Legal Betting in Canada

A Comprehensive Review of the Legality of Betting in Canada

The gambling landscape in Canada has evolved significantly in recent years due to legislative changes and growing public interest. This document examines the legality of betting across Canada, popular betting platforms, local betting offices, government regulations, sports betting preferences, esports betting trends, and responsible gambling initiatives.

Legality of Betting in Canada

Gambling in Canada operates under a complex framework of federal and provincial regulations. The passage of Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act in 2021, legalized single-event sports betting, allowing provinces to license and regulate such activities. Previously, only parlay-style betting, requiring at least three wagers in one bet, was permitted. The federal Criminal Code prohibits unauthorized gambling, restricting betting services to provincially regulated entities. Provinces like Ontario have embraced competitive markets, while British Columbia and Quebec maintain government-controlled platforms.

Popular Betting Platforms

The legalization of single-event betting has spurred the growth of online betting platforms in Canada. Notable platforms include:

• Bet365: A global brand offering a comprehensive sportsbook with live streaming and in-play betting.
• Sports Interaction: A Canadian-focused platform with extensive hockey coverage and other sports.
• Betway: Known for its robust mobile app and competitive odds, including esports markets.
• Bodog: A long-standing platform providing diverse betting options and promotional offers.

These platforms operate legally in regions like Ontario under the oversight of regulatory bodies such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Local Betting Offices

Despite the rise of online betting, local betting shops remain relevant, particularly in areas with a strong gambling tradition. These outlets, often managed by provincial lottery corporations, include:

• British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC): Offers retail sports betting terminals and ticket-based betting.
• Loto-Québec: Provides betting kiosks for sports and lottery products in Quebec.
• Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG): Facilitates sports betting through convenience stores and gaming centers.

These physical locations cater to bettors preferring in-person interactions, though their market share has declined due to the convenience of online platforms.

Regulation of the Betting Industry

Betting in Canada is governed by a combination of federal and provincial regulations. Key regulatory aspects include:

• Licensing: Operators must obtain licenses from provincial authorities, such as the AGCO or BCLC.
• Consumer Protection: Regulations mandate transparent odds, secure payments, and protections against underage gambling (minimum age typically 19).
• Taxation: Betting profits are taxed to fund public services like healthcare and education.
• Advertising Standards: Operators must adhere to strict codes to prevent misleading promotions and protect vulnerable individuals.

Regulatory approaches vary, with Ontario adopting a competitive model and Quebec maintaining a government-run system.

Most Popular Sports Disciplines

Sports betting in Canada reflects national preferences, with the following sports dominating the market:

• Hockey: The most popular sport, particularly NHL games, attracts significant betting activity.
• Canadian Football: The Canadian Football League (CFL) enjoys a strong following for game and championship bets.
• Basketball: NBA betting has grown, driven by the Toronto Raptors’ success.
• Soccer: Increasingly popular due to Major League Soccer (MLS) and international tournaments.
• Baseball: MLB betting, especially on the Toronto Blue Jays, is prevalent.

Hockey remains the dominant sport, but basketball and soccer are gaining traction among younger bettors.

The Rise of Esports Betting

Esports betting is an emerging sector driven by the global popularity of competitive gaming. Popular games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Valorant attract bets on platforms such as Bet365 and Betway. Governed by the same regulations as traditional sports betting, esports betting appeals to younger audiences but faces challenges like match-fixing concerns and the need for robust regulatory oversight.

Responsible Gaming Programmes

Responsible gambling is a priority in Canada, with provincial authorities mandating tools like self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and time-out features. Awareness campaigns, helplines, and counseling services support bettors, while operators are required to provide responsible gambling information and train staff to identify at-risk behaviors. These initiatives aim to balance industry growth with consumer protection.

Betting Market Statistics

Category	Details
Market Size (2024)	CAD 3.1 billion (estimated)
Annual Growth Rate	7.8% (projected through 2028)
Online Betting Share	70% of total betting revenue
Most Popular Betting Platform	Bet365 (by user base)
Problem Gambling Helpline	Available in all provinces

Conclusion

Since the legalization of single-event sports betting in 2021, Canada’s betting industry has flourished, supported by robust regulations and diverse platforms like Bet365 and Betway. Hockey remains the cornerstone of sports betting, but basketball, soccer, and esports are gaining prominence. With responsible gambling programs and a focus on consumer protection, Canada’s betting landscape balances innovation with accessibility, serving as a model for other jurisdictions.