Top Sports Betting Sites In Canada

Online Sports Betting in Canada

The Great White North has emerged as quite the popular destination for bookmakers. Sports have always been popular in the country, and betting sites have decided to capitalize on it. Thanks to the loose laws and no major bans for players in the past, Canada is becoming a massively popular destination for operators and a mecca for bettors.

Everyone knows that ice hockey is kind of a religion in Canada. With the emergence of online betting sites, bettors can get more markets than ever. The heavy competition has made the odds skyrocket, so it’s no wonder why betting sites are so hot in Canada right now.

If you love sports and placing bets on them, you’re at the right time and the right place. We’ll give you all the information you need to start betting at Canadian betting sites and find the best markets and odds.

For more details pls check our Canadian page www.sportsbetting24.ca.

This means that Canadian residents can take advantage of offshore gambling firms such as 888Sport, Betway and William Hill. Gambling is huge in Canada, with an estimated $4 billion being gambled every year by Canadian based players with offshore gambling firms. This is a huge amount in comparison with just $500 million being gambled on residential lotteries. 

Are Betting Sites in Canada Legal?

Yes, they are. Online betting sites have been legal in Canada for quite some time, as long as they have a valid license. At the moment, only parlay betting is available, but the government has just signed the C-218 bill that will expand sports betting in Canada. It will allow single wagers to, with provinces able to regulate betting sites on their own. The model is quite similar to what the USA has.

Many regulators have announced the launch of betting sites by the end of the year. Of course

Betting Laws and Regulations in Canada

As mentioned, the Canadian law is set to expand sports betting with single game wagers. It should go into effect soon, with the House of Commons having already adopted the bill in April. Canada’s Senate passed the bill in mid-June, and the bill has gained support at executive level as well.

Canada will soon be an even better place for bettors, with a slew of new betting sites that are fully legit to join and use.

Is it Safe to Bet Online in Canada?

Online sports betting in Canada is perfectly safe as long as you choose the right betting sites. Unfortunately, the increased number of betting sites has given birth to a wide range of scam sites that can cause a lot of trouble for you. Joining unlicensed betting sites can result in bigger problems than just losing your money. Identity theft is a real problem, and since you’re joining an unlicensed bookmaker, legal protection will be hard to find.

The good news is that in this guide, we’re going to show you only legit betting sites that you can trust. Join any of them, and you can rest assured that your information and money will never fall into the wrong hands.

How We Rate the Best Betting Sites in Canada

Reviewing and rating Canadian betting sites is a job that requires a lot of effort. Spend a few hours looking for the perfect bookie and you’ll see what we mean. Luckily for you, there’s no need to do that. Our team of experts has done the hard work for you, giving you an ultimate list of important factors we believe are key to a proper online sports betting experience.

We’re not just talking about the license. While important, so are the markets, odds, numbers of sports, and other factors. What good would a betting site be without proper 24/7 customer support? That’s how we rate Canadian betting sites and why our reviews are trustworthy.

Important Bookie Factors for Our Reviews

• License: if you want a proper online betting experience, a licensed bookie is key. Make sure to always register at legit betting sites unless you want to enter a deep pit of trouble.
• Safety and security: the best betting sites in Canada will have a valid SSL certificate the keeps your personal data and financial records in check. Without it, you should think twice before joining a bookie.
• Sports markets: slots and casino games are important for a casino, and the number and quality of markets are essential to a bookie. The more it has, the better. Of course, you should also go for a betting site that is suited to your interest. Don’t choose a bookmaker without Esports if that’s your forte.
• Odds: a good bookie will have valuable odds. You can’t pick a betting site with thousands of markets if the odds have no value. Make sure to shop for odds before you register at a bookmaker and start placing wagers.
• Customer support: the importance of reliable customer support has been truly underrated. A bookie is nothing without a good customer support team that will help bettors find what they need. Before you sign up with a bookie, ensure that it covers all the common channels including 24/7 email and live chat support.

The Betting Laws by State

The betting laws in Canada vary depending on which province you are placing the bet from. Canada is divided into 10 provinces; Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Colombia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Each of these provinces have their own laws and government structures, in a similar way to the US. This means that gambling laws do differ depending on what province you are in.

Listed below are the sports betting laws for each of the 10 provinces in Canada and whilst these are the only truly legal ways to place sports bets in Canada, the off-shore betting companies fall into a grey area of the law and no one has ever been prosecuted for placing bets using off-shore gambling firms such as 888Sport and 1XBET.

