Esports betting has quickly gained traction as competitive gaming booms. Thanks to recent changes in gambling laws, Canadians can now legally wager on esports events through regulated sportsbooks in several provinces. 

Below, we’ll cover some of the most important things to keep in mind about the legality of esports betting in Canada. 

Is esports betting legal in Canada? 

Esports betting is legal in Canada, but it depends on where you live. Canada’s gambling system is regulated at the provincial level. This means that each province sets its own rules for online and land-based betting. 

In 2021, Bill C-128 was passed, making single-event sports betting legal nationwide. This law coming into effect allowed provinces to expand their markets to include esports alongside traditional sports. Since then, traditional and esports betting has taken off across multiple provinces.

Ontario led the way in introducing a fully regulated iGaming market with licensed sportsbooks such as BetMGM, FanDuel and more offering betting options. Some provinces offer sports betting through government-run entities such as British Columbia and Quebec which use PlayNow and Mise-o-jeu+. 

In other provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, esports betting frameworks are more limited but may grow in the near future.

History of Esports Betting in Canada 

Canada’s laws on sports and esports betting have been strict in the past. For many years, Canadians could only wager on parlay bets (predicting the outcome of multiple events) under the Criminal Code of Canada. This federal law disallowed single-event betting, making it impossible for bettors to legally wager on individual sports matches.

As traditional sports betting became more popular worldwide, pressure grew to change Canada’s sports betting laws. The argument was that billions of dollars in revenue were being lost to offshore betting sites. Canadian bettors were already using these sites to get around the restrictions imposed by Canadian law. 

In 2021, Bill C-128, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, was passed. This change amended the Criminal Code to legalize single-event sports betting and allowed provinces to regulate and license sportsbooks within their jurisdictions. With traditional sports betting booming, the door opened for esports betting to follow suit, as they are classified under sporting events.

Since then, several provinces have developed safe, regulated markets where esports betting is treated in the same light as traditional sports betting. Now, esports betting is a legitimate and growing part of Canada’s sports betting.

How Esports Betting Is Regulated by Province

With the gambling laws being set by each province, the rules and availability of esports betting vary widely across the country. Some regions have fully open markets with licensed esports betting sites, while others only allow government-run betting platforms. Here’s a quick overview of how the major provinces are regulated:

Province	Regulation and availability
Ontario	Fully regulated betting market since 2022. Licensed sportsbooks can legally offer traditional and esports betting.
Quebec	Operates through a government-run platform known as Mise-o-jeu+ with limited esports betting markets. Private bookies aren’t allowed to operate yet.
Alberta	Esports betting is available through PlayAltbera.ca. The platform is managed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC)
British Columbia	Esports betting is available on a provincially run platform called PlayNow.com. Limited market options are available.
Manitoba	Uses PlayNow.com under a partnership with British Columbia. Esports betting is available, but options are also limited.
Saskatchewan	Esports betting started in 2022 through PlayNow Saskatchewan. The platform is run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority but offers limited market access.
Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island)	These provinces are regulated through the Atlantic Lottery's Pro Line+ platform, but esports markets are limited.

What Is the Legal Gambling Age in Canada?

The legal betting age in Canada depends on the province you’re based in. Generally, the age ranges between 18 and 19 years old. In most regions including Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, you can start betting at the age of 18. 

In Ontario, British Columbia, and the Atlantic provinces, the legal betting age is 19. The age limits apply to both online and in-person betting.

Age Verification on Esports Betting Sites

Before you can place bets or withdraw your winnings, you need to verify your age and identity with the sportsbook. This process ensures you meet the legal gambling age in your province and protects against underage betting. Most licensed bookies require you to verify your age and identity right after signing up.

To verify your account, you’ll typically be asked to upload a copy of your government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license for example). In most cases, you’ll also be asked for proof of address, which can include a utility bill or bank statement. 

Verification usually takes a few hours, but if your documents are unclear or some details need to be verified, it could take longer.

How to Bet on Esports in Canada

Betting on esports in Canada is easy and straightforward, especially in provinces where that offer regulates sportsbooks. We’ll take a closer look at the exact steps you need to take to start your esports betting journey in Canada safely and legally below:

Key Things To Know Before Betting on Esports in Canada

Before you place your first esports bet, it’s worth knowing a few important details about how betting works in Canada. Knowing the legal and practical side of things can help you to stay safe, compliant, and have a great time. Here’s what you need to know:

💡 Always check your provincial laws first. Each province regulates esports betting differently, and you need to confirm if it’s legal in your province. You also need to ensure that your sportsbook is licensed in your province before signing up.

💡 Use licensed and reputable sportsbooks. Always stick with the well-known, government approved operators. This ensures that you’re always treated fairly and protected when using the platform.

💡 Your winnings are generally tax-free! In Canada, gambling winnings are exempt from tax for casual players. However, if betting becomes a full-time source of income, your winnings will become taxable.

💡 Understand the odds and markets. Learn how betting odds work and how they differ between sportsbooks. Take the time to explore different markets such as match winners, each way bets, prop bets and live bets to find your favorite experience.

💡 Set a budget and be responsible. Decide how much you can afford to lose and always stick with it. Use responsible gambling tools like deposit limits or time-out tools if they’re available on your sportsbook.💡 Complete your verification process early. It’s tempting to skip the ID verification process when you sign up, but you won’t be able to use any bonuses or withdraw your winnings unless you verify your account.

Conclusion

Esports betting in Canada has come a long way over the past couple of years. The laws were strict on betting, but the legalization of single-event betting in 2021 freed the reins on traditional and esports betting across multiple provinces. 

Canadians can now place bets through regulated and licensed sportsbooks in some provinces. In other provinces, you need to go through government-run platforms to bet on esports. 

As esports continues to grow, Canada’s betting laws will likely keep on evolving as well. Always remember to follow the laws, use reputable, licensed operators, and gamble responsibly.

FAQs

References

1. Government of Canada announces coming into force date of  Criminal Code amendments on single event sport betting (Government of Canada)