Cricket betting is completely legal in Canada since Bill C-218 became law in August 2021. This changed everything from parlay-only betting to single-game wagers.
Each province now controls its own rules, with Ontario offering 30+ operators while others use government platforms.
This article explains Canada’s current betting laws, shows you where to bet legally, compares provincial options, and guides you through starting safely. You’ll get clear answers without confusing legal jargon.
Is Cricket Betting Legal In Canada?
Cricket betting became legal across Canada in August 2021. This happened because of a new law called Bill C-218. Before this law, betting on sports was very limited.
You couldn’t bet on just one cricket match. You had to combine bets from different sports.
Now things are much easier. You can bet on any cricket match you want. You can bet on who will win. You can bet on how many runs will be scored. The only rule is that you must use licensed betting sites.
These are sites approved by your province. Each province sets its own age limit. Some provinces require you to be 18. Others require you to be 19. All provinces check your ID to make sure you’re old enough.
Canada’s Sports Betting Laws (Updated 2025)
Canada’s betting laws are now much more friendly to cricket fans than they used to be.
1. Bill C-218: The Game-Changing 2021 Amendment
Before 2021, cricket betting in Canada was frustrating. You couldn’t simply bet on India vs Australia. Instead, you had to combine that bet with other sports. This was called parlay betting. Most cricket fans didn’t like this system.
Bill C-218 changed everything on August 27, 2021. This law changed the Criminal Code.
It allowed provinces to offer single-game betting. The government wanted to create a safe place for people to bet. They also wanted to keep the money in Canada instead of losing it to foreign websites.
This law opened the door for much better cricket betting. Now you can bet on individual matches. You can bet on tournaments. You can even bet on things like which player will score the most runs.
2. Canada Provincial Regulation Framework For Cricket Betting
Here’s something important to understand. Each province makes its own betting rules. This means your options depend on where you live. What works in Ontario might not work in British Columbia.
Ontario allows private companies to run betting sites. British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, and most other provinces only allow government-run sites.
The age limits are different, too. Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec let you bet at 18. All other provinces make you wait until 19.
The verification process is also different in each province. Ontario and Alberta just need to see your ID. Quebec and British Columbia ask for more paperwork. Quebec and Manitoba are stricter about what types of bets they allow.
Where To Bet On Cricket Legally In Canada
Your province determines what betting options you have. Let’s look at what’s available in different parts of Canada.
1. Ontario’s Leading Market (2025 Update)
Ontario opened its regulated betting market on April 4, 2022. This was huge news for cricket fans in the province. Ontario now has the best cricket betting in all of Canada.
Here’s what makes Ontario special:
- Over 30 licensed betting sites operate in Ontario.
- All sites must register with AGCO (the provincial regulator).
- Sites are managed by iGaming Ontario or OLG.
- You must be 19 years old to bet.
- Strong consumer protection rules are in place.
The competition between sites in Ontario is good for cricket fans. It means better odds. It means more betting options. It means more promotions during big tournaments like the IPL.
2. Government-Run Sportsbooks
Most other provinces use a different approach. They only allow government-run betting sites. These sites are more basic, but they’re completely safe and legal.
Here’s what’s available outside Ontario:
- PlayNow serves British Columbia and Manitoba.
- Play Alberta covers Alberta with basic cricket options.
- Espacejeux runs Quebec’s betting site in French and English.
- No private companies are allowed in these provinces.
- Government sites offer simple but reliable cricket betting.
These government sites don’t have as many betting options as Ontario. But they’re perfect for basic bets like picking the match winner. They’re also very secure with your money.
As cricket grows across Canada, fans are getting more interested in local tournaments too. You can find information about major cricket stadiums in Canada where these tournaments take place.
Here’s a simple table showing what’s legal in each province:
| Province | Government Option | Private Operators | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Proline+ | 30+ (Bet365, FanDuel, etc.) | 19 |
| BC | PlayNow | Government-only | 19 |
| Alberta | Play Alberta | Limited (expanding) | 18 |
| Quebec | Espacejeux | Government-only | 18 |
| Manitoba | PlayNow | Government-only | 18 |
| Others | Various | Government-only | 19 |
Ontario residents have many more choices than everyone else. The good news is that Alberta is planning to copy Ontario’s model. Other provinces might follow. This would give cricket fans more options in the future.
