Here are the best online betting options for Canadians (short list + what they’re best for), plus key legal notes and safety tips so you can choose the right site for you.

Top picks (by category)

• Provincial / government-run (safest, fully legal in participating provinces)

  • PlayNow (BCLC) — available in BC and in partnerships with Manitoba/Saskatchewan; good for players who prefer provincially regulated sites. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • PlayOLG / OLG (Ontario) and Espacejeux (Quebec) — provincially run options where available; they keep revenue inside the province and offer regulated play. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Major licensed private sportsbooks (widely used; licensed in Ontario and accessible where geo-permitted)

  • bet365 — long-established global operator; licensed in Ontario (launched there in April 2022) and known for broad market coverage, live streaming and in-play markets. (canadasportsbetting.ca)
  • BetMGM — launched in Ontario in 2022; strong app, promotions, loyalty program and casino + sportsbook integration in provinces where licensed. (casino.BetMGM.ca)
  • DraftKings — entered Ontario with sportsbook and iGaming in May 2022; popular app/features (same-game parlays, DFS background). (DraftKings.com)

• Other operators to watch (regional launches and offerings vary)

  • PointsBet, Betway, Caesars/Entain brands and others are active or expanding in Canada — availability depends on province and licensing. (Operator sites and provincial regulators list current availability.) (PointsBet.ca)

Important legal/availability notes

• Gambling law in Canada is provincial. Provinces control licences and which operators can market to residents; Ontario opened its regulated market to private operators in 2022, which is why many US/UK brands are live there first. If you’re outside a province that has licensed an operator, you may still be able to access offshore sites, but provincial regulation and protections differ. Always confirm a site’s licensed status for your province before depositing. (en.wikipedia.org)

How to pick a site (quick checklist)

• Licensing: prefer provincially licensed operators (AGCO/iGaming Ontario, BCLC, Loto-Québec, etc.). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Banking in CAD and local payment options (Interac, e‑wallets) to avoid conversion fees.
• Market coverage & odds: check that the sportsbook covers sports/leagues you care about (NHL, CFL, soccer, NBA, etc.).
• In-play/live betting & app stability if you bet on live events.
• Bonuses & T&Cs: low wagering requirements and clear withdrawal rules.
• Responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion, account limits). (casino.BetMGM.ca)

Safety tips

• Verify the operator’s licence (look for AGCO, iGO, BCLC, Loto‑Québec or other provincial regulator details on the site).
• Use strong passwords and enable any available 2FA.
• Start with small deposits and test withdrawals before making large deposits.
• If you have a gambling problem, use provincial supports (e.g., ConnexOntario, RGC resources) and self-exclusion where needed. (investors.mgmresorts.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• give a short comparison (fees, typical welcome bonus, app quality) of 3–5 specific sites you pick, or
• check which of these operators are licensed and available in your specific province right now (I’ll confirm the latest licensing/geo-availability).