Last Updated On 7 March 2025, 8:06 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Gambling has existed in Canada for a long time. Betting on sports became more organized in the 1900s.

For a while, people could only bet through government-run systems requiring them to predict multiple events simultaneously.

This made betting difficult, so many Canadians turned to illegal sites or international betting platforms.

Everything changed in 2021 when Bill C-218 passed. It allowed single-event betting, meaning people could bet on just one game at a time. After that, provinces started setting up their own sports betting markets.

Where Sports Betting Stands Now

Betting on sports is now legal in some parts of Canada, but each province decides how it works. Ontario was the first to allow private companies to run sportsbooks in April 2022.

Other provinces, like British Columbia and Alberta, only allow betting through government websites and apps. Manitoba and Quebec follow a similar system. Some places have more options than others.

Ontario is the only province where private betting companies compete with the government.

People still rely on government-run betting platforms or use international sites in other areas.

The federal government does not control these rules. Instead, each province creates its own laws. Some areas may open up their markets in the future, but for now, the industry remains divided.

What’s Changing in the Industry?

More Private Companies Joining the Market

Ontario’s open market has attracted big names like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel. These companies bring more betting choices, better odds, and special promotions.

Other provinces are watching closely. If Ontario continues to succeed, other areas might follow and allow more private betting companies.

Electronic gaming machines (EGMs), like video lottery terminals and slot machines, are still found in casinos, bars, lounges, and racetracks. However, visitor numbers have been dropping.

More players are shifting to online betting, which continues to grow. Betting companies recognize this shift and are focusing their efforts on digital platforms.

Mobile apps are becoming a priority, and many sportsbooks are launching special promotions, such as the BetRivers affiliate code, to attract new users.

The future of gambling appears to be moving away from physical locations and into the online space.

Technology Is Changing How People Bet

Most bets happen online, and mobile apps are making it easier than ever. Companies use artificial intelligence to suggest bets, track statistics, and offer real-time predictions. More people are placing bets during games, known as in-play betting.

Micro-betting, which involves betting on small moments in a game (like the next goal or foul), is also growing. Some platforms are even exploring cryptocurrency payments, which could change how people deposit and withdraw money.

What Could Happen in 2025?

Esports Betting Will Get Bigger

More people are betting on esports, and the industry is growing fast. Games like Counter-Strike and League of Legends have enormous audiences.

Some esports teams, like Luminosity Gaming and Gaimin Gladiators, perform exceptionally well, drawing even more attention to the scene.

More sportsbooks offer esports betting options, and regulators are working to create clearer rules for this type of gambling.

In 2025, betting options will continue to expand. More types of bets will be available, and as streaming services improve, the esports betting market will see even greater growth.

With more fans watching and wagering, businesses are expected to invest more in promotions and exclusive deals to attract bettors.

Changes in Fees and Taxes

The government earns money from sports betting through taxes and licensing fees. These fees differ by province but might change as officials adjust regulations. If fees get too high, some companies might leave the Canadian market, reducing competition and limiting bettors’ choices.

Artificial Intelligence Will Play a Bigger Role

AI is already being used in sports betting, and its role is expanding. It helps companies detect fraud, prevent cheating, and offer personalized experiences for bettors.

AI can also track gambling behavior and warn people who may be betting too much. In 2025, AI will make betting platforms smarter and safer.

Summary

Canada’s sports betting industry keeps changing. Ontario has led the way in allowing private companies, and other provinces may soon follow. Esports betting is growing, technology is improving, and responsible gambling measures are strengthening.

In 2025, bettors may have more choices, new ways to place bets and better security. The future of sports betting in Canada looks busy and full of new possibilities.

Sidak Singh Dhanoa

I am a born Canadian citizen and growing daily with my content on INC – Immigration News Canada, developing into an empathetic person and knowing the other side of the story. Born in Toronto, exploring Canada from coast to coast, embracing the nomadic lifestyle.