by Gorilla
1 year ago
Sports betting in Canada has evolved significantly, especially with changes in legislation that have opened up the market. Here’s an overview of how sports betting works in Canada:
- Legal Framework:
- Bill C-218: This bill, passed in 2021, legalized single-event sports betting in Canada. Prior to this, sports betting was legal but limited to parlay betting, where bettors had to bet on the outcome of multiple events at once.
- Provincial Regulation: Each province in Canada can regulate sports betting within its jurisdiction. This means the rules and available betting options can vary from province to province.
- Types of Bets:
- Single-Event Bets: Betting on the outcome of a single game or event.
- Parlay Bets: Betting on multiple events in a single bet. All selections must win for the parlay bet to pay out.
- Over/Under Bets: Betting on whether the total score or points in a game will be over or under a predetermined amount.
- Point Spread Bets: Betting on the margin of victory in a game.
- Proposition Bets: Betting on specific occurrences or non-occurrences during a game (e.g., first goal scorer, number of touchdowns).
- Betting Platforms:
- Provincial Lotteries: Many provinces have their own sports betting services operated through provincial lotteries (e.g., Pro-Line in Ontario).
- Online Sportsbooks: With the legalization of single-event betting, numerous online sportsbooks are now available in Canada. These platforms might be global brands or Canadian-based companies.
- Retail Locations: Some provinces offer sports betting at physical locations, like casinos or designated betting shops.
- Age and Identification Requirements: The legal age for sports betting varies by province, typically 18 or 19 years old. Betting platforms require identity verification to ensure legal compliance.
- Responsible Gambling: Responsible gambling is a key focus in Canada. Betting platforms are required to provide tools and resources to promote responsible betting behaviors, such as setting deposit limits or self-exclusion options.
- Taxation of Winnings: Generally, gambling winnings are not taxed in Canada unless they are seen as a form of business income. This applies to professional gamblers whose primary income comes from gambling.
- Popular Sports for Betting: Hockey, particularly the NHL, is a popular choice for betting in Canada. Other popular sports include American football (CFL and NFL), basketball (NBA), soccer, baseball (MLB), and international sports events.
When engaging in sports betting in Canada, it’s important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations in your province. Always bet responsibly, and be mindful of the risks involved in gambling.