Following the successful passage of Bill C-218, The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, in 2021, Ontario and Nova Scotia quickly embraced this new era by launching their digital sportsbooks, PROLINE+ and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Ontario’s groundbreaking move to allow third-party operators on April 4, 2022, attracted over a dozen renowned private bookmakers, such as bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, and PointsBet. With the AGCO and iGaming Ontario confirming a total of 31 sportsbooks for Ontario’s 14.2 million-strong population, local bettors now have access to an extensive range of wagering options. Financial projections suggest that iGaming could generate a net income of up to $31 million by 2024-25 within the province. In this article, we will explore the top 5 confirmed legal sports betting sites approved by AGCO and iGaming Ontario.
BetVictor is headquartered in Gibraltar and holds a license from the Government of Gibraltar. In addition, the company is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission in Great Britain and the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland. BetVictor’s Ontario Sportsbook launched in June 2022 and is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
BetVictor offers a variety of promotional deals that enhance the sports betting experience and provide added value for players, including bonuses for the casino section on their site. The BetVictor Sportsbook welcome offer, “Bet $5 Get $30,” rewards new players who place a bet of $5 with a package containing two $10 free bets to be used on events with odds of evens (2.00) or greater, across any market. Profits from these bets are returned to the account with no wagering requirements. Additionally, the package includes a $10 slot bonus with a 20x rollover requirement, allowing withdrawals of up to $250.
BetVictor also guarantees the best odds for horse racing bets, ensuring bettors receive the highest payouts regardless of when they place their wagers. If a bettor takes an early price and the starting price (SP) is more favorable, they will win according to the better odds. Moreover, if a horse does not run for any reason, the “Run For Your Money” promo ensures bettors receive their stake back in real cash.
BetVictor provides a variety of key features for sports betting enthusiasts, including early cash-out options on specific matches and markets, a dedicated live betting section for top leagues, and a bet calculator to estimate winnings. While live streaming is limited to certain events, the platform also offers an impressive casino library with online slots, table games, and exclusive live casino tables. Users can also enjoy the quick bet feature for efficient betting, which can be enabled or disabled in the site’s settings.
BetVictor covers an extensive array of sports betting markets, ensuring that bettors have numerous options to choose from. These markets include NFL and CFL, NBA, NHL and other hockey leagues, MLB, PGA Golf and European Tour, Soccer (including MLS and CPL), Tennis, Volleyball, NCAAB and NCAAF, Rugby, Boxing, MMA/UFC, Darts, Summer and Winter Olympics, Esports, and Novelty betting markets.
The BetVictor mobile app provides a seamless, user-friendly experience by offering a compact and convenient version of the sportsbook and casino. With a layout that closely resembles the website, users can easily navigate through the app to access the same betting markets available on the main site. Furthermore, the app supports live streaming and in-play betting, ensuring that bettors have all the essential features at their fingertips. This level of convenience and accessibility makes the BetVictor mobile app a valuable tool for sports betting enthusiasts on the go.
BetVictor ensures a smooth and convenient transaction experience by accepting a wide range of payment methods and supporting multiple currencies. Deposits are instant and free of charge, with a minimum deposit of $10 required for a BetVictor Ontario sportsbook account. The current deposit options include Debit Cards, Credit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill (Moneybookers), Paysafe, Bank Transfer, Mastercard, and FastFunds Withdrawal.
Moreover, each BetVictor withdrawal is typically processed within 24 hours, allowing bettors to access their winnings quickly and efficiently. Some options even enable same-day withdrawals. When it comes to claiming winnings, users can choose from various withdrawal methods such as E-wallets, Online banking, and Bank transfer. This flexibility in payment options makes BetVictor a reliable and user-friendly platform for managing transactions and enjoying the sports betting experience.
BetVictor Sportsbook Ontario, licensed and regulated in over 150 countries, demonstrates the operator’s reliability and trustworthiness. As one of the most secure sites in Gibraltar, BetVictor ensures user privacy with 128-bit SSL encryption and provides independently tested, fair casino games. Originating from the UK, BetVictor is known for excellent customer support throughout Europe, which extends to BetVictor Ontario Sportsbook. Customers can reach the support team through live chat, email, or telephone, and find answers to standard questions in the FAQ section. Additionally, users can connect with BetVictor via their Twitter handle, @BetVictor, for another convenient communication method.
888sport, the official online sportsbook from the award-winning 888.com, has a rich history in online poker and casino gaming. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, the company operates with multiple licenses from Gibraltar, Malta, and the UK. On April 4, 2022, 888Sport Ontario launched and is now regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, further expanding its presence in the world of online sports betting.
