Since so many punters in Canada worry whether online betting is legal in their country, we need to make this clear at the very beginning. There isn’t a law that makes online sports betting, or any other kind of online gambling, illegal for Canadian players. Until this day, we haven’t heard of a single case when a punter was convicted or prosecuted for playing on online betting platforms. As mentioned in our article on the legality of online gambling, any sportsbook located in Canada is required to have a license, however, there are plenty of offshore sportsbooks that are perfectly legal and safe to play at.
- Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Canada
- Illegal Sports Gambling
- Is Sports Betting Legal In Canada Right Now
Ever since the first sportsbooks appeared, the gambling laws have gone through a series of modifications. The situation wasn’t always great, and there were certain periods when this exciting pastime was frowned upon by a large part of the Canadian public. Fortunately, today, gambling law doesn’t leave any space for ambiguous interpretations. You’re free to bet as much as you want, on whatever sport you choose.
Top 5 Legal Sports Betting Sites in Canada
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| 1 | 888Sport | Sign Up Bonus100% up toC$200 + $10 Casino Bonus | |
| 2 | Betzest | No Deposit Bonus$/€ 5 | |
| 3 | Bet365 Casino | ||
| 4 | Bodog | Sign Up Bonus150% up toC$ 900 | |
| 5 | 10Bet Casino | Sign Up Bonus100% up toC$ 150 + 25 Spins |
Canadian residents should not fear legal ramifications from their participation in online gambling, whether they decide to bet with a company based in Canada or abroad. The laws are ever-changing but, if the laws are ever amended, it seems as though Canada will remain quite liberal with online sports betting. At present, a very limited amount of sports betting is permitted in Ontario, Canada’s largest province. The only platform available to bettors is called Pro-Line, which is a government-supported service that allows bettors to place bets on a minimum of 3 selections. Like a parlay bet, all 3 results have to be correct for the bet to win.
The History of Gambling Regulations in Canada
It might be difficult to fully understand the current legal system in Canada without knowing some basic facts and turning points from its history. Every generation of lawmakers left their unique mark, and the laws they passed say a lot about the trends of their time. Widely accepted by the majority of Canadians, gambling managed to survive all periodical efforts of certain conservative groups to suppress it.
Back in 1892, the Canadian Criminal Code saw the light of day. Even though it was a big achievement at the time, and very similar to other criminal codes throughout the world, it made gambling, in all its forms, illegal. Initially, the state officials had done their best to strictly enforce the law, but as time went by, it was becoming obvious that significant modifications are needed sooner rather than later.
And that’s what happened a few years later. During the first five years of the 20th century, bingo and raffle games were legalized. Approximately a decade later, it wasn’t against the law to bet on horse races anymore. As more and more people began to bet regularly, the government was quick to recognize the huge potential of this exciting industry. Consequently, various kinds of provincial and federal lotteries appeared during the mid-1960s.
Winds of Change
After the 1985 law reform, all the most popular forms of betting were decriminalized, and the era of absolute freedom and rapid development could begin. During the following years, all sorts of gambling establishments appeared throughout the country, and sportsbooks began attracting an unprecedented number of new punters. Being traditionally very fond of sports and physical activity, Canadians finally had a chance to regularly bet on their favourite teams.
Betting Laws in Canadian Provinces
Even though every Canadian province has an admirable level of autonomy to pass and enforce its laws and legislations, when it comes to online betting, they all follow the same, federal pattern. The Canada-based online sportsbooks are very rare, and the majority of punters opt for international offshore betting sites. All gambling activities are monitored by provincial regulatory bodies, and this is what it looks like in practice:
- Alberta — Since 2013 and its latest modification, all betting activities in Alberta happen according to the Gaming and Liquor Act. There aren’t any locally-based online betting sites, and the minimum gambling age is 18.
- British Columbia — The work of online sportsbooks in British Columbia is defined by the Gaming Control Act of 2012. There are a few local sports betting sites, but they aren’t truly popular. The legal gambling age in this province is 19.
- Manitoba — The Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba and the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation oversee the online gambling industry in this province. Punters have to be at least 18 to gamble legally.
- New Brunswick — The Atlantic Lottery Corporation and the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation monitor the online betting market in this province. There are a few locally-based betting sites that operate at the moment, and you have to be at least 19 to access them legally.
- Newfoundland and Labrador — The Lottery Licensing Regulation from 2002 defines all sports betting activities in this province. To bet legally, you have to be at least 19 years old.
