The Best Sports Betting Sites Canada – Compare the Leading Sportsbooks 2024
+ Show MoreWelcome to our ultimate guide to the best sports betting sites in Canada. We will steer you towards reputable online sportsbooks that provide a safe environment for you to bet on your favorite leagues. The betting sites we have selected provide high-end software, large bonuses, reliable payouts and sharp odds on hockey, football, basketball and various other sports.
This guide will also explain how to sign up with a site for sports betting in Canada, the banking options you can use, the promotions available and the types of bets you can place. Read on to discover the best betting sites in Canada and their most appealing features.
The Top Canada Sports Betting Sites Ranked
We reviewed every online sports betting site targeting Canadian players before arriving at our list of the top 10. Our reviewers were very demanding, so only elite all-rounders with impeccable reputations made it onto our final selection of the best sites for sports betting in Canada.
- Bodog – No. 1 Sports Betting Site in Canada
- Stake.com – Best Canada Sportsbook for Quick Payouts
- BetOnline – Top Canadian Sports Betting Site with Big Bonus
- XBet – Unbeatable Customer Service Available
- MyBookie – User-Friendly Canadian Betting Site
- Everygame – Largest Selection of Live Betting Options
- BetNow – Beginner-Friendly Canadian Sportsbook
- BUSR – Top Mobile Canada Betting Site
- SportsBetting.ag – Quick Bitcoin & Crypto Payouts
- PowBet – State-of-the Art New Canadian Sportsbook
![Hero Image](https://canadiansportsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/csb-hero-desktop.png)
- All
200% Up To $10,000 + 50 Free Spins
200% Up To $10,000 + 50 Free Spins
- 35+ Sports & Esports Betting Options
- Fast Payout Times
- VIP / High Roller Bonuses
100% Up To $400 Sports Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins At Casino
100% Up To $400 Sports Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins At Casino
- HD-Quality Live Streaming Services
- Huge Bitcoin Bonuses
- Wide Range of Esports
200% Up To C$,1000
200% Up To C$,1000
- World's Biggest Crypto Sportsbook & Casino
- Huge Promotions & Tournaments
- Instant Pay-outs
50% Match Deposit Bonus
50% Match Deposit Bonus
- Huge Range of Sports Markets
- $1,000 Welcome Bonus
- Live In-Game Betting
50% deposit match up to $500
50% deposit match up to $500
- Top Horse Racing Sportsbook
- Generous Reload Bonuses
- Fast Payouts
100% first deposit bonus in sport up to 300 CAD
100% first deposit bonus in sport up to 300 CAD
- Deposits/Withdrawals with Interac
- Build A Bet feature
- Live Streaming
50% Deposit Match Welcome Bonus Of Up To $1,000
50% Deposit Match Welcome Bonus Of Up To $1,000
- $1,000 Welcome Bonus
- Big Contests & Promotions
- User Friendly Website
Up To $750 Sign Up Bonus
Up To $750 Sign Up Bonus
- Top Quality Mobile Betting App
- High Limit Sportsbook
- Fast Payouts
150% welcome bonus up to $150
150% welcome bonus up to $150
- Best Reload Bonus
- In-Play Betting
- Easy payouts
150% Sports Welcome Bonus Up To $2,500
150% Sports Welcome Bonus Up To $2,500
- No Maximum Deposit
- Various Promos & Daily Rebates
- Political & Entertainment Bets
50% deposit match up to $1000
50% deposit match up to $1000
- Various Promos & Bonuses
- Fast payouts
- User friendly Interface
100% Deposit Match up to $150
100% Deposit Match up to $150
- Growing Brand Worldwide
- Huge Range of Betting Promotions
- Fast and Secure Payments
Best Canada Sports Betting Sites 2022
Currently, the following are our top recommended sports betting sites in Canada:
- Bodog – Low bonus rollover
- Stake.com – Quick payouts
- BetOnline – Huge sign-up bonus
- XBet – Top customer service
- MyBookie – User-friendly site
- Everygame – Live betting choice
- BetNow – Beginner-friendly site
- BUSR – Best mobile site
- SportsBetting.ag – Bitcoin payouts
- PowBet – New betting site
![Neil Roarty](https://canadiansportsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/neil-user.jpeg)
![Neil Roarty](https://canadiansportsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/neil-user.jpeg)
Why trust CanadianSportsbooks?