Ontario

Players may use PRO-LINE to place sports bets, but at least two games must be wagered on. Customers can choose a number of markets though, including points spread and over/under.

Quebec

Residents of Quebec may wager on sports teams or individual athletes through a game known as Mise-O-Jeu. Players may bet on two or eight outcomes, but you must win all of the selections to be successful. Bets can be placed online or at stores.

Nova Scotia

Customers who are over 19 years of age may place bets using PRO-LINE on a minimum of two teams or athletes using the parlay system.

New Brunswick

Again, PRO-LINE, using the parlay system can be used by customers from New Brunswick.

Manitoba

The Sports Select system allows players to wager up to $250 per day on two or more sporting outcomes. Players may choose from pools, props and overs/unders.

British Columbia

Betting tickets may be purchased in convenience stores or other licensed locations. Again, players must wager on at least two games.

Prince Edward Island

PRO-LINE may be used to place bets and these bets can be placed online or in licensed land based retailers.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The maximum daily wager is $250, with PRO-LINE available for customers to place bets.

Saskatchewan

Sports Select is available for residents of Saskatchewan. Customers may place parlay bets on baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and soccer.

Alberta

Again, Sports Select may be used by residents of Alberta, with the maximum amount allowed to be staked each day set at $250.

How to bet from Canada?

When it comes to starting to gamble and place sports bets from within Canada it can seem a little daunting and confusing. The sports gambling world falls into a grey area of the law, with no real rules written about gambling with off-shore bookmakers.

The laws do vary depending on what state you are based in, so we always recommend that you check your local laws before signing up. Another thing to consider is whether to choose a Canadian based, government checked bookmaker, such as PRO-LINE, or an offshore bookmaker such as 888Sport or 1XBET. As mentioned above, the huge advantage of going for an offshore bookmaker is the odds, but you may not be able to get all of the sports which you want to bet on.

No one has ever been punished by the government for placing a sports bet online with the companies we have listed, but we still recommend that you exercise caution when choosing a betting company.

When it comes to starting to bet in Canada, first of all you must choose a betting company. We suggest choosing one of the bookmakers we have listed above, as they are all safe, secure and accept bettors from Canada.

Registering for an Account

Once you have chosen the right bookmaker for you, you will need to register for an account. This is a pretty simple process and includes filling in forms containing your personal details, such as name, address, email address and date of birth. These details must be 100% accurate and correct as you will usually have to verify your account.

Verifying Your Account

When it comes to verifying your betting account, most bookmakers will require either your drivers license or passport as well as a utility bill to prove your address and identity. You must ensure that your details on your identification matches up exactly with the details on your registration information.

How to Deposit?

Banks have occasionally blocked payments made to betting sites and whilst this is extremely rare, we do not recommend using a bank card to deposit directly to your account. The best way to deposit funds into your account is by using a service such as Neteller, Skrill or Webmoney. The way that these e-wallets work is that you deposit money into the account using your bank card and then you can transfer the funds from your e-wallet to your betting account. You can then withdraw funds the same way.

Choosing Your Market

After you are registered and verified, you can start betting! When it comes to placing your first bet, it will differ a little depending on which site you are using, but as a general rule, you will do the following. Find the sport you want to bet on, choose your market and selection, review the odds and input how large of a stake you want to place.

What Makes Canadian Betting Sites Good?

As mentioned earlier, finding a good betting site is no easy task. However, by following the tips we mentioned above, you’ll be able to find a proper betting site. This means checking the license and other factors, but what are 10 minutes of your free time compared to a proper online betting experience for life?

The best Canadian betting sites will tick all the right boxes and allow you to bet without any problems whatsoever. Choose a proper site and you’ll never have to worry about your security or safety, and you’ll always get the best possible odds across a variety of markets.

Best Sports to Bet on in Canada

Soccer may be the king of all sports, but in Canada, ice hockey and American football rule the land. Of course, soccer is still popular, especially the MLS, Premier League, and the Champions League. Periodic competitions and tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championships are also held in high regard at top-rated betting sites in Canada.

Betting fans in Canada get to enjoy a slew of sports, with ice hockey being the most lovable one. The NFL, NBA, and UFC are also popular, but not as much as the NHL.

