buyouts can be a great way to insure your bets when you’re ahead and mitigate losses when you’re behind.
Like most top sports betting operators in Ontario, BetRivers also has a casino gaming section available to bettors. The casino holds all your typical game types like Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Jackpots, Video Poker and Live Dealer Games.
BetMGM Online Sportsbook
BetMGM Ontario is run by the legendary gambling group MGM Resorts from the United States. The brand entered the regulated Ontario sports betting market on April 4th of 2022 with a licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The brand is also prevalent in many states in the US including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, Wyoming, Arizona, and Louisiana.
The BetMGM Sportsbook has one of the top sports collections in Ontario, with over 27 sports available to bet on. This includes a number of niche sports betting markets which aren’t available at most other sportsbooks in the region like Biathlon, Alpine Skiing and even Politics.
The live betting section at BetMGM has in-lay betting opportunities for most major sports leagues like the NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL and UFC. A few live games can also be found most days for live streams and gameast/live scores are available for all live in-play sports events.
Mobile bettors will be able to access the sportsbook via app on iOS and Android. The app has pretty much all the same great features as the browser-based site including quick deposits, 24/7 customer support and live betting.
Some key betting features you can look to take advantage of at BetMGM are the Cash Out Button, Easy Parlay and Edit My Bet Feature. Check out the betting tool tutorials in the FAQ section for further details.
Users at BetMGM will be able to use both the online casino and poker room using the same integrated account as when sports betting. The casino has over 500 tiles which includes Slots, Table Games, Progressive Jackpots and Live Casino Games. The Poker Room has cash games, tournaments and sit n gos, mainly featuring Texas Hold Em and Omaha.
NorthStar Bets
NorthStar Bets is a Canadian-owned and run online sports betting site which tends to prioritize local teams and sports. So if you’re looking to bet in particular on sports like Ice Hockey, Basketball, Baseball and Football, NorthStar Bets could be ideal for you. NorthStar entered the regulated Ontario igaming market in early May of 2022 and is fully licensed and regulated to provide legal sports betting to Ontario natives.
The dedicated live betting section offers plenty of betting opportunities each and every day, primarily on popular Canadian sports leagues. Soccer and tennis are also well represented in the live betting section. There isn’t any live streaming feature at the current time but bettors will be able to follow sports real-time with live scores.
A special ‘SPORTS INSIGHTS’ section is available for bettors looking to keep up with sports news and read through betting guides. The section also has experts picks and odds for upcoming tournaments and fixtures.
The online casino at NorthStar Bets gives players the chance to play over 300 titles, ranging from slots to live casino games. Games come from a number of top software providers such as IGT, WMS, Playtech and Evolution Gaming.
One of the areas in which NorthStar can improve its mobile compatibility. Currently mobile bettors can only access the platform via mobile browser. There is no mobile app version of the sportsbook available.
Caesars Sportsbook
As you might’ve guessed, the Caesars Sportsbook in Ontario is powered by the world famous Caesars Entertainment Group from Las Vegas. The brand was one of the first to enter the regulated Ontario market, launching on April 4th of 2022. Since then Caesars has been able to secure a good portion of the Ontario betting market and is considered one of the leaders in sports betting for the province.
In terms of tech, the site has one of the top user interfaces for the browser-based sites and a world-class mobile app. Users will be able to place both pre-match and live bets from anywhere within Ontario as well as watch live streams and play online casino games.
The sports collection at Caesars Ontario consists of 25 sports and over 100 hundreds of different leagues from all over the world. Bet types available include money lines, spreads, futures, totals, handicaps, props and parlays.
The Caesars Casino offers the chance to play online casino games, all powered by top providers Evolution Gaming and IGT. The live betting section in particular is one of the best in Ontario, featuring Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and a number of popular game shows.
How to Start Betting in Ontario? Step-By-Step Guide
To start betting on sports in Ontario you will first be required to sign up for a gambling account at an online sportsbook. You may then make a first deposit using a payment method of your choice to start betting. For a quick guide to help get your started, read through the instructions below.
Register
✔️ Visit the online sportsbook you would like to bet at and click on the ‘Join’ button or equivalent on the homepage.
✔️ A sign up form should appear on your screen. Fill in the form with the required personal information and create a unique Username and Password for your account.
Enter Referral Code
✔️ Remember to enter any referral code you may have into its respective field.
✔️ Tick the terms and conditions boxes and hit the ‘SIGN UP’ button or equivalent at the end of the registration form.
✔️ Verify your account via email or mobile by hitting the verification link sent to you.
✔️ Provide a photo of valid government ID and a selfie to verify your identity.
Deposit
✔️ Login and visit the ‘CASHIER’ section to make a first deposit.
Play
✔️ You should now be able to bet on any sports event by clicking on the odds and filling out the online bet slip.
Bet on Your Favourite Ontario Sports & Teams
Bettors in Ontario have a number of popular sports and leagues to wager on, many of which include teams based in Ontario. Most of the leagues come from either the US or Canada such as the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, CFL or MLS. Let’s take a closer look at some of the favourite leagues and teams available to bet on in Ontario.
🏒 Betting on Ice Hockey (NHL)
Ice Hockey has long been one of the most celebrated and widely loved sports in Canada. It’s no surprise that it is also one of the most highly wagered on sports in Ontario. The National Hockey League (NHL) in particular holds the biggest share of the hockey sports betting market. Here is our list of the best NHL betting sites in Ontario.
