A straight pick on which side wins, with no other outcome considered.
Sports Betting Canada: Our Complete Guide for July 2026
Sports betting Canada is legal and widely available across the country, with each province regulating its own market. Ontario operates a fully regulated open-market system through iGaming Ontario and Alberta is live with its own regulated framework under the AGLC...Read More
Canadian bettors can choose from provincially regulated sportsbooks (sites overseen by a specific provincial authority, such as the AGCO in Ontario) and internationally licensed brands (operators approved under recognized offshore gambling bodies). Each model offers different protections and product features, and the right choice depends on where the player is located.
This guide breaks down the legal sports betting Canada landscape by province for July 2026, spotlights the top platforms available to Canadian players, and covers what to look for when choosing a sportsbook—from licensing to apps and live betting.
OH only. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. T&Cs apply
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Best Sports Betting Sites in Canada
The best sports betting sites in Canada combine competitive odds, strong live betting features, fast payouts and reliable licensing to deliver a safe and enjoyable betting experience.
- Live Odds & In-Game Betting
- Sports, Casino & Poker
- Live Stream Games for Free
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET
- Live Odds & In-Game Betting
- Sports, Casino & Poker
- Live Stream Games for Free
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET
Safe and Secure Sports Betting Platform
Quick and Easy to Withdraw Your Winnings
Safe and Secure Sports Betting Platform
Quick and Easy to Withdraw Your Winnings
- Live Stream Thousands of Sporting Events
- World’s Favorite Online Sports Betting Company
- Darts, Greyhounds, Lacrosse, Esports, and More
- bet365 Operates Pursuant to an Agreement with iGaming Ontario
- Live Stream Thousands of Sporting Events
- World’s Favorite Online Sports Betting Company
- Darts, Greyhounds, Lacrosse, Esports, and More
- bet365 Operates Pursuant to an Agreement with iGaming Ontario
- Most Trusted Bettor, Founded in 1946
- Internationally Trusted Sportsbook
- Most Trusted Bettor, Founded in 1946
- Internationally Trusted Sportsbook
- Bet Live and Pre-Match on 10,000+ Games
- NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB + Tennis, Soccer & More
- Plus Live Casino, Virtuals, and 24/7 Live Support
- Bet Live and Pre-Match on 10,000+ Games
- NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB + Tennis, Soccer & More
- Plus Live Casino, Virtuals, and 24/7 Live Support
Sports bettors across Canada have access to both provincially regulated sportsbooks and internationally licensed brands, though availability varies by province. Players in Ontario can only bet with operators registered through iGaming Ontario, while Alberta players can use any AGLC-licensed operator following the province’s regulated market opening on July 13, 2026.
The table above highlights some of the best sports betting sites in Canada, all licensed and regulated, so players in Ontario, Alberta, or elsewhere in the country can use them legally.
Bettors in Ontario and Alberta should verify an operator’s licensing status before playing, since each province only permits betting with locally regulated sites. Check for the operator on the iGaming Ontario or AGLC website, or look for the regulator’s logo on the operator’s site or app.
Sports Betting Apps in Canada
Most major sportsbooks now offer iOS and Android apps for bettors across Canada. Key features to look for include fast load times, live betting support, easy deposits, and broad market coverage.
Operators licensed in Ontario and Alberta have their apps available through the App Store and Google Play. In provinces without an open-market system, availability of internationally licensed apps may vary by marketplace.
BetMGM and bet365 are prime examples of the best sports betting apps in Canada, both offering fast load times, comprehensive live betting, efficient banking, and broad market coverage backed by heavy investment in mobile performance. For a deeper look, see our complete BetMGM Canada review.
As Ontario’s and Alberta’s regulated markets continue to mature, operators keep improving their mobile offerings to stand out from the competition.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada?
Yes, sports betting in Canada is legal. Bill C-218, passed in August 2021, amended the Criminal Code to legalize single-event sports betting nationwide; before that, only parlay wagering was permitted.