List of the Most Popular Sports Among Canadians

• Ice hockey: there’s no question that Canadian sports bettors love ice hockey. The NHL is a hugely popular league that’s also oriented toward the Canadian market. It was even found in Canada over a century ago. The whole North division comprises of Canadian-based teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. Thanks to that, the NHL is the top competition available at Canadian betting sites.
• Basketball: while it’s no NHL in terms of popularity, the NBA is a huge sport in Canada. The NBA is a force to be reckoned everywhere in the world, and the presence of the Toronto Raptors, who were champions a couple of years ago, makes NBA betting very popular in the North.
• American football: American football is popular all across America, but especially in the USA and Canada. It’s one of the world’s biggest sports, so it goes without saying that Canadian betting sites embrace it. The Super Bowl is a super-huge draw for bettors, with Canadians placing millions of dollars on it every year.
• Soccer: soccer may not be the juggernaut ice hockey is for Canadian bettors, but it’s still big in the country. The MLS is particularly popular, but so are the Champions League, Premier League, and the World Cup. Betting on the Canadian Premier League is also popular along with major European leagues including Serie A, the Bundesliga, and La Liga.
• CFL: the CFL a big market at Canadian betting sites. As a local league with 9 competing teams, it has millions of fans in the country. It may not be as popular as the NHL, but it’s still a preferred competition for many sports bettors. Excitement builds up for the playoffs and the Grey Cup which is the culmination of the season.
• Horse racing: horse racing has a rich heritage in Canada. Some of the world’s best races take place there. One notable example is the Canadian Triple Crown, but that’s not the only market you can bet on. The best Canadian betting sites include all the major and many minor horse races around the world, paired with great odds at top-rated Canadian betting sites.
• UFC: the UFC has enjoyed a massive surge of popularity around the world, and Canada is no exception. It’s a major favorite at many betting sites and comes with a packed list of markets and great odds that you’ll surely find valuable.

Besides these sports, there are plenty of others you can bet on at the best Canadian betting sites. These include tennis and emerging markets such as Esports. Non-sport events such as political races and TV show markets are also popular. More often than not, they can even offer better odds than popular markets such as soccer or the NHL.

Live Betting in Canada

Online betting comes in many shapes and sizes. Apart from the regular fixed odds betting, live betting is one particular market Canadian bettors love. It’s a completely different beast from fixed odds betting since the odds change all the time. It’s the future of betting according to some bookies, which is why the top Canadian betting sites all have it.

If you’re not familiar with the live betting concept, it allows you to place bets on matches while they’re in play. This changes the betting game instantly, giving you a chance to bet on live odds that go up and down. Of course, you’ll need to react quickly, as things in sports can change in a flash.

That might not sound particularly exciting for new bettors, but once you try it, you’ll see that it’s a blast. Live betting has changed the way the game is played. Join any of our recommended betting sites and try it – we’re sure you’ll be impressed if this is your first time.

Free Bets and Other Sports Betting Sites Bonuses & Promotions

As you may probably already know, the most powerful weapon bookies have in store are bonuses and promotions. That’s the way they lure new punters in and keep the existing ones satisfied. It’s only natural for free bets and bonuses to be the lure for small and big fish. There are many bookmakers out there, and they can’t just adjust the odds at will to reel new punters in. That’s where free bets and bonuses come into play.

At most Canadian betting sites, there will at least be a free bet you can claim. Free bets are usually offered to new punters, but seasoned bettors can get them as well. Think of it as courtesy for staying in the game for so long. Free bets for regulars are the best gift a bookie can give, especially if they arrive regularly.

Of course, the more common type of free bet is the welcome offer. These come in many shapes and sizes but usually cover the punter’s first deposit. For example, you might get a 100% match first deposit bonus in the form of a free bet. Or you can get a no deposit free bet that will be at your disposal as soon as you register.

Welcome bonuses are more common for Canadian online casinos than betting sites. Free bets are the name of the game right now, so if you’re joining any of our recommended betting sites, you’re likely to find one on offer.