Best Cricket Betting Apps In Canada 2025
The quality of betting apps varies a lot depending on your province. Ontario residents get the best apps, while other provinces have more basic options.
Top Platforms For Cricket Betting In Canada
Your app choices depend completely on where you live. Here are the best options for cricket betting in each area.
Ontario Options:
- Bet365 has the most cricket betting markets and great live betting.
- FanDuel offers an easy-to-use app with good cricket odds.
- DraftKings has a strong mobile app with cricket promotions.
- BetMGM covers cricket well, including smaller leagues.
- Proline+ is the government option that’s secure and basic.
Ontario residents clearly get the best deal. These apps compete for your business. This means better features and more cricket betting options.
Other Provinces:
- PlayNow serves BC and Manitoba with basic cricket markets.
- Espacejeux gives Quebec residents the option to bet in French or English.
- Play Alberta is slowly adding more cricket betting options.
The difference between Ontario and other provinces is huge. Ontario apps might have 50 different bets for one cricket match. Other provinces might only have 5 or 10 options.
Many young players and families are now looking for good places to learn the sport. Explore the Cricket academies in Canada, which help players learn the basics, improve their skills, and play in real matches
What Cricket Events Can You Bet On?
Canadian betting sites now cover almost every major cricket event worldwide. The number of options depends on which site you use and which province you’re in.
Most Popular Events
- The Indian Premier League (IPL) has the most betting activity.
- ICC T20 World Cup draws huge interest from Canadian fans.
- The Ashes Series is popular with traditional cricket lovers.
- The Big Bash League (BBL) is great for late-night betting.
- The ICC Cricket World Cup is the biggest tournament of all.
- The Canadian Cricket League is growing as a local option.
The IPL is by far the most popular cricket tournament for betting in Canada. Even basic government sites add extra betting options during IPL season. Ontario sites go crazy with hundreds of different bets per match.
The timing works well for Canadian fans, too. Many cricket matches happen in the evening or at night in Canada.
This makes it easy to watch and bet at the same time. If you want to catch these matches live, you can learn more about live cricket streaming apps that work well in Canada.
How To Start Cricket Betting Legally In Canada
Starting cricket betting legally is simple once you know the steps. The key is following your province’s rules and betting responsibly.
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Getting started with legal cricket betting doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s exactly what you need to do.
Popular Betting Markets
- Match Winner (the easiest bet for beginners).
- Over/Under Runs (guess if the total runs will be higher or lower).
- Top Batsman/Bowler (bet on individual player performance).
- Tournament Winner (bet on who will win the whole tournament).
Getting Started Process
- Pick a licensed betting site that works in your province.
- Upload a photo of your government ID to prove your age.
- Make your first deposit using a secure payment method.
- Start with simple match winner bets before trying complex options.
- Set spending limits before you place any cricket bets.
This process protects you legally. It also makes sure you’re using safe sites that will actually pay you when you win.
Some betting sites do extra checks during big tournaments when lots of people are signing up. Having your documents ready makes the process faster.
Account Verification Process For Cricket Betting In Canada
Required Documents
- Government photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
- Proof you live in Canada, like a utility bill.
- Age verification through government databases.
- Location confirmation when you place bets.
Most legitimate betting sites verify your account within 1-2 days. It might take longer during busy times like the IPL or World Cup.
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Conclusion: Cricket Betting Is Legal In Canada
Cricket betting has been completely legal across Canada since August 2021, making it much easier and safer for cricket fans. Ontario currently offers the best options with over 30 licensed operators available.
Other provinces rely on secure government-run platforms that provide basic but reliable betting services. Always choose licensed operators and verify your province’s specific age requirements before starting.
More provinces are planning to expand their cricket betting markets soon. Remember to bet responsibly while enjoying legal cricket wagering.
FAQs
All sports betting has been completely legal since August 2021.
DraftKings only works in Ontario. Other provinces must use government sites.
You must be 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. You must be 19 everywhere else.
Recreational gambling winnings are not taxed in Canada.
You can bet on all major cricket, including IPL, World Cup, Ashes, and domestic leagues.
Stake is legal throughout Canada. However, it is not legal in the province of Ontario as it has its own regulated market, and Stake operates as an offshore platform.
