Sports betting in Ontario and Toronto was tightly controlled for a long time. People could only use government-run platforms like Pro-Line, where they had to place bets on multiple games at once. It was harder to win, and many gamblers didn’t like that.
Because of these limits, people found other ways to bet. Many turned to offshore websites, which offered better odds and more options. The government had no control over these sites, so it couldn’t protect consumers or collect money from the bets. More and more Canadians were using these unregulated platforms, showing an apparent demand for a legal option.
Why Legalisation Became Necessary
The Canadian government saw a problem. Billions of dollars were being bet, but none of it was helping the economy or ensuring safe gambling. The country was missing out on tax money that could be used for public services.
People in Toronto and Ontario love their sports. Teams like the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jays have huge fan bases. Betting on games was already familiar, even if it wasn’t fully legal. Meanwhile, in the U.S., sports betting was expanding fast. Canada didn’t want to be left behind.
Technology also played a big role. More businesses were moving online, and sports betting was no different. In the U.S., people could place bets on their phones with just a few taps. Canadian gamblers wanted the same experience. The government saw that legal betting was the future, so it had to act fast.
How Sports Betting Became Legal
In June 2021, Canada passed Bill C-218. This changed the law and allowed single-event betting. The new rule officially started in August 2021. Provinces were given the power to create their own rules and systems.
Ontario moved quickly. Instead of allowing only government-run sports betting, it invited private companies to join the market. iGaming Ontario, a branch of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), set the rules.
In April 2022, the province opened its doors to private sportsbooks. Companies like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings joined right away. Suddenly, Ontario had one of North America’s most competitive sports betting industries.
How Ontario and Toronto Took Over the Market
Ontario became the biggest sports betting hub in Canada in no time. Its population was huge—about 15 million people. Toronto, as the biggest city, was the perfect place for betting to grow. There were multiple major sports teams and millions of passionate fans.
The numbers proved Ontario’s success. By the end of 2022, the province’s legal sports betting industry was handling over $1 billion in monthly bets. In just one year, more than $35 billion was wagered. The industry earned nearly $1.4 billion in revenue. No other province came close.
Toronto played a huge role in this. Big stadiums like Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and BMO Field were packed with fans who could now place bets from their phones while watching live games. Sportsbooks partnered with teams to push betting promotions, further increasing engagement. Many sportsbooks also capitalised on the opportunity by launching special offers, like the Betano Ontario sportsbook offer to attract new bettors. With the ability to place real-time wagers, fans found a new level of excitement in watching live games.
Why Ontario and Toronto Lead the Way
Many factors helped Ontario and Toronto dominate sports betting in Canada. One of the biggest reasons was competition. Unlike other provinces that kept sports betting under strict government control, Ontario allowed private companies to operate. That meant more sportsbooks, better odds, and more choices for gamblers.
Technology helped, too. Most bets were placed on mobile apps, not in physical locations, making it easier for more people to get involved. Even casual sports fans could place a quick bet on their phones while watching a game.
Toronto’s strong sports culture was another key reason. The city has fans of every major North American sport. There were always games to bet on with teams in the NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS. Playoffs and championships brought even more action, as people rushed to place bets on their favourite teams. Soccer betting also became popular, thanks to Toronto’s diverse population.
Sports betting also boosted Ontario’s economy. The government collected taxes and licensing fees, which could be used for public services. Sportsbooks hired people for tech, marketing, and customer service jobs. Media companies, sports leagues, and local businesses all benefited from the boom.
Toronto and Ontario didn’t just become sports betting hotspots by chance. People had been placing bets for years, even when it wasn’t fully legal. The government finally saw the potential and created a market that worked.
Technology, competition, and a strong sports culture helped sports betting take off. Billions of dollars flowed through the industry, proving the demand was real. Ontario’s decision to allow private sportsbooks gave it an advantage over other provinces, helping it dominate the market.
Toronto, with its teams, stadiums, and sports-loving population, became the heart of it all. The city helped Ontario become Canada’s sports betting capital, showing what a legal, well-run industry could achieve.
