Sports Betting in Ontario — Complete Guide 2026

Ontario's Regulated Sports Betting Market

Ontario made history in April 2022 by becoming the first and only Canadian province to open its sports betting market to private operators. Regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) through its subsidiary iGaming Ontario (iGO), the province now hosts over 40 licensed sportsbooks competing for Ontario bettors.

Before this, Ontarians were limited to PROLINE, the provincial lottery-run platform that only offered parlay bets. The legalization of single-event betting through Bill C-218 in August 2021, combined with Ontario's decision to open its market, transformed the province into one of North America's most competitive sports betting markets — rivalling even established US states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

All operators in Ontario must meet strict AGCO requirements: player funds must be held in segregated accounts, responsible gambling tools are mandatory, advertising is regulated (welcome bonus advertising has been prohibited since 2023), and operators must verify the physical location of bettors using GPS technology to ensure they are within Ontario's borders.

How iGaming Ontario Works

iGaming Ontario (iGO) acts as the conductor of Ontario's online gaming market. It doesn't operate any sportsbooks itself — instead, it registers private operators and ensures they comply with AGCO standards. Key responsibilities include:

Operator registration — Every sportsbook must be registered with iGO and hold a valid AGCO licence before accepting bets from Ontario residents. Player protection — iGO ensures all operators implement responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, self-exclusion programs and reality checks. Revenue sharing — Licensed operators pay a percentage of their Ontario revenue to iGO, which funds provincial programs including responsible gambling initiatives. Market oversight — iGO monitors advertising compliance, ensures fair play standards and handles player complaints.

Best Licensed Sportsbooks in Ontario 2026

All five operators in our ranking hold valid AGCO licences for Ontario. Here are the top choices for Ontario bettors:

Ontario Betting Advertising Rules

Ontario has some of the strictest advertising regulations for sports betting in North America. Key rules that affect bettors include:

No welcome bonus advertising — Since 2023, operators cannot advertise welcome bonuses, sign-up offers or free bets in Ontario. Operators can still offer promotions to existing customers, but cannot use them as a marketing tool to attract new players.

No athletes or celebrities — Since February 2024, betting operators cannot use athletes, sports commentators or celebrities in their advertising. This rule aims to prevent normalizing gambling among younger audiences who may idolize these figures.

Responsible gambling messaging — All betting advertising in Ontario must include responsible gambling messaging, age restrictions (19+) and a reference to help resources like ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600).

Payment Methods in Ontario

Ontario bettors have access to all major Canadian payment methods. Interac is the most popular choice, offering instant deposits directly from your bank account and withdrawals typically processed within 24 hours. Other accepted methods include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill and Neteller. All transactions are processed in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Important: Cryptocurrencies are not accepted by any AGCO-licensed operator in Ontario. The AGCO does not recognize cryptocurrency as legal tender, so operators like TonyBet (which accepts crypto in other provinces under international licence) cannot offer this option in Ontario.

Sports Teams in Ontario

Ontario is home to some of Canada's most iconic sports franchises, making it a hub for sports betting activity:

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) — The most valuable NHL franchise and the most bet-on team in Canada. 6-time Stanley Cup champions.

Toronto Raptors (NBA) — Canada's only NBA team. 2019 NBA Champions. Play at Scotiabank Arena.

Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) — Canada's only MLB team, based at Rogers Centre.

Toronto FC (MLS) — 2017 MLS Cup champions. Play at BMO Field.

Ottawa Senators (NHL) — Competing in the Eastern Conference from Canadian Tire Centre.

Toronto Argonauts (CFL) — One of the oldest professional sports teams in North America.

Ottawa Redblacks (CFL) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) — Additional CFL teams in the province.

Ontario vs Other Provinces

Ontario's regulated market offers several advantages over betting in other Canadian provinces. In Ontario, your funds are held in segregated accounts (protected if the operator goes bankrupt), operators must offer mandatory responsible gambling tools, and there is a formal complaint resolution process through the AGCO. In other provinces, these protections depend on the international licence holder's jurisdiction.

The trade-off is that Ontario has stricter rules: no welcome bonus advertising, restrictions on promotional content, and no cryptocurrency payments. Bettors in other provinces may see more promotional offers and have access to crypto deposits through operators' international licences.

Responsible Gambling in Ontario

Ontario takes responsible gambling seriously. All AGCO-licensed operators must provide: deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), loss limits, time limits and session reminders, self-exclusion (temporary and permanent), cooling-off periods, and activity history accessible at any time.

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, confidential) or visit the Responsible Gambling Council.