Bet365 is legal in Canada. But overall legality also depends on your location. In Ontario, Bet365 has had a full license from the provincial government since April 2022.
In all other provinces, Bet365 works through licenses from other countries like Gibraltar and Malta. This is called the “grey market”, but it’s still legal for you to use.
This guide explains everything about using Bet365 in Canada, the laws in each province, how to stay safe, and what other options you have.
Is Bet365 Legal in Canada?
Bet365 is completely legal to use anywhere in Canada. In Ontario, the government has given Bet365 an official license through iGaming Ontario.
Outside Ontario, Bet365 operates with licenses from Gibraltar and other trusted countries. It’s legal for all Canadians to sign up, deposit money, and place bets.
No Canadian law says you can’t use betting sites that have licenses from other countries.
That is why Bet365 is available across the whole country, and only Ontario has local government control over it.
How Online Betting Laws Work in Canada
Canada’s gambling rules can feel confusing. The Federal (national) government sets the main laws, but each region (Provincial Jurisdiction) decides how gambling is run locally.
That means your experience can change depending on where you live.
Federal vs Provincial Jurisdiction
Canada’s Criminal Code says that all gambling is illegal unless provincial governments run it or approve it.
| What the Federal Government Does | What Provinces Do |
|---|---|
| The Criminal Code lists gambling crimes in several sections | Each province makes its own gambling rules and agencies |
| In 2021, Bill C-218 removed the federal ban on single-event sports betting from the Criminal Code. | Provinces can license private companies or run their own betting sites |
| Before this, you could only bet on multiple games together | Rules are very different from one province to another |
| Federal money-laundering laws apply to all gambling companies | Only Ontario lets private companies like Bet365 get local licenses |
This means the federal government sets the basic rules, while provinces create their own detailed gambling systems.
Why Bet365 Can Operate in Most Provinces?
While Canadian law says only provincial gambling is legal, no law makes it illegal for you to use betting sites from other countries. This creates a “grey zone” where Bet365 can serve Canadian customers.
How Offshore Betting Works:
- Bet365 has licenses from countries like Gibraltar, Malta, and the United Kingdom
- Using these sites is not a crime under Canadian law
- Provinces can’t arrest or charge you for using offshore betting sites
- You face zero legal risk for using licensed offshore sites
Why Provinces Don’t Block These Sites:
- In January 2025, Manitoba got a court order against offshore operator Bodog (one of the first cases like this in Canada)
- Usually, enforcement targets the companies, not the players
- Most provinces don’t have laws to block offshore sites
- Players never get in trouble for using licensed offshore sites
Bet365 Legal Status in Each Canadian Region (2025)
Bet365 works everywhere in Canada, but the rules are different by location. Ontario has full local government control, while other provinces use the offshore model.
| Province/Territory | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Fully Legal & Licensed | Official license from the Ontario government since April 2022 |
| British Columbia | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Alberta | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Saskatchewan | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Manitoba | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Quebec | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, French support available |
| New Brunswick | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Nova Scotia | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Prince Edward Island | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Yukon | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Northwest Territories | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
| Nunavut | Grey Market Legal | Offshore license, legal to use |
Below is a more detailed explanation of these region wise differences.
Ontario – Fully Legal & Regulated
Ontario is the only Canadian province where Bet365 has an official local license. Bet365 got approved by Ontario’s gaming regulators in April 2022 when the province opened its gambling market to private companies.
Important Facts:
- Bet365 must follow strict Ontario government rules
- The province takes 20% of the gambling company’s revenue
- The Ontario version only works when you’re physically in Ontario
- Separate from the rest of Canada, Bet365 with different bonuses and payment options
What This Means for Ontario People:
- Full protection under Ontario law
- Official process if you have problems
- Your winnings are guaranteed
- Required safety tools for problem gambling
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan
These western provinces allow Bet365 through its Gibraltar license in the grey market. You can legally use Bet365, but it doesn’t have a local license in these places.
British Columbia:
- The province runs PlayNow through BC Lottery Corporation
- No plans to let private companies get licenses
- Bet365 stays legal through offshore access
Alberta:
- Alberta runs PlayAlberta.ca online and Sport Select in stores
- Experts think Alberta might copy Ontario’s system next
- No restrictions on offshore sites right now
Saskatchewan:
- Partnership between Saskatchewan gaming groups runs PlayNow
- Anyone 19+ can legally use both government and offshore sites
Quebec, Manitoba, Atlantic Provinces
People in these provinces commonly use Bet365 legally through offshore access. Government-run sites provide local alternatives.