Overview of the Top Canadian Betting Sites Bonuses

• Free bets: as mentioned earlier, you’re more likely to find a free bet on offer at new Canadian betting sites than anything else. This is the most common type of bonus available at bookies in 2021. Don’t be confused about the term free in the name – free bets have their terms and conditions too. Unless you complete the requirements, you won’t be able to claim any winnings accrued with free bets.
• Welcome bonuses: welcome bonuses are usually a first deposit bonus that matches your initial deposit up to 100%. Bookies can decide on their own if the welcome bonus covers anything over or under that numbers. Sometimes, you may get a higher welcome bonus spread across your first few deposits. In that case, you need to read the terms carefully to avoid any potential problems completing the requirements.
• Deposit and no deposit bonuses: apart from the welcome bonus, punters can expect further deposit bonuses at the best Canadian betting sites. They might not cover your deposits in full, but they should cover at least a portion of them. No deposit bonuses are not that common, and even when you find them, they’re likely to be smaller (the size of a free bet).
• Loyalty rewards: as the name obviously suggests loyalty rewards are aimed at the most regular punters at betting sites. Regulars may enter VIP clubs where there are often tiers with varying rewards. Bet regularly and you can jump across those levels, eventually reaching the higher tiers where you can expect bigger bonuses and maybe even an exclusive offer or two.

Why are bonuses and promotions important?

Bonuses and promotions are a great way to test a bookie and see if it’s anything you were looking for. New punters are likely to start shy, and a good free bet or a betting sites welcome offer will help them try new markets out and stick around for a long time.

If you’re not that excited about spending your own money on a new market, a free bet can help. The best betting sites in Canada will offer them freely, allowing players to test new markets without breaking the bank.

Bonuses and promotions go a long way in keeping players loyal. With that being said, it would be unwise to just claim a bonus or free bet without going through the requirements first.

Terms and Conditions

No matter the type of free bet you want to claim, it will come with a slew of terms and conditions. These are the rules you must fulfill in order to get any winnings made with the bonus or free bet. The most important terms are the wagering requirements, but there are other important things you need to be aware of before you get the free bet or bonus.

For example, bookies might limit the amount you can place with a free bet or bonus. Say you’re getting a free bet worth C$20 on sign up – some betting sites might require you to use it in full, so you won’t be able to split it.

The free bet might be tied to specific markets too. For example, you can only use it on football or the NHL. While these aren’t that common, such requirements exist. At the same time, keep in mind that free bets and sports betting sites bonuses will almost always require you to place bets on certain odds (2.0 or higher, for example). The type of bet plays a part too, which is why you need to read the terms.

Among all the terms, the most important are the wagering requirements. They state the number of times you need to play the free bet or bonus over before you can withdraw any winnings. Many free bets are free from this requirement, but keep an eye on the wagering.

Oh, and also keep in mind that you have a set period of time to complete the requirements. Free bets and bonuses usually expire in 7 days, so if you miss it, the bonus funds will be forfeited.

Mobile Betting Sites in Canada

Mobile betting sites were once inconceivable. They were every fan’s dream when the industry moved online, but it’s fair to say that we waited for a long while before they became the new normal. Sure, there were mobile betting sites over a decade ago, but the industry was perfected only recently.

The industry has mobile app developers to thank for that. Apps have taken mobile betting a step further and made mobile betting sites the juggernauts they are today. They’re a bit expensive for operators, so not every bookie has an app ready.

If it doesn’t or you simply don’t want third-party apps on your smartphone, don’t worry. All betting sites in Canada have a mobile-optimized website that works across any platform. These run smoothly on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets and never required additional software installation.

Thanks to that, they’re easier to use by many punters. The fact that they perfectly replicate the desktop website layout and design often make them much more user-friendly than apps. They’re like mini betting sites optimized for your phone that you can use anytime and anywhere. As long as you have a stable Internet connection, you can bet from any place on Earth.

Sports Betting Odds in Canada

The odds at Canadian betting sites are an often overlooked factor when choosing a bookie to bet with. Punters are usually drawn to free bets and promotions as well as the number of markets. However, none of that will matter at all if the odds have no value.

Think of it this way. If you don’t get odds that can bring profit, what’s the point of betting on them? With bookies setting odds on their own, you can bet that there’s a great difference between them. Reputable betting sites usually have better odds, since they have the money and bets to make them work. Choose a new bookie with a shady reputation, and you won’t get great odds and returns.

That’s why experts are adamant that punters must shop for odds to get the best ones. It’s just like going to the market – you won’t pay any price for a pack of bread, right? The prices vary depending on the market, and so do sports betting sites odds. You can easily compare them nowadays by visiting different bookies. If one offers better odds on your favorite markets, don’t hesitate to pick it.

After all, you should always chase the best returns for your money.

What Betting Site Should You Choose?