888Sport offers new users $30 in free bets after signing up and betting $10, along with a $10 casino bonus. Alternatively, users can choose a secondary welcome bonus of a 100% match up to $250 on their first deposit. The platform currently features 16 sports promotions, redeemable daily or weekly, with a strong focus on football but also covering other sports and events. Some notable promotions include a $10 free bet on the NBA Finals, a free daily wish for a chance to win, a $5 free bet with a $25 NBA bet builder, ACCA Saver for money back on misfiring multiples, and cash prizes for correct predictions in various events.
888sport offers a range of key features to cater to the diverse needs of its users. Live betting is a major attraction, with numerous live matches available across various sports, allowing bettors to capitalize on winning opportunities as they arise. The early cash-out feature, popular among online sportsbooks, is supported for selected events, including live and pre-match bets. Live streaming is available for countless events throughout the year, providing registered users with high-quality video and stable streams. In addition to sports betting, 888sport features an extensive online casino offering, including slots, table games, and more, as well as a renowned poker room with cash tables, tournaments, and sit n’ go events. This comprehensive platform ensures an enjoyable gaming experience for all users.
888Sport Ontario offers a diverse range of sports from around the world, ensuring there is something for every bettor. In addition to traditional sports, they also provide virtual sports betting options for times when real-world events are scarce. Being owned by a holding company traded on the London Stock Exchange, 888Sport places emphasis on popular European sports, resulting in an extensive offering. The platform features Australian Rules, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Darts, eSports, Virtual Sports, American Football, Gaelic Football, Gaelic Hurling, Golf, Greyhound Racing, Handball, Hockey, Horse Racing, MMA, Motor Racing, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Snooker, Soccer, Surfing, Table Tennis, Tennis, Trotting, Volleyball, Water Polo, and Olympic events.
Ontario gamblers can access the 888Sport online wagering platform through both desktop and mobile devices, providing a seamless experience across platforms. The desktop version is ideal for those who want to quickly switch between 888Sport betting options, with all features easily accessible on the website. The design of the desktop app is visually appealing, featuring a dark theme with orange accents that make everything easy to find. On the other hand, the mobile app is equally efficient, offering a fast and user-friendly experience even on smaller screens, ensuring that users can effortlessly navigate between different sections of the platform.
888Sport Sportsbook Ontario offers a variety of payment options for both deposits and withdrawals, catering to the diverse needs of its users. While some methods are deposit-only, many are available for both sending and receiving funds. Popular payment options include credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and online wallets. Ontario gamblers can also utilize Interac E-Transfer to fund their accounts quickly and without fees, directly from their bank accounts.
The thrill of withdrawing winnings is essential for any gambler, and it’s important to have multiple options for quick and easy access to funds. 888Sport Ontario provides a wide range of withdrawal methods, including all the deposit options previously mentioned, with a few exceptions like Apple Pay and certain niche options. This ensures a hassle-free and convenient process for users to access their winnings.
888Sport is a highly reliable and trustworthy operator in the online betting industry, with a solid reputation bolstered by its listing on the London Stock Exchange and multiple licenses from Gibraltar, Malta, and the UK. The platform employs a robust security system, featuring 256-bit SSL encryption to protect customer information and ensure safety.
Over the years, 888Sport’s customer support service has seen significant improvements. The help center is user-friendly, offering a wealth of information to address common queries. The contact page includes a message form for easy email communication with the support team, while phone support provides an alternative for those seeking immediate assistance. Additionally, customers can reach out to 888Sport through their Twitter handle, @888sport, for prompt and convenient communication.
Sports Interaction, or SIA, has established itself as a top choice for Canadians, thanks to its competitive lines and enticing promotions. Launched in 1997, SIA has consistently impressed users with its extensive sports coverage, secure banking platform, and professional support. As the first legal online wagering platform in Canada, Sports Interaction has been serving Ontario bettors for over 25 years.
The operating company holds licenses from both the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada and the Jersey Gambling Commission. With its Ontario Sportsbook launch in April 2022, Sports Interaction Ontario is now one of the most popular sportsbooks in the Ontario market, regulated by the Ontario Gaming Commission.
SIA offers attractive betting odds along with special bonuses and promotions to entice new users and maintain engagement. The current welcome bonus grants bet credits equal to your first deposit of up to $1,000, with a minimum deposit of $10 required. Various promotions are available, such as the NHL Powerplay Promo, We the North Bonus for Toronto Raptors fans, and the Primetime NFL Blowout Bonus. Additionally, the Refer a Friend program allows users to earn rewards when their friends join the platform. Ongoing promotions include a 10% bonus when depositing funds using Interac and Pick ‘Em promotions for popular leagues like the NFL, where bettors receive free bets and other bonuses for accurately predicting results.
