Is CS2 Betting Legal in Canada and Where Can You Safely Bet?

Yes,  betting on Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is legal in Canada, but it depends on where you live. Ontario runs a fully regulated betting market under iGaming Ontario, while other provinces allow access to reputable offshore esports sites such as GG.BET, Thunderpick, and Betway. Canadians can legally bet using CAD or cryptocurrency.

Betway — Our #1 Pick for CS2 Betting in Canada

When it comes to CS2 esports betting in Canada, Betway is our #1 overall recommendation. It’s one of the few platforms that’s fully licensed in Ontario under iGaming Ontario, giving players complete confidence in fairness and security.

Betway offers excellent coverage of CS2 tournaments, fast deposits with Interac, Visa, and Mastercard, and a smooth betting experience on both desktop and mobile. Canadian players outside Ontario can also use Betway’s international site, which mirrors the same trusted service.

Below you’ll find two bonus links,  one for Ontario players and one for those in other provinces.

 

Additional CS2 Betting Sites for Canadian Players

In addition to Betway, Canadian players also have access to other trusted CS2 betting platforms that specialise in wider markets and cryptocurrency payments.

GG.BET and Thunderpick both deliver strong esports coverage and crypto support, making them ideal for players outside Ontario. These sites are especially popular for live CS2 markets and quick Bitcoin or Ethereum deposits.

You can explore both options below,  each offers unique bonuses and deeper CS2 betting markets tailored for Canadian players.

According to Esports Insider (2025), Betway, GGBet and Thunder Picks platforms account for over 70% of Canadian esports betting volume outside government sites. In summary: Ontario players tend to prefer Betway for local regulation, while most other provinces rely on GG.BET and Thunderpick for deeper markets and crypto options.

How Does CS2 Betting Work in Canada?

To begin with, esports betting in Canada operates under provincial rules. Ontario licenses private sportsbooks through iGaming Ontario, making it the only fully regulated province. Other regions such as British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec allow access to offshore sportsbooks that operate legally under international licences.

Platforms like GG.BET and Thunderpick are registered in Curaçao and used safely by Canadians. They cover top tournaments like the Esports World Cup and PGL Majors and support both CAD and cryptocurrency.

Key takeaway: Canadians can legally place esports wagers if they use licensed or reputable offshore sportsbooks.

Which Provinces Allow Legal CS2 Betting?

Most importantly, esports betting is available across Canada, but how it’s regulated varies by province. Ontario operates a fully regulated market, while other provinces allow access to offshore sportsbooks.

Can You Bet on CS2 With Crypto in Canada?

Yes, and this is one reason offshore sites remain so popular for CS2 betting. Crypto betting is legal in Canada when using licensed operators. Platforms like Thunderpick and GG.BET accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin for instant deposits and withdrawals.

Crypto provides faster transactions and stronger privacy compared to traditional card payments. It’s also a preferred method for players outside Ontario who want quick deposits with minimal verification.

For a full breakdown of trusted platforms, visit our dedicated guide What Are the Best CS2 Crypto Betting Sites?

Pro tip: Always check whether your crypto wallet supports CAD conversion to avoid hidden exchange costs when cashing out your winnings.

What Are the Most Popular CS2 Betting Markets in Canada?

To give an example, the most common CS2 wagers among Canadian bettors include:

• Match Winner – Predict which team wins the match.
• Map Winner – Bet on a specific map result.
• Total Rounds (Over/Under) – Guess if a match goes longer or shorter than expected.
• First Kill – Bet on the first player or team to score.
• Outright Winner – Pick the winner of a full tournament like the Esports World Cup.

Data insight: Over 60% of Canadian bettors prefer live, in-match CS2 markets where odds change dynamically — according to HLTV’s 2025 esports betting report.

Are Offshore CS2 Betting Sites Safe for Canadians?

In most cases, yes provided they are licensed and transparent. Offshore sites used in Canada are regulated under jurisdictions like Curaçao eGaming or the Panama Gaming Authority.

They use SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and responsible gambling tools to protect players. Avoid unregulated “skin-betting” sites that trade game items instead of money, as they lack consumer protection.

Tip: Check each site’s licence number (usually listed in the footer) before depositing.

What Are the Pros and Cons of CS2 Betting in Canada?

In short: Canadian players enjoy freedom to bet, but regulation still varies regionally.

Which CS2 Tournaments Can You Bet On From Canada?

To illustrate, the table below highlights the top CS2 tournaments offering betting coverage for Canadian audiences. Each event attracts major international teams and features a wide range of betting markets.

Each tournament features diverse betting markets — from match winners and map handicaps to outright champions.

In Summary: Is CS2 Betting Worth It in Canada?

In summary, CS2 betting is legal, accessible, and growing rapidly in Canada. Ontario leads with full regulation, while the rest of the country relies on trusted offshore sites.

Best choices: Betway for Ontario, GG.BET and Thunderpick for all other regions.
Payments: Interac, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Ethereum.
Reminder: Always check local regulations, use licensed sportsbooks, and bet responsibly.

FAQs

Is it legal to bet on CS2 in Canada?
Yes. CS2 betting is legal nationwide either through regulated Ontario sites or offshore sportsbooks licensed internationally.

Can I use GG.BET in Ontario?
No. GG.BET is available in other provinces but not licensed for Ontario’s regulated market.

Can I use cryptocurrency to bet on CS2?
Yes. Crypto betting is permitted on reputable sites such as GG.BET and Thunderpick.

Which site is safest for Canadians?
Betway is considered the most secure for Ontario, while GG.BET and Thunderpick lead elsewhere.

What age do I need to be to bet on CS2 in Canada?
You must be 18 or older to register and place esports bets in Canada.

References

• Liquipedia – Esports World Cup 2025 Results
• AGCO Ontario – Sports and Event Betting Regulations
• Esports Insider – Is Esports Betting Legal in Canada?
• HLTV.org – CS2 Esports Events and Betting Reports

About the Author

Written by: Cian O’Rourke — Esports Betting Analyst at eGamingHQ.
Eight years covering esports betting markets including CS2, League of Legends, and Dota 2.

Reviewed by: Aoife Brennan — Senior Content Editor & Responsible Gambling Lead.
Fact-checked against official Liquipedia, AGCO, and HLTV sources for fairness and accuracy.

Last updated: 30th October 2025 • Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up or make a deposit through them — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend licensed and trusted esports betting sites that meet our review standards. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.