Sports is deeply rooted in Canadian culture, with rabid fans spanning from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, and everywhere in between.
But of all the provinces, there’s perhaps none more passionate than those in Ontario, with numerous professional organizations to root for and now place wagers on with the convenience of Ontario betting apps.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most widely bet on sports, leagues and events in the province:
🏒 Hockey - As Canada's national sport, NHL betting captivates fans across Ontario with its fast-paced action and deep-rooted passion.
Whether you’re pulling for the province’s beloved Maple Leafs or the nations capital Ottawa Senators, there are plenty of Ontario betting apps offering ways to get in on the action, including moneylines, puck lines, over/under totals, player props, and futures, to name a few.
🏀 Basketball - The NBA, NCAA, and various international basketball leagues have developed a massive fanbase in Ontario.
The NBA betting craze in Canada has been buzzing since the Toronto Raptors 2019 NBA Championship, and with the influx of local talents like RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jamal Murray, the sport has never been bigger. Point spreads, moneylines, and over/unders represent just a small number of options available for basketball betting.
🏈 Football - Despite the absence of an NFL team, football remains a beloved sport in Ontario. With CFL teams in Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa, as well as the nearby Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions just a stone’s throw away, football fans have ample opportunities to engage in some CFL or NFL betting.
From classic moneylines and point spreads to NFL futures and Super Bowl props, there’s no shortage of football bets in Ontario betting apps.
⚾ Baseball - As the crack of the bat resonates throughout Ontario, baseball takes center stage. With its rich history and local representation of the Toronto Blue Jays, the sport draws in some incredibly passionate fans.
Betting on baseball offers a range of options, including moneylines, run lines, over/under totals, and player props, along with first five innings and live betting.
⚽ Soccer - The global phenomenon of soccer resonates strongly in Ontario, particularly with the rise of both the men’s and women’s national teams.
With numerous domestic and international leagues, including the local MLS and iconic European leagues like the EPL, German Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and La Liga, soccer betting presents a wide range of options, including match results, point spreads, over/under totals, and enticing prop bets.
🏅 NCAA Football/Basketball - Ontario's love for NCAA college football and basketball is undeniable. The NBA's rise in popularity has elevated the enthusiasm for basketball in the region, while football has long been entrenched in Canadian culture with a strong following for both CFL and NFL.
With talented local players making waves in both sports, along with the raw excitement of the CFB Playoffs and NCAA March Madness tournament, Ontario bettors have a plethora of thrilling betting opportunities to choose from year-round.
The Sporting Powerhouses of Ontario
With how passionate Ontario sports fans are, this comes with an unwavering sport for their local teams. From the iconic roar when the Leafs hit the ice in Scotiabank Arena to the chants of "Oskee Wee Wee, Oskee Wah Wah" echoing through Tim Hortons Field, Ontario sports fans are an incredibly loud and loyal bunch. Here are some of Ontarians' favourite teams to cheer for and bet on:
Toronto Raptors (NBA) - The Raptors are one of Ontario’s proudest organizations, especially after their 2019 NBA Championship victory. While they’ve always had a massive following, the heroic performances of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry in 2019 propelled them to new heights.
The sport of basketball has seen a continuous rise since the Raptors’ inception in 1995 as well, which has led to more viewership, betting, and an increased number of Canadians playing in the NBA, including RJ Barrett, Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, and previously, two-time MVP, Steve Nash.
Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) - Since the early 1970s, the Toronto Blue Jays have been a driving force in MLB sports in Canada. With two World Series championships (1992,1993), their dominance in the AL East division and a large fan base has made them highly popular for betting.
More recently, the Blue Jays have developed rising stars in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette namely, which along with their exciting gameplay have amplified their appeal across the province.
Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) - The iconic Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL have a dedicated fan base across Canada. They play in the modern Scotiabank Arena alongside the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Rock (NLL), and Toronto Marlies (AHL).
With former legends like Ted Kennedy, Darryl Sittler, and Mats Sundin, along with a current roster loaded with stars, including Auston Matthews and John Tavares, the Maple Leafs' rich history and competitive fervour have contributed to their immense popularity and widespread betting activity over the years.
Ottawa Senators (NHL) - Situated directly in the nation’s capital, the Ottawa Senators have a passionate following in Ontario.
Competing in the NHL’s highly competitive Atlantic Division, alongside the Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, the Sens have clinched one division championship, one Presidents’ Trophy, and one conference championship, but have yet to hoist the coveted Stanley Cup since their inception in 1992.
Still, with names like Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, and Erik Karlsson headlining their previous rosters, this team has developed one of the strongest fanbases in sports.
Buffalo Bills (NFL) - Despite the absence of an NFL team in Ontario, the Buffalo Bills are one of the province’s most beloved sports franchises.
Aside from their rich history of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s, they also have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL right now, with Pro Bowlers like Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Von Miller, to name a few.
New Era Field (Bills stadium), is just a short hour’s drive from major Canadian cities like Hamilton and Toronto as well.
Toronto Argonauts (CFL) - Founded in 1873, the Toronto Argonauts are one of the oldest professional sports teams in North America.
Competing in the CFL’s East Division, the Argos aren’t just the oldest team in Canadian football, but they’re also the most successful as well, having won the Grey Cup a record 18 times with more than 24 championship appearances.
This longstanding success and significant presence in the North American sports landscape has made them a popular choice to root for and wager on.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) - With a storied history in the CFL, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have enjoyed success and loyalty from fans across Ontario.
To date, they’ve won eight Grey Cups (third-most in CFL history), but with their most recent win being in 1999, the team currently holds the longest championship drought in the league.
Despite this, their recent playoff appearances and finals berths have revitalized the franchise, allowing fans and sports bettors alike to come together and immerse themselves in the thrilling world of the Ti-Cats football.