Sports Interaction offers a host of exciting features to enhance and enrich the betting experience for its users. The live betting section, prominently displayed on the site, provides numerous in-play betting options, along with a schedule of upcoming events for bettors to prepare. The platform also includes access to the Sports Interaction casino, powered by Playtech, boasting over 250 online casino games, such as slots, table games, scratch cards, and live dealer games, along with a generous welcome bonus for new users.
The early cash-out feature allows bettors to secure a win or minimize losses before an event’s conclusion and is available for single bets on specific matches. Additionally, sports interaction houses a dedicated online poker room called SIA Poker, part of Playtech’s iPoker Network, offering good traffic and access to special promotional campaigns. Users can enjoy cash games or participate in large tournaments with substantial prize pools.
Sports Interaction Ontario boasts an extensive and diverse range of markets, catering to various interests and preferences at any premier legal sports betting site. From popular sports to niche events, Sports Interaction covers all bases by offering betting options across 23 different categories, including esports and other unique leagues. The comprehensive list of markets available at Sports Interaction includes Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, MMA, Golf, Curling, Football, Baseball, Boxing, eSports, Entertainment, Motor Racing, Horse Racing, Cricket, Rugby, Snooker, Aussie Rules, Darts, Volleyball, Handball, and Cycling. This wide selection ensures that bettors have ample choices and opportunities to engage with their favorite events.
Although Sports Interaction currently does not offer a separate, downloadable app, the website is fully optimized for mobile use. The mobile version retains the same appearance and responsiveness as the desktop site, ensuring a seamless experience across devices.
While the absence of a dedicated Sports Interaction sportsbook app may be disappointing for some users, the platform remains accessible and functional without a computer, allowing customers to enjoy all its features with ease. Hopefully, in the future, a Sports Interaction sportsbook app will be developed to further enhance the on-the-go betting experience for its users.
Sports Interaction offers a wide range of convenient deposit methods, making it easy for users to fund their accounts. These include Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards, Instant Payments, iDebit, Interac, MuchBetter, Instadebit, eCheck, PaySafeCard, and ecoPayz. Each banking method requires a $20 minimum deposit, while maximum limits vary.
Withdrawal options are consistent with deposit methods, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-3 business days. Although some fees may apply when cashing out, users receive one free withdrawal every 30 days, further enhancing the platform’s user-friendly approach to account management.
At Sports Interaction, online security is a top priority. The website ensures a secure environment with fully encrypted connections to protect user information and transactions. In addition to robust security measures, Sports Interaction surpasses many competing wagering platforms in terms of customer service options. With three convenient methods to reach their customer service team live chat, email, and telephone users can expect prompt assistance 24/7. Furthermore, a comprehensive help section is available to address common queries and concerns, enhancing the overall user experience.
BetRivers sportsbook, a top-tier platform, is an excellent addition to any sports betting enthusiast’s app collection, thanks to its extensive selection of betting markets. As Rush Street Interactive’s flagship Canadian sportsbook, BetRivers Ontario entered the competitive iGaming market in the province on April 4, 2022. This newly registered Ontario sports betting site operates under the regulation of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment for bettors to engage with their favorite sports and events.
BetRivers is currently offering new players a 100% deposit bonus worth up to $1,500, available for both sportsbook and casino enthusiasts. In addition, BetRivers Sportsbook has introduced a new bonus offer for the 2023 MLB season, providing a 2nd chance-free bet of up to $500 if a new bettor’s first bet loses. The highlight of this promo code offer is the industry-leading rollover requirement, where bonus funds only need to be bet once before becoming eligible for withdrawal.
Bettors enjoy same-game parlays, and BetRivers enhances the excitement with a $10 bonus bet when placing a $10 MLB same-game parlay. Other promotions include betting on any NHL player to score the first goal and getting your bet back if they score any goal, as well as a 20% profit boost on any 3+ leg NBA parlay up to $25, potentially increasing your profit by $50 or more.
BetRivers Ontario sports betting platform boasts all the top features expected from premier online betting sites in Canada. Users can enjoy smooth navigation, live betting, early cash-out options, live streaming, an extensive casino section, and same-game parlays for NFL and NCAAF contests. Overall, BetRivers provides an exceptional betting experience for users in Ontario
BetRivers’ betting market features a wide variety of teams and players across numerous sports, with Kambi Sports, a business-to-business betting consultancy, supplying the odds.
