Sports betting is now legal in Canada. Until August 2021, Canadian sports bettors were only allowed to bet parlays, but after the Canadian Parliament changed its criminal code, things changed. Ontario is leading as the first province offering sports betting.
The question on everybody’s lips now is whether you will be able to bet on American sports in Canada. Canada has its own official sports, teams, and leagues, but American leagues and championships somehow give sports betting that ring to it. Today, we’re taking a look at whether it’s possible for you to wager on American sports.
Some sports betting legalization background in Canada
Single-game sports betting in Canada became legal in August 2021, as Canadian provinces now can regulate and tax wagering. Bill C-218 was passed, which allows single-game wagers and offers a much wider range for betting to Canadian citizens now that parlays are not the only option on the table.
So, it’s pretty safe to say that sports betting is legal now in Canada but not yet live. In April this year, Ontario will be the first Canadian province to offer legal online sports betting. Mobile sports betting will go live in Ontario on April 4, 2022.
An interesting fact about sports betting in Canada is that you don’t have to be 21 years or older to legally wager. It actually differs according to province. For example, in Alberta, Manitoba and Québec, the minimum age to gamble is 18.
In the seven provinces left over, namely Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan the minimum legal age to gamble is 19 years or older.
So, let’s get back to sports. Can Canadians bet on American Sports?
The short answer is yes. You can wager on all the major sports leagues, which includes the NFL, MLB, MLS, and NBA, as well as our very own Canadian football league.
So, this includes all major leagues for American football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. Below are some of the top sports betting providers you can expect to make an appearance and allow you to bet on all major US sport leagues.
The regulatory process and licensing structure are just getting built, so it’s too early to say what platforms will be available and when they’ll launch, and where they’ll be offered. There are some major platforms that have announced interest/intentions of breaking into the Canadian sports betting scene. These are:
theScore Bet:
theScore Bet is a Canadian company from Toronto that is already operating live in several US states. theScore is expected to launch in Canada and offer its top-notch sports betting services to Canadians.
BetMGM:
You can’t go wrong with BetMGM as it’s one of the biggest online sportsbooks in the US. The company is planning on constructing a casino in Calgary, Alberta.
PointsBet:
Great news! PointsBet has announced a Chief Commercial Officer for Canadian operations. That can only mean good things.
DraftKings:
This operator is a member of the Canadian Gaming Association and already operates its DFS (daily fantasy sports) games in Canada.
FanDuel:
FanDuel also offers DFS games in Canada.
Hard Rock:
Hard Rock is a member of the Canadian Gaming Association and owns casinos located in Vancouver and one in Ottawa that is opening soon.
Caesars:
Don’t forget about Caesars, who already own a casino in Windsor, Ontario. Caesars is also a member of the Canadian Gaming Association.
These sportsbooks are already rockstars in the US and are experts at offering premium wagering opportunities on all American sports.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information about when the first Canadian province is going live, which online sportsbooks to expect, and the confirmation that all Canadians of legal age can bet on American major sports leagues, all you need to do is wait for April 4th so you can celebrate in style.
There have been some changes in legislation in Canada that affects sports betting. If you want to find out more about single sports wagering and other details about sports betting in Canada, take a look at the article.
⌚When can I start betting on sports in Canada?
Since not all provinces are allowing sports betting to go live at the same time, it depends on where you are located. If you want more details about the first province going live in Canada with sports betting, take a look!
🏈Can I bet on the NFL in Canada?
Now that single sports betting is legal in Canada, there are loads of options when it comes to sports and leagues you can bet on. You can find all the details in our article.
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