There is no single regulator in Canada when it comes to sports betting. Instead, each province in the country has its own set of rules and is responsible for managing gambling within its borders. The two main provinces in Canada are Alberta and Ontario when it comes to regulated commercial online gambling.
Alberta has Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), which is responsible for regulation, alongside the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) managing the provincial iGaming framework. All other provinces in Canada also offer legal sports betting, but their markets work differently.
This is why our focus today is on the best legal sports betting sites in Canada that offer interactive features, accept local payment methods, and can be easily accessed via smartphone.
8 Best Canadian Sportsbooks – Our Genuine Picks
We believe these are the 8 best Canadian sportsbooks right now based on regulated market availability, betting features, payment methods, market selection, and mobile usability.
| № | Sportsbook | Regulated Market | Best For | Betting Features | Payment Methods |
| 1 | bet365 | Ontario, Alberta | Live betting | In-play Bet Builder Cash Out Early Payout | Interac, Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Instadebit |
| 2 | FanDuel | Ontario, Alberta | Player props and SGPs | In-play Same Game Parlay Cash Out | Interac, Cards, PayPal |
| 3 | DraftKings | Ontario, Alberta | Market variety | In-play Same Game Parlay Cash Out | Interac, Cards, PayPal, Online Banking, DK Gift Card |
| 4 | BetMGM | Ontario, Alberta | Live betting | In-play Same Game Parlay Cash Out Edit My Bet | Interac, Cards, PayPal, Online Banking, Apple Pay |
| 5 | theScore Bet | Ontario, Alberta | Canadian sports fans | In-play SGP Cash Out Media integration | Interac, Visa Debit, PayPal, EFT |
| 6 | BetRivers | Ontario, Alberta | Beginners | iRush Rewards In-play Same Game Parlay Cash Out | Interac, Cards, PayPal, Online banking, RushCard |
| 7 | Caesars Sportsbook | Ontario, Alberta | Major-league betting | In-play Same Game Parlay Cash Out Odds Boosts | Interac, Cards, PayPal, Online Banking, eCheck |
| 8 | Sports Interaction | Ontario, Alberta | Canadian-focused betting | In-play Bet Builder Cash Out Custom Props | Interac, Cards, Apple Pay, Instadebit, MuchBetter |
Canada’s Regional Licensing Landscape
Before we move on, we should answer the main question: “Is sports betting legal in Canada?” Yes, but Canada does not have one national gambling license; instead, the Criminal Code provides the federal legal framework, while provinces decide how legal sports betting is managed.
A turning point came with Bill C-218, the Safe, Regulated Sports Betting Act. This allowed provinces to offer single-event sports betting. Before this bill, sports betting was built around parlay betting, combining various sports bets on one ticket.
Bill C-218 did not create a single Canada-wide sportsbook market. Each province still chooses how sports betting is offered. Through our rankings, we concentrate on sportsbooks that are authorized within the relevant Canadian provincial market.
Ontario (AGCO & iGaming Ontario)
The first Canadian province to start an open, competitive, and regulated iGaming market was Ontario in 2022. With this, private companies were allowed to offer sports betting as well as casino games. To legally accept online sports bets in Ontario, a private sportsbook must register with the AGCO as well as sign an agreement with the iGO.
There are also strict rules around sportsbook advertising in Ontario. It is not possible for operators to advertise gambling bonuses or credits through commercial advertising or marketing. The only way bet companies can advertise their bonuses is through their native websites.
Alberta (AGLC & AiGC)
Alberta became Canada’s second province with an open commercial iGaming market on July 13, 2026. This now allows private online sportsbooks and casinos to operate legally in the province. The AGLC acts as the regulator, registering operators and setting standards, while the AiGC looks after the commercial side.
One difference between Ontario and Alberta is the minimum gambling age. In Alberta, 18-year-olds are allowed to gamble online, while in Ontario the age is 19. Another difference is that Alberta offers a player protection framework such as deposit limits, responsible gambling information, and a self-exclusion program.
Rest of Canada (Gray Market)
Outside of Alberta and Ontario, the sports betting landscape is different, as most provinces have not opened their markets to private sports betting operators. Apart from legal online sports betting platforms, you will come across offshore sites. Even though the Criminal Code prohibits betting on such platforms, Canadian bettors in grey-market provinces face no legal penalties.
Tax Rules
For most Canadians who bet on sports casually, all winnings are tax-free. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will not usually treat gambling winnings as taxable income. But there is an exception if someone treats gambling as a business and a way to earn a living. In this case, winnings will be treated as taxable income. The CRA will look at each individual case to determine whether the individual approaches gambling in a professional way. So for most everyday gamblers, winnings will be free from tax in Canada.