Catering to sports fans in Ontario, BetRivers offers an extensive range of betting markets and leagues, including baseball, basketball, cycling, darts, golf, football, hockey, mixed martial arts, soccer, and tennis. Bettors can expect a strong focus on Canadian-oriented markets, particularly for the Canadian Football League (CFL) and NHL teams based in Canada. With ice hockey being an extremely popular betting sport in Ontario, BetRivers ensures a comprehensive selection of options for enthusiasts, providing an all-encompassing betting experience for users in the region.
In the US, the BetRivers app mirrors the desktop experience, and a similar version is expected for BetRivers Canada. The app boasts an easy-to-use interface with simple navigation, large action buttons, and seamless access to live streaming and in-play betting features, making it user-friendly even for new bettors.
For live wagering, the BetRivers Ontario app is anticipated to offer valuable in-game statistics, enhancing the betting experience. Users can download the app directly from the site or through the app store. Additionally, the app utilizes geofencing software to ensure all active users are physically located within Ontario, maintaining compliance with regional regulations and providing a secure betting environment.
BetRivers Ontario offers a comprehensive range of banking options for depositing and withdrawing funds in the world of online betting. The sportsbook is among the few betting sites in Ontario that accept PayPal. Popular options include debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), BetRivers Play+ Card, cash at physical casino cages, checks (mail and eCheck), and online banking.
The Play+ Card is an excellent choice for transferring money between online gaming accounts in Ontario. Withdrawals from BetRivers are typically processed within 24 hours; however, depending on the chosen method, it may take an additional 1-4 days for the winnings to appear in the user’s external account. This ensures a convenient and efficient experience for bettors to manage their funds.
BetRivers Ontario takes the security of its clients seriously by employing advanced, industry-leading technology to ensure a safe betting environment. Users can password-protect and reset their accounts, while the platform also incorporates state-of-the-art encrypted safety features for added protection.
Customer support at BetRivers Ontario is easily accessible through live chat, phone, and email. Although the sportsbook does not provide 24-hour support, its dedicated team is committed to addressing user concerns and questions promptly. For updates and additional information, follow BetRivers on Twitter: @BetRivers.
TonyBet, initially launched as OmniBet in 2003, was acquired by renowned poker player Antanas Guoga, also known as Tony G, in 2009. Confident in the sportsbook’s potential, he rebranded it as TonyBet, which has since become a standout platform with extensive coverage of traditional sports and esports. Offering a seamless betting experience, secure banking, and extra rewards, TonyBet has maintained its prominence for over a decade.
The TonyBet sportsbook entered the Ontario market in December 2022, joining a competitive field of more than 30 legally operating online sports betting firms in Canada’s most populous province. With a strong background in the European online gambling scene, the brand brings a keen focus on live betting to Ontario’s iGaming market, which generated an impressive $35.6 billion in total wagers within its first 12 months.
TonyBet welcomes new players with an attractive first deposit bonus and offers various promotions from time to time. Active players can also benefit from the exclusive loyalty program.
The sign-up bonus for new Canadian players at TonyBet is a free bet equal to their first deposit amount, ranging from a minimum of $15 up to $350. The free bet is released after the initial deposit is rolled over five times on odds of at least -200 for singles or -143 for multiples.
The TonyBet VIP program, available to all real-money customers, allows players to collect points as they place bets and progress through a six-level ladder. Upon reaching a new level, players unlock a prize. Accumulated points can be converted into free bets at a rate of 100 comp points for $1.50. The levels reset at the beginning of each month.
Currently, TonyBet is running a forecast promotion. Users who have deposited at least $30 in the last five days can participate in the campaign, aiming to correctly predict the outcomes of 10 proposed events to win the top prize of $1,500. Accurately predicting nine outcomes earns $150 in free bets, while eight correct predictions are worth $80.
TonyBet offers several key features that cater to the needs of its users. The platform provides user-friendly live betting with extensive coverage, showcasing live matches from various popular sports and leagues worldwide. The desktop interface displays real-time figures and a wide selection of in-play betting markets for an engaging experience.
The TonyBet Casino is home to one of Canada’s largest game libraries, featuring over 3,000 online slots, a vast collection of table games, and a dedicated live casino section. To welcome new Canadian players, TonyBet offers a two-part deposit match bonus: 100% up to $1,000 on the first deposit and 50% up to $500 on the second deposit, amounting to a total of $1,500, plus 170 free spins.
Although early cash-out is available on the TonyBet platform, it is not fully implemented across all markets, limiting Canadian bettors’ access to the entire range of early cash-out options. However, as the operator continues to expand this feature, more options are expected to become available in the future.
