Political lines are blurring as Ontario dives into political betting ahead of the February 27 provincial election and the looming federal race to replace Justin Trudeau. As top sportsbook sites like BetMGM and FanDuel introduce odds on everything from election winners to the next Governor-General, Ontario is stepping into uncharted territory. The province, already a leader in sports betting, is now exploring how much Ontarians are willing to wager on political outcomes.
Political Fever Hits Ontario's Betting Boards
While sports betting has been legal in Ontario since 2022, political betting is a fresh addition. BetMGM has already set odds for the upcoming provincial election, where Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives (PCs) dominate the polls. Instead of betting on the overall winner, the sportsbook offers odds on who might take second place, with the Liberals at -278, NDP at +175, and the Greens at a distant +10,000.
But it doesn’t stop at party wins. BetMGM is also offering unique bets like the odds on the next Governor-General, with astronaut Chris Hadfield at +600 and Jordan Peterson at +2,000. According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), this move indicates that sportsbooks see political betting as the next big thing in the province’s $1.6 billion gambling industry.
Why Politics, Why Now?
The timing isn’t a coincidence. With Ontario's election days away and the federal Liberal leadership race gaining momentum, sportsbooks are tapping into political uncertainty. Political expert Amanda Galbraith told Casino.org, “The markets suggest most Canadians see a Mark Carney win in the Liberal leadership as a done deal—but they’re not sold on him beating Pierre Poilievre in a general election.” This kind of unpredictability is precisely what appeals to bettors.
Ontario’s well-established sports betting culture also plays a role. With over 1.5 million active bettors in the province, BetMGM believes there’s potential for political betting to thrive. “There could be a lot of bumps on the road in the coming weeks,” a company spokesperson said, suggesting cautious optimism about this new venture.
Early Reactions: A Slow Start
While political betting is gaining attention, the initial uptake has been modest. “There’s interest, but these are small markets and only in Ontario,” a BetMGM representative noted. Political betting doesn't quite deliver the same rush as sports, but it’s still catching on. Ontarians are already sharing their thoughts on social media, with some poking fun at long-shot bets like the Green Party’s +10,000 odds.
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