Quebec:
- Quebec tries to block unlicensed offshore sites, but targets companies not users
- Loto-Québec runs Mise-o-jeu as the only government-approved site
- Bet365 offers French-language support for Quebec users
Manitoba:
- Manitoba uses BC’s PlayNow through an agreement
- No legal problems with using offshore sites
Atlantic Provinces (NB, NS, PEI, NL):
- Atlantic Lottery runs PROLINE Stadium in all four provinces
- Single-game betting is available on the government site
- Offshore sites like Bet365 remain legal to use
Bet365 Features for Canadian Users
Bet365 has features that have attracted so many users towards it. Here is a brief comparison of Bet365 with the government betting sites to know the difference.
| Feature | Bet365 | Government Sportsbooks |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Coverage | Huge global coverage: NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, soccer worldwide, cricket, tennis, esports, and rare sports | Mostly just the North American major leagues |
| Live Betting | Advanced live betting with instant odds updates | Basic or no live betting on most sites |
| Odds Quality | Competitive international odds | Government sites pay much less |
| Bet Types | Single bets, parlays, props, futures, live bets, bet builder | Most government sites mainly do parlays with few single-bet options |
| Live Streaming | Free live streaming of thousands of events if you have an account | Usually not available |
| Mobile Experience | Full mobile apps for iPhone and Android | Some government apps are complicated |
| Payment Options | Credit cards, debit cards, Interac, e-wallets, Paysafecard, Instadebit | Limited payment options |
| Betting Limits | High limits for serious bettors—up to $50,000 via cards | Usually lower limits |
| Bonuses | Regular promotions, odds boosts, welcome offers | Government sites rarely offer bonuses |
Both platforms have clear Differences. You can decide which platform fits your choices and preferences from this table.
How to Use Bet365 Legally in Canada?
Using Bet365 in Canada is simple, though it’s slightly different for Ontario versus other provinces.
Step 1: Check If You Qualify
- Must be 19 years old (18 in Alberta and Quebec)
- Must be physically in Canada when signing up and betting
- Need valid Canadian ID
Step 2: Pick the Right Platform
- Ontario residents: Use the Ontario-specific Bet365 licensed by the Ontario government
- Other provinces: Use the Canada-wide Bet365 with a Gibraltar license
- This matters because Ontario’s version only works in Ontario
Step 3: Sign Up
How to register at Bet365 Ontario:
- Go to the Bet365 website and click “Join”
- Pick your province from the dropdown
- Enter personal details: email, phone, full name, birthday, address
- Set deposit and loss limits by choosing a time period and an amount
- Create a strong password
- Enter referral code if you have one
- Accept terms and conditions
- Verify your account through email or phone
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
Documents needed:
- Proof of identity: Passport, driver’s license, or government ID
- Proof of address: Utility bill, bank statement (from last 3 months)
- Proof of payment: Bank statement or credit card statement
- Usually verified within 48 hours
Step 5: Understand Location Rules
- Ontario users: Must stay physically in Ontario while betting. Computer users need a location verification app.
- Other provinces: Must be in Canada but can cross provincial borders
- Using VPNs violates the rules and can get your account closed
Step 6: Make Your First Deposit
Payment methods available:
- Interac (most popular for Canadians)
- Credit/debit cards
- Paysafecard
- Instadebit
- E-wallets
How much you can deposit:
- Credit/debit cards: up to $50,000
- Interac or Apple Pay: up to $10,000
- Instadebit: up to $20,000
Step 7: Start Betting Responsibly
- Set your own deposit and loss limits
- Use responsible gambling tools
- Start with smaller bets to learn the platform
- Read betting rules for different sports
Taxes & Payout Rules for Canadian Players
Gambling winnings are not taxed in Canada for regular players. The government treats them as “windfalls” (like finding money) rather than income. This applies to Bet365 and all other gambling sites.
Tax Treatment of Gambling Winnings
For Regular Gamblers:
- Lottery and gambling winnings of any amount are not taxable
- Canadian tax law says you don’t pay taxes on winnings from online casinos, sports betting, or horse racing
- This applies to land casinos, government online casinos, and offshore sites you can access from Canada
- You don’t need to report winnings on your tax return
Important Exception—Interest on Winnings:
- If you invest your gambling winnings and earn interest, you must pay tax on that interest
- If you put casino winnings in a savings account, you pay tax on the interest earned (15% to 33% depending on your income)
- Investment income must be declared on tax forms
Professional Gamblers
If gambling becomes your main job or you organize it like a business, the Canada Revenue Agency might classify you as a professional gambler whose winnings are taxable.
What Makes You a Professional:
- You gamble regularly and systematically to make profit
- You have special skills or knowledge that improve your chances
- You gamble very frequently
- You show you’re trying to live off gambling profits
Tax Rules for Professionals:
- Professional gamblers must pay income tax between 15% to 33% on net gambling profits depending on income
- Gambling losses can be deducted from winnings for professional gamblers only
- Must keep detailed records of all gambling
- A 2025 court case clarified when poker winnings become taxable business income
ID Requirements for Withdrawals
Before your first withdrawal from Bet365, you must verify your identity by sending:
- Government photo ID (passport, driver’s license)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement from last 3 months)
- Proof of payment method
Large Withdrawals:
- Money-laundering laws require operators to report certain large transactions to Canada’s financial intelligence agency
- Legitimate large winnings are legal and not taxable for regular players
- Operators may ask for extra verification for larger payouts
US Gambling Tax Recovery
Canadians gambling in US casinos face a 30% tax on winnings over $1,200 USD, but can claim refunds through the Canada-US Tax Treaty.