Online sports betting is regulated at the provincial level. Ontario led the way in April 2022, launching a fully regulated open-market model through iGaming Ontario, regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Its iGaming market recorded roughly $82.7 billion in total wagers in the 2024–25 fiscal year, making it Canada’s most established regulated market.
Alberta followed on July 13, 2026, opening its own regulated market under Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act. The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) manages the commercial side, while the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) regulates operators; more than 50 have been licensed to date.
In provinces without a regulated open-market system, residents can legally use internationally licensed sportsbooks. No federal law prohibits accessing offshore-licensed sites, but players should confirm any operator holds a recognized international licence.
So, is sports betting legal in Canada? Yes, though the experience depends on whether you’re using a provincially regulated platform or an internationally licensed one.
Ontario Sports Betting
Ontario remains Canada’s largest and most established regulated market, with dozens of operators competing under iGaming Ontario and AGCO oversight since April 2022. The province’s scale and maturity make it the benchmark other provinces are measured against.
Here’s more on Ontario online gambling.
Alberta
Alberta’s regulated market opened on July 13, 2026, giving players access to dozens of AGLC-licensed sportsbooks for the first time, alongside PlayAlberta. The framework closely mirrors Ontario’s, and many of the same major brands operate in both provinces.
Here’s more on Alberta online sports betting.
Other Provinces
Outside Ontario and Alberta, most provinces still rely on government-run platforms like PlayNow (BC) and Espacejeux (Quebec) for regulated betting. Residents can also legally access internationally licensed sportsbooks, though these operate outside any provincial framework.
Looking Ahead
With Ontario and Alberta now both operating competitive markets, other provinces may face growing pressure to follow suit. For now, Canada’s sports betting landscape remains a patchwork of provincial approaches, and bettors should always confirm what’s actually available and licensed where they live.
Payment Methods for Sports Betting in Canada
Banking options vary somewhat between provinces and operators, but most Canadian bettors have a solid mix of fast, secure ways to fund their account and withdraw winnings.
- Interac e-Transfer is the most widely used payment method among Canadian bettors, connecting directly to your bank account for fast, secure deposits and withdrawals. Most licensed sportsbooks in Ontario, Alberta, and internationally licensed sites serving other provinces support it as a default option.
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are also common for deposits and process instantly, though some Canadian banks block transactions to gambling sites, in which case Interac or an e-wallet is a reliable alternative.
- E-wallets like PayPal and Skrill offer another layer of speed and privacy, with PayPal more common at Ontario- and Alberta-regulated operators and Skrill more widely available at internationally licensed sportsbooks.
- Bank transfers are a slower but secure option for larger amounts, and some operators also support prepaid options like Paysafecard for players who prefer not to link a bank account directly.
Deposits are typically instant across all these methods.
However, withdrawal times vary. E-wallets tend to be fastest, Interac usually clears within 24 hours once your account is verified, and bank transfers can take several business days. Always check a specific sportsbook’s cashier page for exact processing times and any transaction limits before depositing.
Types of Sports Bets in Canada
Match Winner
Moneyline
Similar to match winner, framed around picking a side to win outright with no draw option, common in sports like basketball and baseball.
Point Spread
A margin-based handicap bet where the favourite must win by more than a set number of points, and the underdog can lose by fewer than that number (or win outright) and still cover.
Totals (Over/Under)
A bet on whether the combined score or stat in a game finishes over or under a number set by the sportsbook.
Player Props
Bets on individual player performance, like points, goals, or yards, rather than the outcome of the game itself.
Multiple bets combined into a single wager, where every leg must win for the parlay to pay out, offering a higher potential return than placing each bet separately.
In-Play Betting
Wagers placed after the game has started, with odds updating in real time based on what’s happening on the field or court.
Futures
Long-term bets on the outcome of an entire league, tournament, or season, such as who wins a championship.
