Top Ontario Sportsbooks Reviewed
It’s been over a year since online sports betting became legal in Ontario on April 4th, 2022. And betting participation from people has only grown. The initial quarter of 2023 witnessed over $2 billion in total sports betting handled from this city.
The explosion of websites and platforms in the Ontario sports betting industry has confused many people. New betting sites appear daily, and trusted sites seem to wither away.
To ensure that you, our readers, get the most insightful guides, we’ve compiled an extensive list of Ontario’s top sportsbooks and betting platforms. We’ll also address some pressing questions about legal betting in the city and sprinkle in mini-guides on how to get started on these websites.
The Best Ontario Sports Betting Platforms Operating Today
The iGaming Ontario and the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) provide licenses to over 30 different platforms and operators today. Out of the dozens of sites trying to grab your attention, here are the top-performing platforms.
BetMGM Ontario
BetMGM began operations in Ontario on day one of sports betting legalization (April 4th, 2022). Since then, it has grown into one of the leading platforms catering to sports bettors all over the city.
It features an impressive list of payment mechanisms, an extensive selection of sports, and user-friendly features providing users convenience and ease of betting.
Key Features
- BetMGM covers over 26 different sports markets
- Cashout options allow users to save money on poor bets
- You can edit your bets even after they’re placed.
- A dedicated wallet on BetMGM handles all your transactions.
- First bet offers of up to $1500
Caesars Sportsbook Ontario
Casino giant Caesars has also developed a major presence in the Ontario sportsbooks.
You can begin with a starting minimum deposit of $20; cashouts sometimes take as little as two days to process. In-play betting remains widely used for many users, but you can choose the bets that suit your preference.
Enhanced security, data protection, and a wholesome betting experience are some of the attributes this casino boasts.
Key Features
- Caesars Ontario supports 19 different sports markets
- It provides live streaming and betting for NFL matches
- Excellent user experience on both website and mobile app
- High-end encryption protects all transactions
- Bonus bets can return amounts up to $500
DraftKings Ontario
DraftKings was also one of the early entrants into the Ontario sportsbooks industry. And users continue flocking to this platform thanks to its attractive offers and regular promotional events.
The platform does not impose extensive wagering requirements. So, placing bets and participating is a hassle-free experience.
They also provide an integrated experience for their casino component, and the sportsbook bets make it easy for users to switch between betting and gambling.
Key Features
- DraftKings Ontario also provides access to 19 markets currently
- It has a low starting deposit of $5 for new members.
- Enjoy $150 in bonus bets or win back 20% of the qualifying bet.
- Excellent customer service and technical support.
Bet365 Ontario
Bet365’s towering presence in the sports betting industry continues to grow with its entry into Ontario’s sportsbook scene.
Users from Ontario who are 19 or older can register for sports betting on this platform (In the US, the legal age is usually 21). Users can enjoy extensive live streaming and live betting options across different sports markets.
Bet365 is also a trusted name among sportsbooks in Ontario, thanks to its long association with betting leagues in the region.
Key Features
- Supports about 32 different sports markets and leagues.
- NHL, MLB, Soccer, and NBA remain the most popular markets.
- Expert line-makers provide excellent lines (according to users).
- Bonus bets can range from $150 to $1000.
FanDuel Ontario
Established in 2009, FanDuel joined Ontario’s list of sportsbooks as one of the older and most trusted platforms in 2022. Within its first year, the platform recorded millions in total handles and winnings for users.
American sports leagues remain popular options on FanDuel. However, you can also wager easily on the NHL or other Canadian leagues for football, soccer, etc.
Key Features
- FanDuel Ontario covers about 18 different sports markets
- Initial bets as low as $5 can fetch bonuses of $150
- Attractive prizes and rewards for seasonal promotions
- Same-game parlays and bet edits.
Land-based Sports Betting in Ontario
You have dozens of online sportsbooks catering to the betting community in the city. However, bettors who want other alternatives can consider the following in-person betting options.
ProLine
ProLine runs under Ontario’s Lottery Corporation and offers options for selective sports betting options in the city. ProLine retail outlets are scattered around different areas of the city (usually found in convenience stores, gas stations, etc.).