What Payment Methods Can You Use to Bet Online in Canada?
Canadian sportsbooks support their customers in terms of deposits and withdrawals. The best options depend on several factors, such as the bank, the sportsbook, and whether you wish to use the same method for cashouts. Interac e-Transfer is often used by Canadian bettors as it is super practical. Other good alternatives are debit and credit cards as well as e-wallets.
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Are Withdrawals Supported? |
| Interac e-Transfer | Instant | Usually within 24 hours | Yes |
| Visa, Mastercard | Instant | From 1 to 5 days | Depends on sportsbook |
| Apple Pay | Instant | N/A | No |
| MuchBetter | Instant | Within 1 day | Depends on sportsbook |
| Instadebit | Instant | From 1 to 3 days | Depends on sportsbook |
Interac e-Transfer
This is the number one option if you want to bet online in Canada without delays. Interac connects to Canadian online banking and allows you to transfer funds without giving away any card details. Deposits are usually instant, while withdrawals can take up to 24 hours depending on the sportsbook.
Visa and Mastercard
These are familiar options and extremely reliable. There are issues, as some banks may restrict or prevent gambling-coded transactions, and Visa and Mastercard both use Merchant Category Code (MCC 7995), which tells the card network that the payment is related to gambling. This is certainly the case with credit cards. This is why Interac or debit cards are a much preferred option.
Apple Pay, MuchBetter and Instadebit
These are ideal payment methods for players who prefer not to enter their banking data into a sportsbook. Apple Pay offers rapid deposits and protects the card number through tokenization. MuchBetter operates more like an e-wallet; when withdrawals are supported, winnings can be cashed out to the wallet. Instadebit is another option that has been created around payments linked to Canadian bank accounts.
What Do Canadians Bet On? Popular Sports and Bet Types
Our sportsbook list covers an array of sports from football to ice hockey, tennis, and soccer. But it’s the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA that are the leading leagues in North America, where there is an extensive betting market at regulated sportsbooks. Canadian bettors are able to take a punt on scoring totals, player performances, and long-term outcomes like championship winners.
NHL – Ice Hockey
There may be no sport beloved more by Canadians than ice hockey. This is a big betting market in Canada, as there are seven Canadian teams and there are games throughout the season and playoffs. The most popular NHL bets include:
- Moneyline: Choose the team that you believe will win the game.
- Puck line: This is the version of a spread which is set at -1.5/+1.5 goals. A team at -1.5 must win by at least two goals.
- Totals: Bet whether the two teams will combine for more or fewer goals than the sportsbook’s line, like Over/Under 6.5.
- Player props: Betting on an individual player’s performance such as Connor McDavid’s points, or Auston Matthews ‘ shots on goal.
The moneylines, puck lines, totals, props, live betting, and futures are all bets that are popular in NHL betting.
NFL and CFL – American Football
Canada has its own football league known as the CFL, as well as the ability to bet on the famous NFL. Football betting includes point spreads, player props, totals, final score, rushing, passing, and receiving statistics. Parlays are very popular with football betting, with bettors mixing several NFL games into one ticket. The CFL offers Canadian bettors the chance to bet on futures on outcomes like the Grey Cup Winner as well as individual Grey Cup game markets.
NBA – Basketball
The NBA offers Canadians a good choice in the player market as well as the game market. The Toronto Raptors are extremely popular in Canada and are commonly bet on in the NBA. The usual types of bets are available, like game totals, moneylines, point spreads, and player props, which are very popular in NBA betting.
MLB – Baseball
Canada’s beloved Toronto Blue Jays are in the MLB, and popular bets include moneylines, the run line, and totals. Player props offer specific options like Over/Under a specific number of strikeouts.
Introduction to Popular Sport Bet Types for Beginners
Understanding basic sports betting options helps you make smarter wagers without getting overwhelmed by complex markets. Each bet type offers a distinct way to engage with your favorite teams and games. Here are the main ones:
- Moneyline bet: Selecting the outright winner (Edmonton Oilers to win).
- Point spread: Team must cover a specific winning margin or stay within the handicap (Raptors -4.5).
- Totals Over/Under: Choosing whether the score finishes above or below a set number (Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Over 6.5 goals).
- Futures: Bet on an outcome to be finalised in the future (A team to win the Stanley Cup).
- Same Game Parlay: Picking two or more selections from the same game (Oilers to win and McDavid to record a point + over 5.5 goals).
How to Sign Up and Start Betting?