- Nova Scotia — The Gambling Control Act passed in 1995 regulates the work of all online bookmakers in Nova Scotia. The minimum betting age in this province is 19.
- Ontario — Ever since it was established in 1998, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has overseen all sports betting activities in this province. People below the age of 19 are not allowed to gamble.
- Prince Edward Island — The Prince Edward Island Lottery Commission monitors the online betting market in this province, and the minimum gambling age is 19.
- Quebec — State-run lotteries are very popular in Quebec, and their work is overseen by the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission. This gambling authority has existed since 1993, and the legal gambling age in this province is 18.
- Saskatchewan — All gambling activities, including online sports betting, are monitored by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. Locally-based online sportsbooks are very rare, and you have to be at least 19 to gamble legally in this province.
Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake
On the outskirts of Montreal lies the Mohawk territory of Kahnawake, and from a legal standpoint, this place has a special status in Canada. To be precise, its gambling laws aren’t influenced by federal lawmakers in any way, and they’re known as the most liberal in the entire country.
This region is the promised land for all aspiring online operators. If they manage to obtain the license issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, they become a part of an elite online betting community. The local regulatory body stands for one of the most demanding in the entire world. Therefore, those who end up being authorized in Kahnawake can proudly say they satisfy the highest standards of the online betting industry.
How to Bet Legally Online in Canada
If you want to make sure all your online sports betting activities are following the current gambling laws, there are only a few things you should pay attention to. First of all, you need to make certain the betting site you have chosen holds a viable licence. If the gambling platform has a logo of one of the prominent gambling authorities on its homepage, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s licensed.
You should check the number and the expiry date of the licence. These won’t take you too long to find, because all betting platforms have to make this data public. Even if everything seems legit at this point, you still need to spend a few minutes asking around. Try to google the sportsbook’s name to see what other players have to say about it. There are many forums and online gambling communities that could provide useful answers.
If you don’t find anything suspicious, feel free to embark on your betting adventure. In general, it’s always better to check everything in advance and avoid any possible misunderstandings and inconveniences. Perhaps the best option would be to always choose international offshore betting sites because they’re not subject to local gambling laws. Hence, no one can hold you accountable for betting in one of those.
Prominent International Regulatory Bodies
Talking of licensing, you should know what the most reliable international gambling authorities are. If they approve a sports betting site, you can rest assured it meets all the highest standards of the online gambling industry. They are as follows:
- The Government of Curacao — A licence issued by the government of Curacao covers all forms of interactive iGaming.
- The UK Gambling Commission — Being one of the most reliable gambling authorities, the UK Gambling Commission has a whole set of rigorous requirements that need to be met to get ahold of its licence.
- The Gibraltar Gaming Commissioner — Some of the most famous online betting platforms hold this licence, and many operators claim it’s the most difficult to obtain.
- The Malta Gaming Authority — Being the main regulatory body in Malta, the MGA regulates both land-based and online gambling operators.
Final Words
The online sports betting industry in Canada is highly regulated, and there isn’t much space for improvisation. Operators follow strict rules and stick with predetermined procedures. Most Canadian punters opt for international offshore betting sites because they offer a wide variety of bets, bonuses, and promotions. No current law prohibits online sports betting in Canada, and players can enjoy their favourite free time activity as much as they want.
FAQ
Are online sportsbooks legal in Canada?
Yes, placing a bet in an online sportsbook is perfectly legal in Canada. Currently, there are no regulations that prohibit this type of gambling.
What is the legal gambling age in Canada?
This might depend on the province you live in. In most cases, you have to be at least 19 to gamble legally in Canada. However, there are a few provinces in which 18-year-olds are allowed to place bets online.
Is ice hockey betting legal in Canada?
Yes, according to current gambling laws, all forms of online sports betting, including ice hockey betting, are legal.
What are the most popular sports betting sites in Canada?
At the moment, the international offshore sports betting sites are among the most popular in Canada. Their offer is simply way above the industry’s average, and the Canadian punters were quick to recognize this.
Can punters in Canada get any bonuses?
Yes. Many online sportsbooks offer lucrative bonuses and promotions for Canadian players.
Sports betting, and online sports betting, in particular, is growing in popularity across the entire world, including in the North American nation of Canada.
Neighbors of the United States of America to the north, Canada’s online sports betting laws can be difficult to navigate.