There are two professional franchises that are based within Ontario that play in the NHL: the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. There are five additional teams based in other parts of Canada in the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets. Read the latest NHL news.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators have a rich history and plenty of accolades in their early years. Both teams haven’t however been able to lift a Stanley Cup in over 50 years, creating one of the longest droughts for Ontario in any sports. Sports bettors in the province haven’t given up hope yet, as the two teams are still some of the most highly wagered on teams in the NHL. This is not expected to change anytime soon as the die-hard fans don’t show any signs of letting go of their favourite teams.
🏀 Place a Bet on Basketball (NBA)
Basketball has garnered a massive following in Ontario ever since the early days of the NBA. While the province one has the one franchise which takes part in the NBA, in the Toronto Raptors, there is no shortage of betting action on basketball in Ontario. Teams like the Detroit Pistons who are located on the border of Canada and America also carry a big following. Check the latest NBA news to learn more.
Basketball provides a unique set of betting opportunities which includes money lines, point spreads, handicaps, totals, outrights, props bets and parlays. Live betting can be found on most NBA matchups at online sportsbooks in the province, allowing for wagers on games already underway. Feel free to have a look at our list of the best NBA betting sites in Ontario. You can also keep track of NBA games at online sportsbooks via live streams, live scores and gamecast.
Toronto Raptors fans were able to celebrate a monumental first NBA Championship recently in 2019. Since then the team has been in a rebuilding phase but has qualified for the playoffs each year. Expect the Raptors to provide more seasons with 82 games to bet on and even more action when the playoffs kick in.
⚾ Bet on Baseball Matches (MLB)
Major League Baseball holds a large portion of the betting markets in Ontario, mainly due to its especially long season. Bettors have the opportunity to bet on over 2500 games over approximately six months, plus the postseason.
Most top online sports betting sites in Ontario feature every single MLB game for pre-match betting (see our list of the best MLB betting sites in Ontario). A vast majority of games are also available for live betting, especially in the playoffs. Bet types for MLB include money lines, spreads, totals, run line bets, futures and props. You can find a variety of special bets for baseball at most major sportsbooks, so be sure to keep an eye out over the course of the season.
There is currently only one Ontario-based MLB team in the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have been one of the more successful franchises in the MLB over the past 25 years, giving bettors loads of opportunities to wager on them. Do not hesitate to have a look at the latest MLB news. Other popular MLB teams in Ontario include the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and NY Mets.
🏈 Betting Online on Football (NFL & CFL)
American football is yet another one of the major sports which is widely wagered upon in Ontario. With two major football leagues providing action all year in the NFL and CFL, there is plenty of football to go around. There aren’t any Canadian teams currently in the NFL but the CFL is made up of 9 Canadian-based teams from all over the country. Read the latest NFL and CFL news in our dedicated sports news section.
Teams from Ontario in the CFL include the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks. Each team has a large following in Ontario with inter-provincial rivalries playing a big role in the hype of the matchups. The rivalry between the Argos and Tiger-Cats brings out loads of football fans and bettors, all looking to one-up their neighbouring city.
Football bet types available in Ontario include all major varieties such as lines, spreads, handicaps, over/unders, props and futures. Do not hesitate to take a look at our list of the best football betting sites in Ontario. As most football games in the NFL are applied on Sunday, bettors will get the opportunity to live bet on games in tandem and follow along online via streams and live scores.
⚽ Place a Bet on Soccer Games (MLS)
While soccer isn’t considered one of the big four (Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hockey), it does have an extremely large following in Ontario (everything you need to know is in our MLS news section). International leagues such as the English Premier League, Bundesliga, Brasileirao, La Liga and Champions League are all featured at Ontario betting sites. You will also be able to find major soccer tournaments such as the WC, Champions League, Euro Cup, Copa America and Africa Cup of Nations.
MLS soccer has also begun to pick up interest in the last 5-10 years. With Toronto FC having a relatively successful time in the league, betting on MLS has begun to increase. Check our list of the best soccer betting sites in Ontario. Bet types on soccer you can expect to be available at most major sportsbooks in Ontario include lines, handicaps, totals, props, futures, first goal scorer and special parlays.
Read the Latest Sports News in Ontario (Updates, Results, Scores, Fixtures)
Timeline of the Legalization of Single-Event Sports Betting in Ontario
It’s been over a year now since single-event sports betting was legalized in Ontario. Here’s a timeline recap of how single-game sports betting came to be legal in the province.
April 2022- Ontario launches its online sports betting market with close to two dozen operators.
December 2021- A public announcement is made by the AGCO indicating that any registered operator who is under contract with iGaming Ontario can start offering their products to residents of Ontario.
September 2021- Regulatory standards were set and the AGCO opened its registration application system to potential iGaming operators interested in Ontario’s sports betting market.
August 2021– The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) opens PROLINE+ and single-game betting launches across Canada on August 27th.
June 2021- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario establishes iGaming Ontario and the Senate passes Bill C-218. This allows for online sportsbooks to apply for a gambling license to officially begin sports betting across Canada.
If needed, at any time you can visit the sitemap to see all the information published on this site.