While choosing a betting site should be a simple job, it really isn’t. Some bettors think that the variety of choices gives them the right to just pick any site and run with it. In real life, things aren’t that simple. If they were, we wouldn’t be writing this guide.

There are plenty of important factors you need to consider before you choose your new favorite bookie. We already listed them under the section where we talk more about how we rate bookies. These include the license, safety and security measures, and of course the odds and markets on offer. No one should forget the customer support. If you’re new to the world of online sports betting, you need to have a professional customer support team at hand if you ever get stuck with anything at the bookie’s site.

If the bookmaker ticks all the right boxes, you’ll essentially make an easy pick. If a few are just as great, you can make a list and compare the pros and cons. This will help you focus on the essentials and find the right betting site that suits your wants and needs.

The Best Betting Sites in Canada

With the Canadian market saturated with betting sites options, it can be a bit difficult to find the right bookie. While some are jacks of all trades, other bookmakers are focused on particular sports. If you’re a football-only type of bettor, it makes sense to pick a betting site that focused on soccer markets.

If you prefer Esports, you should choose a site with the most varied Esports betting offer.

Football

bet365 is the king when it comes to football. That’s not a surprise – it’s one of the world’s best betting sites and a regular sponsor of football competitions. bet365 has by far the largest variety of football betting markets with excellent odds in tow. You can bet on everything from the Premier League and Champions League to the Canadian football league and beyond.

Tennis

STSBet has a wide range of tennis betting markets with great odds. The popular bookie gives Canadian punters a lot of choices to pick from, including all the Grand Slams and major and minor ATP and WTA tournaments. It’s an overall fun bookie with plenty of thrilling offers, so if tennis is your forte, we suggest giving STSBet a try.

Basketball

bet365 has the best basketball odds in the industry. It offers all the markets you can think of including the NBA and Euroleague. The offer is spiced up with a huge variety of local European leagues, so when it comes to basketball, bet365 is the sure way to go.

Horse Racing

If you’re a horse racing buff, nothing beats the UK betting sites such as Betfair, Ladbrokes, Coral, and William Hill. These are among the oldest bookmaker in the UK, covering all of the world’s major and minor horse racing events. They also have a bunch of promotions for horse racing including Best Odds Guaranteed which price matches other betting sites.

Esports

Esports is an emerging market that offers something truly different. Betting on the outcome of video game “wars” is not something we could imagine 20 years ago. However, it’s here and we love it. Betway has a great Esports market collection with odds you can’t beat. The bookie is open to Canadian punters who can bet on their favorite Esports teams on CS:GO, DOTA 2, LoL, WoW, and Call of Duty tournaments.

Which Betting Sites Should I Avoid?

By now, it should be pretty clear what betting sites you should steer away from. Any unlicensed bookie is a big no-no, regardless of the promised land it offers. Unlicensed bookmakers aren’t just dangerous for your money – there are worse things you can lose online.

Any betting site that doesn’t state its license should be a worrisome sign. Make sure to pick the ones from our list and you shouldn’t have trouble enjoying a proper online sports betting experience.

Sports Betting Canada Tips

If you want to have a great time betting on sports online, you will need to stick to a few tips. First of all, make sure you gamble responsibly. You can easily fall prey to the dangers of online gambling unless you set some ground rules first.

Before you even register at the top betting sites, you should limit your bankroll. That’s the first thing punters should do as it prevents you from going overboard. Set daily or weekly limits for yourself and make sure to stop once you reach them. If you continue chasing your losses, you will lose more money than you can imagine.

Always bet with a cool head and keep in mind that you can’t win all the time. You’ll win some and lose some and that’s completely normal. Don’t push your luck – just because you’re sure that someone will win a match doesn’t mean it’ll happen. Surprises are pretty common in sports.

When betting on sports online, it’s also important to read expert tips and tricks. The best betting sites in Canada usually have regular tips, guides, and previews on their blogs, allowing you to find great recommendations that will hopefully help you win your bet slips.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best Canadian betting sites, you’re at the right place. Our guide to the top betting sites tells you everything you need to know before you start betting on your favorite sports. While choosing the right bookie can prove to be a mammoth task, it’s much easier with the help of our experts.

Choosing a betting site doesn’t have to be such a big hassle. If you want to try the absolute best betting sites, just make a pick from our list. Read the full guide to pick up a few tips and tricks, and you’ll be well on your way to winning your slips.

Betting sites in Canada – FAQ