In this article, we’ll discuss the current legality of sports betting and online sports betting, how things have evolved, and what online sportsbooks are best for Canadian residents.
Top 3 Canadian Online Sportsbooks – Safe, Secure, & Legal Sports Betting in Canada
| Rank | Online Casino | What We Like | Deposit Bonus | Visit Casino |
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| #1 |
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| #2 |
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History and Sports Betting Laws in Canada
Since the 1800s, Canada has seen a dramatic shift in terms of gambling regulation, including sports betting. In 1982, the country banned all forms of gambling via its Criminal Code. However, the attitude towards gambling quickly pivoted and by the early 1900s both bingo and raffles were being allowed for charitable purposes. Shortly thereafter, horse racing was an allowed form of gambling throughout Canada.
Due to amendments made in the 1990s to Canada’s Criminal Code, the provinces of Canada were given individual authority to regulate lotteries, racing, slot machines, and casinos. In 1971, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada effectively became the first land-based casino in Canada.
Today, Canada offers poker, casino, and slot machine games, as well as, sports betting.
In Canada, sports betting laws, are governed by the federal government and the 10 provincial governments. The country’s federal system is set up so that the federal government shares governing power with the 10 provincial governments, which are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Sports Betting in Canada: Rules by Province
To better understand the current climate of online sports betting, you must first understand sports betting laws in each province. Below is a summary of sports betting laws by province, as there are differences between the 10.
Alberta
– Gaming and sports betting operators must adhere to Alberta’s Gaming and Liquor Act, which was recently amended in 2013.
– The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) and the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) operate sports betting games in Alberta under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, Point Spread, Pro-Picks Pools and Pro-Picks Props. Each has their own particular set of regulations and wagering limitations.
– Currently, there are no regulated online sports betting websites operating out of Alberta, however, there are several alternative options for residents.
British Columbia
– The Gaming Control Act of 2002 put in place laws and regulations that govern gaming and sports betting in British Columbia, which is regulated by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB).
– British Columbia residents have the ability to bet online via the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), regulated by the sports betting company PlayNow.com. However, only six sports betting games are available, such as Oddset 3-Outcome, Oddset 2-Outcome, Point Spread, Over/Under, Toto and Props.
– PlayNow.com enforces restrictions on their online betting site, including regulating bet sizes and betting on a single game.
Manitoba
– Manitoba’s Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGA) regulates all of the region’s gaming and sports betting operations. The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) also works in conjunction with the LGA to govern, such as regulating and licensing video lottery terminal (VLT) operators.
– The MLC operates sports betting games in Manitoba under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, Point-Spread, Pro-Picks Pools and Pro-Picks Props.
– PlayNow.com is also available to Manitoba residents for online gaming and sports betting.
New Brunswick
– The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) oversees and regulates gambling and sports betting in the province of New Brunswick. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) is also a governing body recognized in the province.
– The ALC operates sports betting games in New Brunswick under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, PRO-LINE Fantasy, PRO-LINE Futures and Stadium-Bets.
– Online sports betting is accessible via ALC’s site, ProLineStadium.com.
Newfoundland and Labrador
– Along with the ALC, the province established their Lottery Licensing Regulations in 2002, which dictate the rules and regulations for gambling and sports betting. The Service Newfoundland and Labrador (Service NL) also serves as a ministry that helps govern gaming activities in the province.
– The ALC operates sports betting games in Newfoundland and Labrador under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, PRO-LINE Fantasy, PRO-LINE Futures and Stadium-Bets.
– PRO-LINE websites allow for regulated online sports betting to be accessible for residents of the province.
Nova Scotia
– The Alcohol and Gaming Division (AGD) of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations is tasked with enforcing the laws and regulations set forth in the province’s Gaming Control Act, which was passed in 1995.
– The Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries & Casino Corporation (NSPLCC) and the ALC also have roles in regulating and governing gambling and sports betting in Nova Scotia.
– Online sports betting games are available via ALC’s ProLineStadium.com.
Ontario
– In 1998, Ontario established the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to managed and regulate casino gaming and wagering in the province.
– Today, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) now owns and manages both online and land-based casino and sports betting operations.
– The OLG operates sports betting games in Ontario under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, Point-Spread, Pro-Picks Pools and Pro-Picks Props.
– OLG offers online sportsbook options, however, similar to many other provinces operating under the same entities, single-game wagering is not allowed.