How to Choose the Right Sportsbook in Canada
With dozens of operators competing across Ontario, Alberta, and internationally licensed markets serving the rest of the country, choosing between them comes down to a few key factors.
Licensing & Safety
Confirm the operator is registered with iGaming Ontario, the AGLC, or holds a recognized international licence if you’re outside a regulated province. Licensing means enforced player protection standards and a clear path for resolving disputes.
Betting Options
Look for coverage of the leagues and bet types you actually use, moneylines, spreads, totals, props, parlays, and futures, across the sports you follow.
Odds Quality
Compare the same event across a few sportsbooks and check the margin on core markets like moneylines and spreads. Small differences add up over time.
Banking
Confirm the sportsbook supports Interac or another payment method that works for you, and check withdrawal processing times before signing up.
Mobile Experience
Whether through a dedicated app or mobile browser, the experience should be fully functional on both iOS and Android.
Customer Support
Look for 24/7 availability through live chat, phone, or email, along with a detailed help centre that answers common questions without needing to reach out.
How to Get Started Betting Online in Canada
Getting started with an online sportsbook only takes a few minutes from registration to your first bet. Here’s the process from start to finish.
- Choose a licensed sportsbook. Confirm it’s registered with iGaming Ontario or the AGLC if you’re in one of those provinces, or holds a recognized international licence otherwise.
- Create an account. Enter your name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number exactly as they appear on your official ID, then set a password.
- Verify your identity. Most sportsbooks require photo ID and proof of address before your first withdrawal, sometimes handled automatically, sometimes requiring a document upload.
- Deposit funds. Head to the cashier and choose a payment method. Interac, cards, and e-wallets are the most common options for Canadian bettors.
- Browse betting markets. Sportsbooks typically organize markets by sport, league, and event, with moneylines, spreads, totals, and props all available depending on the matchup.
- Place your bet. Add your selections to the betslip, enter a stake, and confirm.
- Track and withdraw. Follow your open bets in real time, and once you have withdrawable winnings, head back to the cashier to request a payout.
From there, it’s just a matter of repeating steps five and six as often as you like, while keeping an eye on your budget along the way.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Treat sports betting as entertainment, not a source of income. Set a budget you’re comfortable with, and step away if you notice yourself chasing losses or betting money you need elsewhere. Licensed sportsbooks in Canada are required to offer deposit, wager, and loss limits, session controls, and self-exclusion tools.
For support, contact:
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada-Wide)
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (Ontario)
- Alberta Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322 (Alberta)
- Self-Exclusion Program Support
Sports Betting in Canada: Final Thoughts
Canada’s sports betting landscape gives bettors real choice, whether that means a competitive regulated market in Ontario or Alberta, or a well-licensed international sportsbook elsewhere in the country. The right starting point is the same no matter where you live: confirm the operator is properly licensed, then compare odds, betting options, and banking support to find the sportsbook that actually fits how you bet.
This guide is updated regularly as new operators launch, provinces expand their regulated markets, and betting features evolve.
Sports Betting in Canada - FAQs
Yes — single-event sports betting was legalized nationally in August 2021 via Bill C-218. Regulation is handled province by province. Ontario has a fully operational licensed market; Alberta’s market is under development. In provinces without a regulated market, residents can legally use internationally licensed sportsbooks.
BetRivers, BetMGM and bet365 rank among the best sports betting sites in Canada. Players in Ontario should only use iGaming Ontario-licensed operators – all operators highlighted in the chart above are.
Yes. Most major sportsbooks offer iOS and Android apps. Ontario has apps available through official app stores; other provinces can use apps from internationally licensed operators.
Yes. Ontario launched its regulated market in April 2022 through iGaming Ontario. Ontario players must use iGO-registered operators. More details are available on the sports betting in Ontario page.
Regulated online sports betting in Alberta is in development through AiGC. Alberta residents can currently use internationally licensed sportsbooks legally. Find related information on the online casinos in Alberta page.