Full Legal Online Gambling Timeline for Canada

Canada has a long history of gambling that dates back to 1985 when the activities were first legalized in the country. However, it's taken the nation quite a long time to shape the gaming industry into the giant it is today. Still, the sector is in evolution and the latest development is the legalization of online sportsbetting in one of Canada's largest provinces, Ontario.

As of April 4, 2022, Canadian players can place bets on single events/games, thanks to the approval of the C-218 Bill, which amended the Criminal Code. Following that development, the biggest online sportsbetting sites in the industry have already started expanding their operations into Canada. On this page, you'll learn everything you need to know about legal online gambling in Ontario - keep reading.

Timeline of Ontario's Road to Legalization

Ontario's legal online gambling was officially launched in April 2022, making the province the first to pave way for private sportsbooks. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the body responsible for regulating the market and it's been quite busy as requests have been streaming in since the official launch of the market. Below, we've listed a few key developments on the road to legal Ontario sports betting after the endorsement of the C-218 Bill. Also, you'll do well to keep checking back as we bring the latest on the new sports betting market in Canada.

April 4, 2022: Online gambling in Ontario, Canada was officially launched and several top-rated sportsbooks went live under the jurisdiction of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), including BetRivers, FanDuel, and PointsBet among others.
April 5, 2022: A social betting app, Buddybet, became the 28th online gaming platform in Ontario to get a license from the AGCO.
April 7, 2022: theScore, one of Canada's big gambling brands, announced its partnership with The Toronto Blue Jays. The new partnership offers the online sportsbook exclusive national marketing rights on all gambling divisions. Also, theScore Bet will get a branded restaurant and bar at Rogers Center.
April 8, 2022: BetMGM and FanDuel became the first NHL North American sportsbetting partners, which will include Canada after its expansion.
April 11, 2022: Unibet gaming operator launched a legal Ontario online gambling app and website, which players in the Canadian province can use to place bets. Also, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) sealed a multi-year contract with PointsBet Canada, in which PointsBet is expected to forge partnerships with Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Maple Leafs among other MLSE franchises.
April 13, 2022: NorthStar Gaming, a well-reputed organization in the country, became the 29th iGaming operator, and 18th Ontario online legal gambling site to get a license from the AGCO. It's expected to go live as soon as everything is set straight with the iGaming Ontario's regulatory rules.
April 19, 2022: As at this date, Ontario online gambling market was up 30 legal gaming sportsbetting sites as Betway, yet another legendary bookie in Canada, took one of two steps required to be able to legally operate in this Canadian province.
April 21, 2022: ComeOn was added to the list of approved Ontario sportsbooks bringing the number of legal sites to 31 in total.

The Top 5 Legal Online Gambling Sites Heading to Ontario

We mentioned earlier, AGCO has had quite a busy month following the approval of the C-218 Bill, which has fully legalized Ontario online gambling. There have been new private gaming sites, both Canadian and internationally, seeking to get a share of the newly launched market as of April 4, 2022. Below, we've listed the top 5 online bookmakers already available for players in Canada.

DraftKings: This online betting platform has built a good reputation in North America with its huge sports selection, excellent customer support, and lucrative promotions and bonuses. It also provides a top-notch mobile app for iOS and Android users. So, it's worth checking out in Canada.
FanDuel: It's also live in Ontario now, meaning you can now place legal bets on single events and games of your choice. It not only comes with great sports betting markets but also offers a range of excellent promotional deals for Canada. On top of that, it offers an easy to use mobile app.
BetRivers: Players can also check out this Ontario online gambling operator. It's offering all new members a great welcome bonus deal to get them started easily. Also, it provides a safe and secure cashier system with fast payout options.
Caesars: Caesars is one of the best sportsbooks in the US and it's also joined the new Ontario online sportsbetting market. Players have access to a plethora of different sporting events each day with a ton of betting options. The site also offers decent odds not to mention a wide array of sports selection.
Bet365: It's an international online gaming site that's now live in Canada's legal sportsbetting market. Avid gamblers have probably come across the site, as it's been operating in the gray market - it's got a large sports library covering different markets and provides excellent odds too. So, as you look for a site to join in Ontario, place it at the top of your list.

Benefits of Legal Online Gambling in Canada

With the online gambling market in Ontario now open for private sportsbooks, Canada will enjoy a couple of benefits and we've listed them below;

Players have got more options when it comes to legal sports betting sites
You're now able to place legal bets on single events and games in Canada
Due to the number of sites joining the wave, bettors will benefit from broader markets
Also, players will have access to more and better promotions and bonuses across the new online gambling market in Ontario
Ontario is also going to see an increase in provincial revenue

Top Promotions and Bonuses for Players in Canada

As you'd imagine, the competition at the various lawful Ontario online gambling operators is quite stiff right now. All the players are offering the best real money bonuses to try and entice bettors, which is a plus for you. You can claim a lot of great offers, including free bets, welcome bonuses, risk-free bets, no deposit free bets, odds boosts, loyalty offers, and much more. Keep in mind, however, that these offers come with certain T&Cs, so it's important to see the fine print first.

Why Ontario is the First Province to Provide Legal Online Gambling in Canada

While gambling in Canada has always been legal, at least for the parlay betting market, the Ontarian local authorities needed to fully tap the market, as the province has got pretty big potential in gaming, hence the proposal of the C-218 Bill. With Ontario online gambling market open, private operators would join the market, and government revenue would shoot while providing legal sportsbetting to the Canadian residents.