A Brief History
Until 2021, Canadians could only legally bet on sports through parlay wagers at provincially operated terminals. The Criminal Code was amended in August 2021 to permit single-event sports betting, transforming the landscape significantly.
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Canada?
Sports betting regulation sits with the provinces. Most operate their own regulated betting platforms through provincial lottery corporations. Ontario additionally opened its market to private sportsbook operators in 2022 through iGaming Ontario.
How Odds Work
Sportsbooks express betting odds in different formats — moneyline, decimal, or fractional. These numbers represent the potential return on a wager. Understanding how to read odds is essential before placing a bet.
Types of Bets Available
Common bet types include moneyline, point spread, over/under totals, parlays, and props. Each carries different risk and potential return.
Responsible Betting
Sports betting should be treated as entertainment, not a strategy to make money. Set a clear budget before you start, never chase losses, and use the deposit limits and self-exclusion tools available on licensed platforms.