Sports betting in Ontario is now legal, and this means that fans of online gambling and betting have a variety of options and opportunities to have fun, both online and in traditional bookmakers. September marked another important month for the industry, as Pinnacle and Bet99 were the next giants to receive permission to operate in the Ontario market. Before them, it was Betway that launched its activity in the Canadian province, while BetMGM, Caesars, theScore Bet, BetRivers, FanDuel, PointsBet and DraftKings also have a license to operate. But what are the player benefits, and what is the overall picture of the gambling and sports betting industry in Ontario?
Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
The truth is that gambling has always been supported by the governing bodies in this province of Canada. Ontario residents can try their luck at 29 brick-and-mortar casinos, as well as many online casinos that operate with a regular license. Sports betting is also offered online as well as in brick-and-mortar bookmakers, with horse racing being one of the most popular sports. Another specialty of Ontario is the national lottery which has a long tradition and its services are available in many physical locations as well as through online subscriptions.
Conditions to try your luck
To place a bet online, players must be at least 19 years old. Online sites also require players to verify their location via GPS on the device they are using. The authority that oversees gambling and sports betting in Ontario is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. Another important and quite valuable detail for fans of the industry is the fact that gambling profits are not taxed by the government.
The most popular sports in Ontario
But what are the most popular sports where fans can try their luck? Ice hockey is understood to be one of the most beloved activities for gambling enthusiasts in Ontario, and this translates into many bets being placed every day. American football is also very popular, and the 3 teams that enjoy the most fan support are: Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Redblacks, and Toronto Argonauts. Interest is also high in the NFL, as well as the NBA, with the Toronto Raptors being the Canadians' favorite team. University sporting events and competitions are also legal to place bets on.
Meanwhile, in parallel with sports, Ontario citizens can try their luck in non-traditional events. Among them are various ceremonies such as the Emmy Awards or the Oscar ceremony. Political events are also subject to online betting, while e-sports could not be missing.
The most popular sports betting companies
Since Ontario has always had a market open to new companies, the number of operators offering their services to players is relatively high. This can make it even more difficult to find a reliable company that offers good ratios and a wide range of services. However, the Canadian province is home to some of the most well-known and trusted names in the industry, who have consistently offered high standards to players. Among them we can mention:
Casinos in Ontario
As we mentioned, the casinos have opened their doors to Ontario residents, as fans of these games can try their luck at more than 24 brick-and-mortar casinos operated by OLG. Meanwhile, in terms of online casinos, about 30 such operate in Ontario, while 42 operators have a regular license from the relevant authorities.
Poker is one of the most popular games that casinos in this province offer, and this includes live poker, with real dealers operating behind the screen. Table games and slots are also quite popular and casinos offer a range of options, both traditional and more modern. Some of the largest casinos in Ontario are:
- Casino Woodbine
- Gateway Casinos
- Caesars Windsor
- Niagara Casino
- Pickering Casino Resort
Proline Ontario
Before new operators enter the market Proline was the leading company where players from Ontario could place sports bets. It operates under its own Lottery and Gaming Authority license and offers a range of options for sports betting enthusiasts. Among the latest innovations is the possibility to bet on individual events. Proline also has its own mobile app, where players can use the Bet Builder option and build bets dynamically. Also, quite positive is the fact that with Proline's online application, players do not need to register to place a bet. The company also offers its services in physical form, in hundreds of kiosks not only in Ontario, but across Canada.
FAQ
1. Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
Yes, sports betting and gambling are legal in Ontario, both online and in traditional form. Companies that have a regular license to operate are numerous, and it is enough that the players have reached the age of 19, and play within the territories of the province.
2. Can I bet on European football championships?
Yes! Despite the fact that European soccer is not the most popular sport in Canada, most betting companies operating in Ontario offer the opportunity to place bets on some of the most popular competitions of this sport, and not only. Among them we can mention UEFA Champions League, Premier League and the World Cup.
3. Can I bet on sports at online casino sites in Ontario?
Most online casinos operating in Ontario also offer players the opportunity to place sports bets. However, the best options and opportunities for sports betting are offered by operators who specialize in this field, such as bet365, 888sport, Betway, etc.