The TonyBet sportsbook offers a spectacular range of sports betting markets for bettors to choose from. These markets, also known as events on which wagers can be placed, include not only popular American sports but also relatively minor sports and eSports from around the world. Some of the markets you can expect to find at TonyBet are:
NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, other hockey leagues, college sports, soccer, golf, eSports, motorsports, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, handball, boxing, MMA, darts, cycling, water polo, alpine sports, rugby league, rugby union, Gaelic sports, lacrosse, Australian rules football, Summer Olympics, and Winter Olympics.
This extensive selection ensures that bettors have a wide variety of options to suit their interests and preferences, catering to both mainstream sports enthusiasts and fans of niche events.
The TonyBet mobile app is accessible to both iPhone and Android device users, offering the same range of markets and features found on the website with an equally well-designed interface. Users from various territories have consistently praised the app’s excellent interface and the ease with which they can place bets. Notably, the TonyBet mobile app also includes access to the brand’s online casino, allowing users to play casino games alongside their sports betting activities for a comprehensive and enjoyable gaming experience.
TonyBet offers Canadians a diverse range of banking options, supporting CAD and featuring deposit limits that cater to most players. Withdrawing funds from TonyBet is just as simple as depositing, and processing times can be as short as 12 hours for verified customers. However, there is a $4,000 withdrawal limit.The TonyBet sportsbook currently provides deposit and withdrawal options such as Visa and Mastercard Debit and Credit Cards, EcoPayz, iDebit, Instadebit, PaySafeCard, MuchBetter, Interac, Online Bank Transfer, and Major Cryptocurrencies.
The exceptional quality of the TonyBet sportsbook interface can be attributed to its collaboration with Microgaming, a highly respected name in the online sports betting industry. As a well-established and reliable brand, TonyBet has a proven track record of safeguarding its customers while they wager. The company holds licenses from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, and the UK Gambling Commission, and also operates in Ontario.
This results in a remarkable user experience on both the TonyBet website and mobile app. Like other top Ontario sportsbooks, TonyBet offers various avenues for patrons to access customer support. While no phone support is available, their 24/7 live chat and email support ensure customers’ needs are met. Support is provided in multiple languages, including English and French. Customers have reported receiving timely and efficient responses, reinforcing TonyBet’s reputation as one of Ontario’s top betting sites. Users have the option to reach out to TonyBet through their Twitter handle, @tonybetcanada, providing an additional convenient way to communicate.
In addition to the top 5 sports betting sites in Ontario, here are other reputable sportsbooks that have been confirmed and approved by AGCO and iGaming Ontario:
In the ever-evolving landscape of online gambling, Ontario online casinos are facing unprecedented competition in the sports betting market. As the demand for online sports wagering grows, several prominent operators have made the difficult decision to close their sportsbooks due to intense competition and challenging market conditions. With the emergence of new online casinos and sportsbook operators, the market has become increasingly saturated. The cutthroat competition in the online casino industry has led several operators, including Spinago, to make the difficult decision of closing their sportsbooks. In addition, MaximBet has also chosen to shut down its sportsbook, delivering a formal announcement to customers expressing remorse. The decision was driven by the considerable challenges posed by macroeconomic conditions and a marketplace that presented overwhelming costs. Another notable closure was BetBull, a mobile-first sportsbook, which ceased operations in July of last year. These closures have surprised many industry insiders, considering the growing popularity of sports betting among Canadian players. However, the decision to shutter these operations is not taken lightly, as operators carefully consider their return on investment and the viability of sustaining a profitable sportsbook amidst intense competition.
Bettors must be aware of online sportsbooks that have garnered negative reputations due to questionable practices and subpar services. The following sportsbooks should be avoided:
By steering clear of these problematic operators, bettors can ensure a safer and more enjoyable sports betting experience.
Ontario’s sports betting landscape has expanded beyond online platforms, with the emergence of land-based sportsbooks catering to enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience. Caesars Sportsbook in Windsor made history as Ontario’s first full-service brick-and-mortar sportsbook, opening its doors on January 11, 2023. Furthermore, Great Canadian Entertainment pioneered the introduction of dedicated sportsbook lounges, launching four “Great Canadian Sportsbooks” on October 28, 2022, at Elements Casino Brantford, Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel, Pickering Casino Resort, and Shorelines Casino Belleville. In addition, six other casinos, including Casino Woodbine and Elements Casino Mohawk, now offer sports betting kiosks, making it easier than ever for bettors to enjoy their favorite pastimes in a lively, social atmosphere.
