Canadian Sports Betting

Since the passage of Bill C-218 in August 2021, which legalized single-game sports betting, Canadian provinces have been able to regulate and tax sports betting within their jurisdictions. This has led to a significant expansion of legal sports betting options across the country. Each province can set its own rules, with Ontario leading the way by opening its market to external online sportsbooks in April 2022.

In May 2024, a bill enabling the Alberta government to allow third-party gambling companies received Royal Assent, although the timeline for the launch remains unspecified.

Sports betting in Canada is established under the umbrella of Sport Select, which varies slightly according to the provincial lottery corporations that offer it. Originally set up for wagering on major North American professional sports leagues, Sport Select now includes English Premier League soccer and U.S. college basketball.

On Feb. 17, 2021, the House of Commons voted overwhelmingly in support of adopting private member's Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, on second reading. Following its adoption at second reading, Bill C-218 was immediately scheduled for examination by the Justice Committee On Feb. 18, 2021, the Speaker of House announced that government Bill C-13, which also proposes to decriminalize single event sports betting in Canada, will no longer proceed in the current legislative session.

On March 25, 2021, a Canadian Parliament committee unanimously passed an amended bill to legalize single-game sports betting. The amendment that was added to the bill allowed horse racing to continue offering parimutuel bets. Under the new proposed legislation, fixed odds wagering on horse racing would not be permitted.