You cannot place bets on individual sports matches through ProLine. So, you must choose from parlay games or combined bets across outcomes of multiple matches.
ProLine+ is an online sportsbook and serves as a virtual extension of ProLine’s retail stores. However, the virtual site and app allow more flexibility in betting compared to the in-person outlets.
Retail Betting Destinations
Retail betting locations are sprinkled across different parts of Ontario. All of these destinations remain housed in legal casinos running in the city.
You can head towards Eat Windsor to find Caesars Sportsbooks at 377 Riverside Drive. The location has a full-service retail sportsbook with live betting, giant screens, food, and beverages.
Great Canadian Entertainment also runs about six different casinos that include sportsbook facilities. The Great Canadian Casino Resort Ontario is known for its horse-racing bets, and similar options appear in destinations like the Pickering Casino Resort Ontario.
Other smaller sportsbook kiosks operate around the region. The Casino Woodbine at Etobicoke, the Elements Casino Grand River at Elora, and Shorelines Casino Peterborough are good examples.
Residents who prefer the old-school way of visiting retail sportsbooks will enjoy these land-based destinations.
Most Popular Sports Categories to Bet on in Ontario Sportsbooks
Ontario sports betting platforms provide access to dozens of sports markets. However, there are a few categories and leagues that enjoy a bigger share of the market.
NHL Betting
The country’s ever-popular national sport remains a top market for sports bets in the region. The NHL provides over ten months of exciting ice hockey matches when you combine the regular and intensive playoff seasons. So, there’s ample opportunity to place bets, wager, and win over these months. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Senators from Ottawa are two local teams from Ontario that enjoy much betting attention in Ontario.
DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel are all well-known sportsbooks that offer exciting lines for NHL betting.
Soccer
Another market that engages bettors in Ontario is soccer. The MLS in the US occupies most of the betting market in this category.
However, the Canadian Soccer League and the Canadian Premier League emerge as favorites among bettors moving beyond the NHL. Teams like the Toronto Argonauts and the Ottawa Redblacks ensure residents have enough local franchises to support them.
Basketball
The Canadian Elite Basketball League does not garner much betting attention in Ontario. Instead, the NBA occupies most of the betting shares in the market.
The NBA has witnessed a growth of talented Canadian players growing to superstar status in the league. And this trend continues to attract a lot of bettors in Ontario.
Also, franchises like the Toronto Raptors allow residents of Ontario to cheer and bet for their local teams in the NBA.
Baseball
Baseball is not as big in Ontario as in some major American cities. However, the long seasons and exciting matchups attract large bets from Ontario sportsbooks, too.
Major League Baseball continues to draw heavier bets each passing year. And Ontario sports betting sites continue offering these matches with extensive lines and options for bettors.
The Toronto Blue Jays in the MLB remain local favorites for most residents in Ontario. So, the betting handles for baseball increase when they’re on the schedule.
Ontario Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in the Province of Ontario?
Yes. The C-218 Bill passed in 2021 allowed provinces to create and regulate online sportsbooks in their jurisdiction. Ontario officially opened its economy to single sports betting by April 2022.
What is the legal age limit for Ontario sports betting?
The regulatory laws require bettors to be at least 19 years old to place bets in sportsbooks.
What’s the most popular league to bet on in Ontario?
The National Hockey League remains the top option for sports betting in Ontario. However, many other leagues in Canada and the US remain available across all sportsbooks.
Which sportsbooks in Ontario are best for beginners?
Renowned sportsbooks like Bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings are among Ontario’s most popular options for first-time bettors.
How can I withdraw my winnings from Ontario sports betting sites?
All Ontario sportsbooks support multiple methods of payments and withdrawals. So, you can choose from conventional transactions like banking transfers and credit cards or more convenient options like digital wallets.
How do you start betting on the NFL in Ontario?
Simply start by registering on one of the platforms mentioned here (DraftKings, Bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, or Caesars) and claim your starting bonus. Then, search for NHL or look for it in the markets list and simply wager on the line or outcome you wish to bet.
Can I bet on American sports leagues from Ontario sportsbooks?
Yes. All Ontario sports betting sites include markets for top American leagues, including the NBA, MLB, NFL, and MLB.
Last Updated on December 22, 2023
