Editor’s Note: As of April 2023, SportsBetting3.com is not yet authorized to advertise Ontario sports betting sites. Please refer the resources found in this guide to learn where Ontario residents can legally place bets online in Canada.
Canada followed the United States when it legalized single-game sports betting in August 2021. Legislators passed Bill C-218, amending the Canadian criminal code to legalize betting on sports. The province of Ontario followed suit, legalizing sports betting on April 4, 2022. It was the first province to legalize sports betting in Canada, representing the vast majority national annual gaming revenue. Now, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, or AGCO, license and regulates gaming throughout the province, much like regulating commissions found in various US states.
What does this mean for Ontario residents? From hockey to football, and basketball to baseball, there’s no shortage of sports to bet on. And with multiple operators setting up shop, there are plenty of websites eager to take your action. The trick is to find the best bookmakers operating in Ontario, particularly those licensed by the AGCO that have trustworthy reputations.
This write-up delves into some of the most popular sports in Ontario and why they entice sports bettors. We’ll outline each sport’s appeal to provincial residents, and why legalized sports betting presents a unique opportunity for Ontarian sports fans.
Ontario Sports Betting at a Glance
There are now more than 35 operators and 70 live online gaming sites available to Ontarians, catering to a diverse range of preferences. Like the United States, most of the market is dominated by a few major players.
Top sites include TheScore, Bet365, and FanDuel. Minor operators include BetRivers and PointsBet, two names familiar to US gamblers. TheScore was acquired by Penn National, with the deal closing the first quarter of 2022. Penn National also has a stake in BarStool sports.
Moreover, Ontario has recently started offering retail sports betting at brick-and-mortar casinos since November 2022.
NHL Hockey
NHL hockey is the most popular winter sport in Canada and a beloved winter game across North America. The game is packed with intense action, and there are approximately 1,312 regular season games, providing plenty of thrilling matches for players to bet on.
Canadian pride demands a bet on the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadians, Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, or Winnipeg Jets. Those residing in Ontario will likely bet on their hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.
Learn more about NHL hockey betting, or review NHL odds for upcoming matchups before you bet.
Football
Football is another popular sport for wagering in Ontario, with both the CFL ( Canadian Football League) and the NFL (National Football League) attracting a large number of sports bettors.
The CFL features nine teams from across Canada. The season runs from June to November. The NFL, on the other hand, is the premier professional football league in the United States and features 32 teams from across the country. The NFL season runs from September to February.
Top football betting futures events include the CFL’s Grey Cup, and the NFL’s Super Bowl. Popular football straight bets include the point spread, total and moneyline. Experienced bettors strategically deploy teasers, parlays, props from their betting arsenal when the numbers are right.
NBA Basketball
Basketball is another popular sport for sports betting in Ontario, with the NBA attracting a large number of sports bettors. The NBA features 30 teams from across the United States and Canada. The season runs from October to June. The playoffs take place in April, May, and June, with the NBA Finals taking place in June.
The ever popular Toronto Raptors call Ontario home. They play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference and enjoy a strong fanbase both inside and outside Canada.
NBA Finals and Conference bets are among the most popular NBA futures bets. Single-game bets include the point spread and moneyline. Basketball totals can be tough to predict. But for those who are brave, we suggest you learn about total betting before taking a risk.
Baseball
Baseball is a popular sport for sports betting in Ontario, with the MLB attracting a large number of sports bettors. The MLB features 30 teams from across the United States and Canada, and the season runs from March to October. The playoffs take place in October, with the World Series taking place in late October.
Toronto residents should take note of the Toronto Blue Jay’s odds to win the World Series as the one and only Canadian MLB team.
One of the reasons that baseball is so popular for sports betting is because of the large number of games that are played throughout the season. With 162 games in the regular season, there are plenty of opportunities for sports bettors to place wagers.
Additionally, many different types of bets can be placed on baseball games, from moneyline bets to over/under bets and prop bets, making it a versatile sport for sports bettors. Be sure to check each game’s starting pitchers before placing a bet. This is one of the most important variables in handicapping a baseball game.
Soccer
Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is a popular sport in Ontario. The sport features many professional leagues around the world, with the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, and Italian Serie A attracting a large number of sports bettors.
The MLS, the professional soccer league in North America, is also popular among sports bettors in Ontario. Toronto host its own MLS team, the Toronto FC, playing in the MLS’s East Conference.
Golf
Golf is popular in Ontario, with many people enjoying betting on major tournaments throughout the year.
The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship are the four major tournaments in professional golf, and they attract a large number of sports bettors. Most bet on the tournament futures, though some prefer odds on player pairings.
Tennis
Last but not least, Tennis betting is common among Ontarians, with many people enjoying betting on major Tennis tournaments throughout the year. The four Grand Slam events, composed of the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open are by far the most popular annual tennis events attracting the most futures and single-match betting action.
One of the reasons that tennis is so popular for sports betting is because of the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the game. A single point can completely change the course of a match, and there is always the potential for upsets and surprises.
Ontario residents can also bet on ATP Tour and WTA Tour matches occurring almost daily at various events around the world.
Conclusion
Now that sports betting is legal in Ontario, its popularity will only increase. AGCO licensed and regulated sports betting sites offer lines and odds on a wide variety of sports. Hockey, football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, and tennis are among the most popular among Ontarians. Whether you’re a seasoned sports bettor or just getting started, there are plenty of opportunities to place wagers and potentially win big on sports teams and players in Ontario, Canada’s largest provincial gaming market.