Ontario Sports Betting: Transforming the Canadian Market Landscape

The Dawn of Ontario Sports Betting: A Game Changer for Canadian Markets

The landscape of sports betting in Canada is undergoing a historic transformation, with Ontario at the epicenter of this seismic shift. On July 6, 2021, a groundbreaking announcement revealed the inception of iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. This entity is set to spearhead internet gaming within the province, marking a pivotal moment as Ontario paves the way with the launch of single-event sports betting. The passage of Bill C-218iby Canada’s parliament lifted the longstanding ban on single-event sports betting across the country, prompting provinces to initiate the rollout of these newly legalized betting options. Ontario is leading the charge, setting a precedent for the nation’s sports betting landscape.

Why Single-Event Sports Betting is a Game Changer

Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market, including single-event sports betting, on April 4, 2022, becoming the first province in Canada to do so after Bill C-218 was passed by Parliament in June 2021.

Prior to the legislative breakthrough, Canadian bettors were confined to government-run parlay bet generators, a format known for its unpredictability and limited appeal among seasoned bettors. With parlays as the only legal option, Canadians funneled nearly $1 billion annually into sports betting, with a staggering 70% of these wagers placed through illegal channels. This reliance on unregulated sportsbooks not only posed risks to bettors but also deprived the Canadian market of potential revenue and regulatory safeguards.

Regulated sportsbooks, in contrast, are bound by stringent requirements, including maintaining a minimum cash reserve to ensure payouts to winners and adhering to regulatory standards for market access. This regulatory environment ensures a safer and more reliable betting experience, protecting both consumers and the integrity of the sports betting ecosystem.

By the first anniversary in 2023, Ontario’s legal online sports betting market featured 30 licensed sportsbooks, with $35.6 billion in total wagers and $1.4 billion in gaming revenue.

With the legalization of single-event sports betting, Canada is now able to offer competitive, regulated betting options to its citizens, curbing the prevalence of illegal betting and fostering a secure and vibrant market.

Ontario and British Columbia: Provinces to Watch

In the wake of Bill C-218’s passage, all eyes are on Ontario and British Columbia, two provinces poised to significantly influence Canada’s sports betting trajectory. Ontario, in particular, is expected to capture 40-45% of the nation’s sports betting market due to its proactive approach in establishing a regulatory framework conducive to competition among sportsbooks. This strategic positioning is anticipated to accelerate Ontario’s emergence as a dominant force in the Canadian sports betting scene.

Conversely, British Columbia might edge out Ontario in timing, with plans to integrate single-event wagers into its existing service, PlayNow.com. However, the province faces a longer timeline in establishing a regulatory body for external sportsbooks, delaying the diversity of betting options available to British Columbians.

On May 12, 2025, iGaming Ontario became an independent agency following the proclamation of the iGaming Ontario Act.

The Arrival of Private Sportsbooks in Canada

Ontario’s ambitious timeline aims for the launch of single-event sports betting during the 2021-2022 NFL season, signaling a swift and strategic expansion of the province’s sports betting offerings. This move not only caters to NFL fans but also sets the stage for a broader impact, potentially influencing regulatory models in other provinces. Major sportsbook operators are closely watching Ontario’s progress, eager to enter a market ripe with opportunity.

The ripple effects of Ontario’s sports betting launch extend beyond immediate NFL betting opportunities. Other provinces are likely to draw inspiration from Ontario’s regulatory framework, accelerating the nationwide adoption of sports betting regulations. This collective enthusiasm underscores the widespread eagerness to embrace sports betting reform and capitalize on the economic and consumer engagement benefits it promises.

Canada’s Sports Betting Future: Beyond the Horizon

While Ontario and British Columbia are at the forefront of the sports betting revolution in Canada, other provinces like Alberta are also keen on joining the fray. The nationwide momentum for sports betting reform reflects a unified desire to capture revenue from this burgeoning industry while offering Canadians a regulated, secure betting environment.

The successful implementation of legal sports betting, particularly with the upcoming NHL season, presents a golden opportunity for Canada to generate significant revenue from two of North America’s most followed sports leagues. The transition from illegal to legal sports betting not only promises substantial economic benefits but also heralds a new era of consumer protection and market integrity in Canadian sports betting.

As Canada embarks on this exciting journey, the evolution of its sports betting landscape holds the promise of rivalling established markets in the U.S. and beyond. The coming months and years will undoubtedly be a period of rapid growth and innovation, reshaping the way Canadians engage with sports betting.