When you need to place a bet on the sports of your choice, you may want to consider finding the best sports betting sites Canada has to offer. In this article, you’ll find information on the most popular sports, as well as the legality and safety of online sportsbooks in Canada.
Legality of sports betting in Canada
The legality of sports betting in Canada has been debated for years. Until recently, it was not legal for Canadians to place bets on single sporting events. This led to a large amount of money being spent by Canadians on unregulated offshore sites. However, there is no federal law prohibiting sports betting. Instead, it is up to each province to decide when and how to offer the product.
The first province to offer legal sports betting was Ontario. On April 4, 2022, the government of Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market. That paved the way for dozens of private operators to enter the sports betting marketplace.
It also allowed sports bettors to make parlay bets for the first time. Parlay bets link multiple bets to form a large bet. For example, you could wager on a team’s win, their loss, or the point differential between two teams.
Most popular sports in Canada
Whether you are a fan of soccer or baseball, ice hockey or rugby, Canada has something for you. These sports are well-known across the globe, and the country has the right climate to support the sports.
One of the most popular sports in Canada is basketball. It is a team sport played by two teams of five players. The team that scores the most points wins. There are various national and international tournaments where you can watch this game.
Another sport that is gaining popularity is tennis. About 1.7 million Canadians played this game at least four times in 1998.
Rugby union is also a popular sport in Canada. This sport has a rich history. Originating in the 17th century, it has grown in popularity over the last few decades.
Legality of horse racing in Canada
The legality of horse racing in Canada is not regulated by the Criminal Code. It is regulated by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, which issues betting permits to Canadian racetracks.
There are over a dozen racetracks in Ontario. However, no brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are open to the public. Instead, wagers are placed through parimutuel pools. Those wagers are governed by the Horse Racing Licence Act.
Woodbine Entertainment is one of the largest operators of parimutuel horse racing in Canada. This includes the operation of Dark Horse Bets and HPIbet, two apps that allow bettors to place wagers on horse races. They are a non-profit company, and their revenues will be used to support the Canadian horse racing industry.
The Government of Canada is currently engaging in discussions on gaming more generally. Although the federal Criminal Code prohibits all forms of gambling, provincial governments have the power to make their own laws.
Legality of daily fantasy sports contests in Canada
Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Canada. However, there are regulations to ensure that all players are within the province. If a player is outside of Ontario, he cannot play in the DFS contest. This could make it difficult to offer DFS contests.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates online gaming, including daily fantasy sports contests. Regulations require that all entrants are from Ontario. Operators must also pay an annual licensing fee of $100,000, and must give back at least 20% of revenue to the provincial government. These regulations make it harder for smaller operators to get into the DFS market.
In other Canadian provinces, daily fantasy sports is not regulated. In the home state of Georgia, for example, residents must be at least 19 years old to participate in contests.
Safety of online sportsbooks in Canada
One question you’re likely asking yourself is how safe are online sportsbooks in Canada? To be honest, the safety of sports betting online is a matter of conjecture, but it’s hard to deny that it’s possible. Several Canadian provinces have had some success launching their own regulated sportsbooks. The federal government has been largely out of the loop when it comes to sports gambling, allowing provincial lotteries to handle the bulk of the action.
In terms of regulatory oversight, there is a clear distinction between offshore and land-based sportsbooks. Offshore operators have been able to offer Canadians a sports betting experience without worrying about the tax man. This has been a boon to potential legal operators who have been able to test the water and see what works before committing to a nationwide rollout.