Best Betting Sites in Canada (2024)

Although sports betting is legal across Canada, it is regulated at the provincial level, leading to significant differences in rules and the availability of bookmakers from one province to another. For example, Ontario boasts an open market with over 30 licensed non-governmental operators, while most other provinces primarily permit government-regulated betting platforms. However, since offshore bookmakers are not explicitly banned, many Canadians choose to place their bets on these international sites.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the landscape of reputable brands that cater to both Ontario's regulated market and the grey market in other provinces, ensuring you find high-quality and trustworthy betting sites available across the majority of Canada.

In Ontario, you currently have access to 31 licensed online sports betting sites, including well-known names like Bet365, Betway, and LeoVegas, alongside some exciting new entrants.

All sportsbooks licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) adhere to strict regulatory standards, ensuring reliability. However, each betting site offers unique features that cater to different preferences. 

To help you find the perfect betting site, we’ve conducted thorough evaluations of all legal bookmakers in Ontario and compiled a list of the best options across different categories.

Even though the list of betting sites that call Canada home may be limited, many top-tier international bookies welcome Canadian players, allowing them to wager in Canadian dollars and fund their accounts using Interac.

However, it's essential to understand that not all offshore betting sites are created equal. While some may provide a high-quality and secure betting experience, others may lack in critical areas like security, customer service, variety of betting options, or payment processing efficiency. Therefore, it's wise to thoroughly evaluate the reputation, licensing, user experience, and reviews of any offshore site you consider.

But, that's where we come in. All betting sites featured on this page are globally recognized and hold licenses in Ontario, along with at least one other reputable jurisdiction. They meet the needs of Canadian bettors and, importantly, accept players from provinces beyond Ontario, ensuring a secure and enjoyable betting experience for all.

If you still feel uncertain about which sportsbook is the best fit for you, don’t worry—there’s no need to settle for just one option. Exploring multiple Canadian betting sites can offer valuable insights, helping you pinpoint the ideal bookmaker while allowing you to compare odds and maximize the value of your wagers.

Let’s start with the most important question: Is sports betting legal in Canada?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Canada. However, regulations and available betting sites vary widely from one province to another.

Following the passage of the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act in 2021, Canadian provinces were granted the authority to self-regulate their sports betting industries. This has led to the legalization of single-event sports betting across Canada, moving beyond the previous restriction that limited bettors to parlay bets. Today, most provinces operate their own sports betting platforms and set their own rules.

However, Ontario leads the way by opening its market to licensed non-governmental operators, becoming the first province to establish a well-regulated sports betting environment with a structured licensing system. This change has provided bettors with a diverse array of betting options, setting a precedent that hopefully other provinces will follow.

We always recommend that you choose a betting site for all of its characteristics, rather than just the sign-up offer. Why? Longevity.

A betting site welcome offer is very temporary, and as a player, you’ll want a bookmaker that you can rely on for the long haul. 

Even though the quality of the sportsbooks in our lists may differ slightly, all of them have got a very strong foundation and are trustworthy. Of course, there are many things to consider in order to find the best bookmaker. 

Look for sites that are licensed by reputable authorities and have a strong reputation within the betting community. Additionally, consider factors such as the variety of sports offered, quality of betting features, payout processing time, user-friendliness of the site, and the availability of customer support.

Sports betting can be an exciting pastime, especially when luck is on your side. However, it's important to remember that losing is a part of the experience and that betting can lead to serious problems if you don’t gamble responsibly.

5 Responsible Betting Tips for Canadian Players

• Choose Licensed Sportsbooks: To ensure your safety as a bettor, always opt for sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and its subsidiary, iGaming Ontario, if you reside in Ontario. For players in other provinces, opting for reputable offshore bookmakers licensed by recognized authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, is essential.

• Treat Betting as Entertainment: Think of betting as a form of entertainment rather than a fast track to financial gain. This mindset can help you enjoy the experience without unrealistic expectations.

• Set and Stick to Your Limits: Before betting, establish clear limits on both time and money, and commit to staying within those boundaries. Most trustworthy betting sites provide tools to set deposit, loss, and time limits, making it easier to stick to your budget.

• Bet Responsibly: Only wager with money you can afford to lose, and avoid the temptation to chase losses by betting more.

• Self-Assessment Test and Support: Consider taking the Self-Assessment quiz regularly to evaluate your gambling habits against common benchmarks. If you notice any adverse effects from your betting activities, it might be wise to take a break and seek support. 

  • In Ontario, you can reach out to ConnexOntario, which offers free and confidential help 24/7.

  • Additionally, PlaySmart.ca provides handy tools, resources, counseling, and advice for players. 

  • Many regions also have player resource centers in physical gambling venues, where you can find more information on safer gambling practices. For assistance in locating one, visit responsiblegambling.org