How to Get Refund:
- Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS
- File IRS Form 1040NR to claim refund
- This doesn’t apply to online Bet365 winnings, only US land casinos
Pros & Cons of Using Bet365 in Canada
| Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best betting platform recognized worldwide | No cryptocurrency payments in Ontario | Crypto might work in a grey market version |
| Much better odds than government sites (up to 50% better payouts) | No loyalty points program | Has promotions instead |
| Huge sports coverage, including rare and international sports | Ontario users must verify location via the app on computers | Phone users not affected |
| 24/7 live chat support with fast responses | Grey market version not locally regulated outside Ontario | Still internationally licensed and safe |
| Early cash-out options and bet builder features | Must verify identity before withdrawals | Standard for all betting sites |
| Free live streaming of thousands of events | Ontario residents are stuck with the Ontario platform only | Separate from the rest of Canada |
| Excellent mobile apps for iPhone and Android | Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the many features | Has a comprehensive help section |
| Over 20 years of reliable operation since 2000 | – | Industry-leading reputation |
| Can bet on single games (unlike most government sites) | – | True betting flexibility |
Is Bet365 Safe and Legit for Canadian Players?
Bet365 is a huge betting site and has also been trusted worldwide for 20 years. It has not faced serious problems so far, but here is how to decide whether it is safe for you.
Licensing & Compliance
1. International Licenses:
- Bet365 has licenses from Gibraltar, Malta, and the United Kingdom. These are three very trusted gambling regulators in the world
- Member of the International Betting Integrity Association (fights match-fixing and cheating/fraud)
2. Ontario-Specific License:
- Fully licensed by Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission
- Must meet strict Ontario standards for protecting players
- Regular checks and audits
3. Safety Standards:
- Uses strong encryption to keep your data safe
- No confirmed cases of refusing to pay legitimate winnings
- Strong record of following rules in all markets
Data Protection & Payment Security
Bet365 keeps your information safe with bank-level encryption and clear privacy policies.
1. Security Features:
- Encryption for all money transfers
- Works with major Canadian banks
- Supports Interac (very popular in Canada)
- Multiple verified payment methods
2. Getting Your Money:
- Most withdrawals are processed in 24 to 48 hours, depending on the method
- Withdrawals usually take 1-5 business days
- Minimum withdrawal is $10
- Consistent history of paying on time
Player Safety Tools
Bet365 has tools to help you gamble responsibly, including self-exclusion, deposit limits, time limits, and bet limits.
Available Tools:
- Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
- Set loss limits to control spending
- Set time limits for sessions
- Self-exclusion options (temporary or permanent)
- Reality checks and activity reports
- Links to professional gambling help services
If you’re in Ontario and have gambling problems, call the Connex Ontario hotline at 1-866-531-2600.
Conclusion: BET365 Is Safe & Legal To Use in Canada
Bet365’s legal status in Canada is straightforward: fully regulated in Ontario through government licensing, and legally accessible in all other provinces through offshore licensing. No Canadian law stops residents from using internationally licensed betting platforms, making Bet365 a safe and legal choice everywhere. The platform’s 20-year track record, multiple licenses, and industry-leading features explain why it’s Canada’s most popular sportsbook. Whether you choose Bet365 or government alternatives depends on what matters to you—competitive odds and complete features versus government-backed platforms. Either way, Canadian bettors have access to legal sports betting with Bet365 leading the market in quality and reliability.
FAQ
No. Ontario residents must use the Ontario-specific Bet365 platform, which is separate from the rest-of-Canada platform. Similarly, people from other provinces can’t access the Ontario platform even when visiting Ontario unless they live there.
Using a VPN to access Bet365 breaks the platform’s rules and can get your account suspended or closed. Also, using VPNs to get around gambling restrictions might violate provincial laws.
Withdrawal times depend on your payment method. E-wallets usually process within 24 hours. Bank transfers and Interac withdrawals usually take 1-3 business days. Credit and debit card withdrawals can take 2-5 business days.
Bet365 doesn’t allow betting on events where there are match-fixing or integrity concerns. Generally, you can’t bet on Olympic events with athletes under 18, or on non-sporting events like entertainment awards. Specific restrictions vary by location. The platform clearly shows which events you can bet on in your area.
First, contact Bet365’s 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, or phone. Most problems get solved quickly at this level. If you’re not happy with the solution, ask to speak to a supervisor or the complaints department. Keep records of all communications and save proof of the disputed bet.