Prince Edward Island
– The PEI Lotteries Commission along with the ALC is responsible for governing all gaming and sports betting operations for the province of Prince Edward Island.
– The ALC offers online sports betting for residents under their brand entities, however, they receive a lot of competition from offshore sportsbooks.
Quebec
– In 1993, Quebec formed the Quebec Alcohol, Racing, and Gaming Commission to regulate lotteries and casino gaming in the province.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Canada
– Currently, Loto-Quebec manages operations for all sports betting games in the Quebec, including online sportsbooks.
Saskatchewan
– The main governing entity for all gaming activities in Saskatchewan is the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), including oversight of casinos run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
– The Saskatchewan Lotteries is responsible for handling all sports betting and online sports betting operations under various governmental entities, most notably PRO-LINE.
As you can see there are several similarities between the 10 provinces. For the most part, each province passes legislation related to casino gaming, sports betting, and online sports betting that is then governed by their respective government agencies.
Additionally, most of the sports betting is regulated by the ALC and operates under specific brand names such as PRO-LINE and Stadium Bets. These entities offer certain sports betting games for residents, however, they come with much regulation and fewer choices relative to offshore sites. The largest difference is the inability to wager on a single-team for any type of sports bet.
Therefore, residents of Canada often turn to offshore sportsbooks that are less regulatory and provide more choices for the types of wagers, bet sizes, etc.
While Canada has made the effort to actively govern online sports betting in each of its provinces they haven’t been able to pass definitive legislation that bans offshore sports betting. The law is more concerned with illegal operators inside the country that are not part of the regulatory system established by the federal government and the 10 provinces.Thus, if you are a placing bet on an offshore sportsbook the government is less concerned by your actions as you are essentially taking advantage of a grey area due to the lack of jurisdictional power. There seems to be no known case of the Canadian government prosecuting a citizen for placing a sports bet online via an offshore book.
Canada Online Sports Betting: Regulated vs. Offshore
As indicated previously the government of Canada has established a number of online sportsbooks and brand entities to manage sports betting operations within each of its provinces. With this government control, comes less choice, less favorable odds, and a lack of enticing bonuses relative to offshore sportsbooks.
Below are a few differences you’ll find between Canada’s sportsbook brands such as PRO-LINE, PRO-LINE Fantasy, PRO-LINE Futures and Stadium-Bets, PlayNow.com, Point Spread, etc., and offshore options.
– In general, the odds via government regulated sportsbooks are less favorable compared to offshore online sportsbooks. In Canada, the average payout on a winning wager is up to 50% less than you’d receive from winning a similar bet via an offshore sportsbook.
– Due to unrevised Canadian law, you cannot place one wager on a single game. In fact, you can only partake in parlay wagers. In other words, you must bet on at least 3 games, or two games if you are betting point spreads, and you must win all your bets on your ticket in order to get paid.
– There are limited options with Canadian sportsbooks. For example, you will not find any college sports via PRO-LINE, and wagering on NBA basketball is not allowed in Ontario.
– Regulated sportsbooks, such as PRO-LINE, limit the maximum wager size to $100.
Betting on Sports at Casinos in Canada
Offline sports betting in Canada depends upon which province you are located in. For instance, sports betting at a land-based casino is possible in Toronto, ON, however, limited to Casino Niagara only. Otherwise, brick-and-mortar locations are controlled by the provincial governments. For example, in Toronto, ON, the government entity is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
Illegal Sports Gambling
In general, most land-based casinos in each province will not accept sports bets, and it is best that you refer to the local governing agency to find out the approved sports betting locations. Sports betting tickets are often times offered at the same locations where lottery tickets are sold.
Future Outlook and Final Thoughts
Lawmakers in Canada have been actively reviewing overall reform and current legislation since around 2011. In 2016, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act was introduced at the federal level in an attempt to make betting on a single game legal. It has only been voted on once, and it was denied. However, efforts such as this do not go unnoticed.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Canada Right Now
In 2017, Ontario took steps towards potential sports betting reform. The OGL is evaluating adding esports betting along with live-betting. Within their province. Additionally, Canada is a close follower of the United States. With more states pushing for online sports betting reform at the state and federal level in the US, the conversation seems to be having an effect in Canadians as well.
Overall, there are often times confusing rules, strict regulations, limits on bet sizes (i.e. $100 max for a single ticket), and therefore Canadian sports bettors are gravitating towards options outside of their own country for online sports betting.
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