How to Bet on Sports in Ontario — Complete 2026 Guide

Ontario has one of the most regulated sports betting markets in North America. Here's everything you need to know to get started legally and safely.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ontario?

Yes — and it has been since April 4, 2022, when Ontario launched its regulated online gambling market. Under Bill C-218 (The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act), provinces gained the authority to offer single-event sports betting. Ontario was first out of the gate, and the market has grown significantly since.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licenses and regulates all sportsbooks operating in the province. iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the AGCO, is the government entity that actually enters into market participation agreements with operators.

This means: if a sportsbook is licensed in Ontario, your funds are protected, the games are fair, and you have recourse if something goes wrong.

Who Can Bet in Ontario?

To legally bet on sports in Ontario, you must be:

• 19 years of age or older
• Physically located in Ontario at the time of betting
• Registered with an AGCO-licensed operator

Sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify you're in Ontario when you place bets.

How to Place Your First Bet

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Sportsbook

Start with an AGCO-licensed operator. Our top picks are bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. All four are well-established, have strong mobile apps, and offer a wide range of sports.

Step 2: Create and Verify Your Account

You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and a government-issued ID. This is an AGCO requirement — it's how licensed operators verify you're 19+ and based in Ontario. The process typically takes a few minutes.

Step 3: Deposit Funds

Ontario sportsbooks accept Visa, Mastercard, Interac e-Transfer, PayPal, and various other payment methods. Interac is the most popular option for Canadian bettors — deposits and withdrawals are fast, and there are no currency conversion fees.

Step 4: Understand the Odds

Most Ontario sportsbooks display odds in three formats: American (+150), Decimal (2.50), or Fractional (3/2). You can usually change the display format in your account settings. See our complete guide to reading odds for a full breakdown.

Step 5: Place Your Bet

Navigate to the sport, find your game, select your market (moneyline, spread, over/under, etc.), enter your stake, and confirm. Your potential payout is shown before you confirm.

Types of Bets Available in Ontario

Moneyline

The simplest bet — pick who wins. If the Toronto Maple Leafs are -150 against the Ottawa Senators, you'd need to bet $150 to win $100. The Senators at +130 means a $100 bet wins $130.

Point Spread

The favourite gives points, the underdog gets them. Common in football and basketball. A -3.5 spread means the favourite must win by 4 or more for your bet to win.

Over/Under (Total)

Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under the line set by the sportsbook.

Parlays

Combine multiple bets into one. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out. Higher risk, higher reward. See our NHL betting guide for parlay strategy specific to hockey.

Props

Bets on specific outcomes within a game — will a player score a goal, how many rushing yards will a running back get, etc. Available on most sports at Ontario sportsbooks.

Are Gambling Winnings Taxable in Canada?

For most recreational bettors, no. The Canada Revenue Agency generally considers gambling winnings to be windfalls, not income, and does not tax them. However, if betting constitutes a business activity or your primary source of income, different rules apply. Consult a tax professional if you're unsure about your situation.

Responsible Gambling

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a financial strategy. Set a budget before you start, never bet more than you can afford to lose, and use the deposit limit tools every AGCO-licensed sportsbook is required to offer. If gambling is becoming a problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-230-3505 — it's free, 24/7, and confidential.

See our full responsible gambling resources →

Frequently Asked Questions