Home to 39% of Canadians, 5 major North American sports teams and 3 CFL franchises, Ontario is definitely a hotbed for sports betting in Canada.
Ontario is the first province to establish a regulated online gaming market where private companies can apply for a license to operate their sportsbook in the Ontario market. iGaming Ontario was formed in June of 2021 to build the regulatory framework for the Ontario gaming market, and the first licensed sportsbook operators launched in the province in April of 2022.
In addition to the regulated sportsbooks operated by private companies, Ontario still offers government owned sports betting options run by the OLG including Proline and Pools. These are good options for people trying out sports betting for the first time, but those of you who want a more player friendly experience with better odds and less restrictions should look to open an account with one of the regulated betting sites operating in the province.
Being from Ottawa I made the transition from betting on Proline at my local convenience store to placing my bets online when I was a teenager (~20 years ago) and I have not looked back since.
Best Sports Betting Sites for Ontario Residents
The introduction of the regulated gaming market to Ontario has resulted in an influx of quality online sportsbook options for Ontario residents.
The three sportsbooks we recommend below are all licensed to operate in the regulated Ontario betting market by iGaming Ontario.
I have accounts with all three of the above sites that I use frequently. I always suggest that Ontario residents take advantage of their newfound selection of regulated sportsbooks by joining multiple sites to find the best odds on each potential bet and scoop up any other perks that are available at individual sportsbooks.
Offline Sports Betting in Ontario
The traditional sports lottery options are still available in Ontario through the OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation). The blanket term for the sports betting options offered by the OLG is Proline, with the brand being well recognized by Ontario residents.
The Proline lottery games, as they are called by the OLG include Proline and Pools. These games are offered to all Ontario residents who are 18 years of age or older and can be found at any OLG outlet (corner stores and gas stations).
Proline
Proline is by far the most popular offline betting option offered by the OLG. Players create a bet slip with similar betting options to an online sportsbook and purchase the betting ticket at an OLG outlet. If the ticket is a winner you can then bring it back into an OLG outlet to collect your prize.
I have to chime in that Proline is only good for beginners who aren’t yet ready for an online betting account. The odds are horrible compared to online betting sites – Proline profit margin is over 30% on total bets received, while online it’s only 4.5% – and there are a ton of restrictions you have to abide by such as fewer betting options, no live betting, and only being allowed to bet up to $100 a day to name a few.
Pools
Pools is the easiest way to bet on sports because there are no odds or spreads associated with each game. Instead you simply choose who you think will win each of the games on the card. If you get the most correct selections out of everyone in Ontario who entered the Pool you win the prize pool. The prize amount varies depending on the number of entries each Pools card receives, with 60% of each Pool entry fee being added to the prize pool.
Being an Ontario resident who has made the transition from betting through the OLG to betting online I know that the grass is much greener betting online. If you bet more than a few times a year I strongly encourage you to make the jump!
Retail Sportsbooks
Caesars Sportsbook at Caesars Windsor became the first full-service retail sportsbook in Ontario when it launched in January of 2023. Full-service means there are betting counters similar to what you would find at a Las Vegas casino.
Several other Ontario casinos have added “Sportsbook Lounges” with betting kiosks operated by Great Canadian Entertainment.
I expect the majority of large casinos in Ontario to add full-service retail sportsbooks to their properties in the near future.
Major Sports Teams in Ontario
I’ve included a list of some of the major sports teams located in Ontario. Click on the city name for more specific information about sports betting in that city.
See Website For Details
See Website For Details
#Ad