Opening an account with a regulated Canadian sportsbook usually takes only a few minutes, although identity and location verification may also be required:
- Choose a regulated sportsbook. Check that the betting site is authorized to operate in your province. Ontario bettors can check the iGaming Ontario operator directory and AGCO registration information, while Alberta bettors should check the operator’s status under the provincial regulatory framework.
- Create an account. Select Register or Sign Up and provide the requested information, which normally includes your name, date of birth, home address, and email address.
- Complete identity verification. The sportsbook may ask for identification, such as a driver’s licence or passport, to confirm your identity and age. Additional documents, such as a bank statement or utility bill, may sometimes be requested.
- Complete the geolocation check. Regulated sportsbooks need to confirm that you are physically located in an eligible jurisdiction when betting. Depending on the platform and device, location checks can use GPS, IP, and Wi-Fi information.
- Deposit funds. Open the sportsbook cashier and choose an available payment method. Interac e-Transfer is a convenient option offered by many Canadian betting sites, although available methods vary between operators.
- Choose a sport and market. Find the event you want to bet on and compare the available markets and odds. Common options include moneylines, spreads, totals, and player props.
- Place your first bet. Add your selection to the bet slip, enter your stake, and check the odds and potential return before confirming the wager.
Sportsbook availability, payment methods and betting options can differ between provinces and operators, so check the conditions that apply where you live before registering.
What About the Best Sports Betting Apps For Canadians?
Most of the legal Canadian betting sites also offer mobile apps, allowing bettors to find markets, check live odds, place bets, and request quick withdrawals without using a desktop site. When comparing betting apps, we look at more than whether an iOS or Android version is available. Navigation, loading speed, live betting, Cash Out, Bet Builder or Same Game Parlay tools, and how easily bettors can manage their account are also important.
Among the companies in our ranking, the best sports betting apps for Canadians right now are:
- FanDuel: Stands out for major North American leagues such as the NHL, NBA, and NFL.
- DraftKings: Offers a large selection of markets with live betting, player props, and Same Game Parlays, as well as smooth navigation, especially if you are a beginner.
- bet365: Best known for live betting, providing extensive in-play markets with live odds, Cash Out and Bet Builder features.
- theScore Bet: An excellent choice for bettors who can move between scores, statistics, sports news, and betting markets.
How We Chose Top Sports Betting Sites in Canada
We compared top sports betting sites in Canada based on the factors that have the biggest impact on the betting experience:
- Regulated market availability: Prioritizing companies regulated in Ontario and Alberta.
- Betting markets and odds: Selecting bet sites with a wide range of sports and comparative odds for main sporting events.
- In-play betting: Testing live betting and speed of odds update.
- Features such as Bet Builders and Cash Out: Checking useful betting tools that provide more control over your bet slips.
- Payment methods: Making sure you have a variety of fast and fee-free deposit and withdrawal methods.
- Mobile usability: Checking app availability and performance on iOS and Android devices.
- Responsible gambling tools: Ensuring bettors can get professional help and keep their betting behaviour under control.
Responsible Gambling
It is important that sports betting is used as a form of entertainment rather than a method to make money. Canada’s regulated market requires sportsbooks to offer responsible gambling tools to help vulnerable gamblers. In Ontario, regulated operators must offer their players tools such as time-out features, deposit limits, as well as relevant gambling information and access to a self-exclusion program.
Alberta also offers a centralized self-exclusion program that allows players to exclude themselves from registered iGaming sites and casino platforms.
- For players in Ontario, ConnexOntario provides free and confidential information and referrals for gambling addiction (1-866-531-2600) or text CONNEX to 247247.
- In Alberta, Alberta Health Services provides 24/7 confidential support for addiction concerns and problem gambling. Call 811 or the Mental Health Helpline toll-free at 1-866-332-2322.
FAQ
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Can I legally bet on sports in Canada?
Yes, from 2021, when Bill C-218 came into force, Canadians could legally bet on sports. However, you should choose legal platforms in your province.
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How does online betting work in Canada?
Choose a bet company, register, select a sporting event, make a deposit, and place a bet. Make sure to understand how odds work, how much you can potentially win, and how to use bet features.
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What is the fastest way to withdraw my winnings?
Interac remains one of the fastest withdrawal options for Canadians. Once your request is approved, the money should arrive in your account within a few hours, although some withdrawals may take up to 24 hours or longer depending on the operator.
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Do I have to pay a tax on winnings?
No, if gambling is a pastime for you, not a business, then you are exempt from paying taxes on betting income.
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What is the best Canadian betting company?
As of 2026, we chose bet365 and FanDuel as two top Canadian betting companies. These platforms excel in a number of sports you can bet on, in-play features, and fast withdrawals via Interac.