On June 22, 2021, Bill C-218, known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, was passed, amending Canada’s Criminal Code to permit single-event sports betting. This change empowered provinces, including Ontario, to establish their own sports betting regulations. With this framework in place, it implemented a regulated online betting market overseen by iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which ensures that all betting platforms adhere to provincial standards. These legal adjustments have provided residents with safe, licensed avenues for sports betting, creating a clear framework for those interested in betting within the province.
Background on Canada’s Online Sports Betting Legalization
Historically, Canada’s Criminal Code restricted sports betting to multi-game or parlay bets, preventing single-event wagers. This restriction, set under section 207(4)(b) of the Code, allowed only a limited form of sports betting within the country. However, Bill C-218—introduced in 2020—marked a shift, with bipartisan support leading to its passage. The bill lifted the prohibition on single-event betting, giving provinces the authority to regulate how single-event sports betting would be managed within their jurisdictions.
This amendment enabled each province to decide how to implement and oversee sports betting. The province has since taken steps to develop a regulated online betting framework, becoming the first Canadian province to license private operators for online gaming.
The New Sports Betting Framework
Ontario’s sports betting market is now regulated through a unique model established by the provincial government. The AGCO, in partnership with iGaming Ontario, oversees this market, setting and enforcing rules that licensed operators must follow to protect the interests of residents. Licensed platforms must comply with the standards on responsible gaming, security, and player verification, ensuring a secure experience for users.
To legally offer sports betting, operators must obtain the correct licenses and work within the provincial regulations. This ensures that bettors have access to reliable and transparent platforms that meet all the legal requirements. This approach not only supports responsible gambling but also reduces the risks that can be associated with unregulated platforms. Finding a regulated Ontario sports betting platform can be made easier by checking out comparison websites where all the hard work has been done for you. These sites cover various important criteria to help punters find the right AGCO-registered sportsbook for their betting style and needs.
Legal Sports Betting Options Available in Ontario
The legal framework allows residents to participate in various types of sports bets, regulated and managed under provincial oversight. Some of the primary betting options include—
- Single-Event Betting: The amendment through Bill C-218 lifted the longstanding prohibition on single-event sports betting, allowing bets on individual games or events.
- Parlay Betting: Parlay bets, which require bets on multiple events, remain popular and are still available as a legal betting option.
- In-Game Betting: The province also permits in-game or live betting, allowing users to place wagers while a game or event is in progress, offering a range of wagering styles within regulated channels.
Residents can also place bets on a wide selection of sports, such as hockey, soccer, basketball, and more. Licensed platforms cover both local and international events, providing a comprehensive range of choices for those interested in sports betting.
Key Considerations for Betting Responsibly
The law mandates that licensed betting platforms integrate tools to support responsible gaming, emphasizing user safety and accountability. These platforms must offer features like deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and access to resources for anyone who may require support with problem gambling. This commitment is a pillar of Ontario’s regulated model, ensuring a safer environment for bettors.
Eligibility & Verification: Users must be 19+ years old to place bets legally. Licensed operators are required to implement age-verification processes, which include verifying user identity to prevent underage betting and ensure compliance with provincial laws.
A Regulated Sports Betting Environment
Ontario’s approach to sports betting demonstrates a balanced, regulated framework that upholds legal and safety standards. By choosing licensed platforms under the regulated market, bettors can engage in sports betting while benefiting from the security and oversight provided by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario. This model offers transparency, secure transactions, and tools for responsible gaming, supporting a safe environment for those participating in the sports betting market.