Moneyline
The simplest bet: pick the winner. Odds are expressed in American format (e.g. -150, +200) and reflect implied probability.
Ontario Sportsbook & Sports Betting Guide
Ontario sports betting became fully legal in 2022, and today a wide field of licensed Ontario sportsbook operators compete for players. This guide covers the legal framework, how to pick a sportsbook, and the bet types you will actually use.
The legal picture
Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
Yes — and it has been for several years now. Two milestones made it possible.
First, Canada's Bill C-218 (the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act) received royal assent in June 2021, removing the federal ban on single-event sports betting. Previously, Canadian bettors could only parlay multiple events. Second, Ontario's regulated iGaming market launched on April 4, 2022, letting private operators offer single-event and live betting to Ontarians under AGCO oversight and iGO operating agreements.
The result: a legal, licensed Ontario sportsbook market with real consumer protections — and a clear line between regulated operators and unregistered sites.
- June 2021 — Bill C-218 legalizes single-event sports betting in Canada.
- April 2022 — Ontario's regulated market opens to licensed private sportsbooks.
- 19+ — the legal age for sports betting in Ontario.
- AGCO + iGO — every legal sportsbook is registered and signed.
Betting basics
Bet types you will find at an Ontario sportsbook
Licensed sportsbooks offer everything from simple moneyline bets to complex same-game parlays. Here is what the terms mean.
Point spread
Bet on the margin of victory. The favourite gives points, the underdog receives them — common in football and basketball.
Totals (over/under)
Bet on whether the combined score of both teams goes over or under a number set by the sportsbook.
Props
Player and game props let you bet on specific events — who scores first, total passing yards, or how many goals a player notches.
Parlays
Combine multiple selections into one bet for a higher payout. All legs must win — and every leg must be legal where you bet.
Live betting
Place bets while the game is in progress. Odds move in real time, so disciplined bankroll management matters even more.
Choosing a sportsbook
How to pick the right Ontario sportsbook
With a strong field of licensed operators, the differences come down to odds, markets, features and limits.
- License first — confirm the operator is on iGO's official registered list and AGCO-registered.
- Market coverage — compare the sports and leagues that matter to you, plus live betting depth.
- Odds & limits — small differences in odds compound over a season; check max bet limits too.
- Payments — CAD deposits, withdrawal speed and fees vary between Ontario sportsbooks.
- Responsible tools — deposit limits and self-exclusion should be one tap away.
Ontario sports betting
Legal · regulated
Legal age19+
Single-event betsYes
Live bettingYes
Operator licenseAGCO
Licensed only
Set limits first
Know the rules
Rules that apply to every Ontario sportsbook
The regulated market comes with standards that protect both players and the integrity of sport.
Age & identity checks
Every bettor must be 19+. Ontario sportsbooks run KYC checks at registration and before withdrawals — no exceptions.
Advertising standards
AGCO rules restrict how sportsbooks can advertise: no targeting minors, no misleading "free bet" claims, and responsible gambling messaging must be visible.
Integrity & AML
Operators must report suspicious betting and comply with Canadian anti-money-laundering law, keeping the market clean of match-fixing and fraud.
Responsible gambling
Deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion are mandatory, and PlaySmart resources are promoted across the market.
Fair settlement
Bet settlement rules are published and disputes can be escalated through the operator's obligations under its iGO operating agreement.
19+ responsible play
If betting stops being fun, the tools are there: limit yourself, take a break, or self-exclude across all licensed sites.
FAQ
Ontario sports betting questions, answered
Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
Yes. Single-event sports betting has been legal in Canada since Bill C-218 (June 2021), and Ontario has offered a regulated online sports betting market since April 4, 2022 through AGCO-registered operators with iGO operating agreements.
What is the legal age for sports betting in Ontario?
19. Licensed Ontario sportsbooks verify your age and identity before you can deposit or place a bet.
Which sportsbooks are legal in Ontario?
Only operators that are AGCO-registered and hold an iGaming Ontario operating agreement. iGO publishes the official list of registered operators and gaming websites — if a sportsbook is not on it, it is not regulated in Ontario.
Can I bet on Ontario sports teams?
Yes. Licensed Ontario sportsbooks generally offer markets on Ontario and Canadian teams, subject to each operator's rules and AGCO integrity requirements.
How do I know an Ontario sportsbook is licensed?
Cross-check the site against iGO's official registered list, look for AGCO registration references, and confirm the operator displays responsible gambling tools and 19+ messaging.