- Comparisons and reviews of the top sportsbooks
- Up-to-date betting info for every province
- Expert betting guides for all the main sports
Quick Facts about Canada Sports Betting
Single-game betting launched | 27, August 2021 |
Legal betting age | 19; 18 (Ab, MB, QC) |
Legal regions | 10 provinces and 3 territories |
Online sports betting | ✅- in 9 provinces |
Retail sports betting | ✅- in 13 regions |
Largest betting market | Ontario ($493 revenue predicted 2022) |
Best sports betting site | Bodog |
Reviews of the Best Canadian Sports Betting Sites
The top sports betting sites Canada have different areas of expertise. Some are best suited to casual players, for instance, whereas others are great for high-stakes bettors with large bankrolls. Read our reviews of the top sites for sports betting in Canada to determine which one is the most appealing to you.
Our reviewers ultimately determined that Bodog is the best all-round site for sports betting in Canada. Canadian businessman Calvin Ayre created the business in 2000, and it is now one of the country’s most famous gambling brands. It has changed ownership a couple of times, but it continues to offer a strong overall customer experience.
Bodog is mainly geared towards Canadian bettors – it has a sister site named Bovada for Americans – which ensures a strong focus on hockey betting and other popular sports. It provides more betting options than rival sites, and it covers more sports than most of them too.
There are some appealing promos, with comparatively modest rollover requirements. Bodog also offers rapid, same-day crypto payouts and secure fiat-based withdrawals. Aside from the sportsbook, it runs Canada’s busiest online poker room, along with casino and racebook sections.
Pros:
- More betting options than rival sportsbooks
- Has paid out Canadian bettors since 2000
- Live betting is available
- Low rollover requirements on promos
- Elite poker room
Cons:
- Smaller bonuses than some competitors
- BetOnline has higher betting limits
Stake.com is the No. 1 crypto betting site in Canada. It has a world-class sportsbook and a very impressive casino rolled into one. The casino features more than 1,000 real money games from highly-rated providers, while the sportsbook offers a very comprehensive range of pre-game and in-play betting options. There are also some terrific promos, and the software is high-quality.
This site was founded amid the crypto bull run in 2017, when a host of coins skyrocketed in value. It is still going strong, and the company has invested heavily in expansion plans. Stake.com is the shirt sponsor of various pro sports teams, including Premier League club Everton. It has also gained approval from tough regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission, which inspires confidence.
Pros:
- Quick, reliable payouts
- Very stylish sports betting interface
- Comprehensive choice of betting markets
- Large and unique promotions
Cons:
- Not an ideal sportsbook for non-crypto players
- Does not offer horse racing or poker
Lucky Block provides a modern and easy-to-use mobile sports betting site for Canada bettors that works perfectly both on desktop and mobile. Whether you’re looking to back Alphonso Davies and the men’s national soccer team at the World Cup or Michael Matheson and the Montreal Canadiens over in the NHL, Lucky Block has lines on just about every sport imaginable, with 35 separate markets in total. The live betting interface runs smoothly, there are deep prop betting markets for Canada’s favourite sports, and on-site stats and analytics are available to help you make better picks.
Banking with Lucky Block is definitely more suited to crypto bettors – there are over 18 coins accepted at this sportsbook Canada, minimum deposits are as low as $1 when using coin, and withdrawal speeds are rapid when using Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. The only thing we mark Lucky Block down on slightly is its lack of sports-related bonuses. It’s a relatively new site though, so we expect to see plenty more added throughout 2024.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use mobile sports betting site
- On-site stats and analytics
- Rapid payouts
- Modern live betting interface
- Competitive odds
Cons:
- No live streaming
- Lacks horse racing coverage
BetOnline is a doyen of the offshore sports betting industry. It has been welcoming Canadian sports fans since the 1990s and has earned a long-standing reputation for fair play, security, quick payouts, and highly competitive odds. However, BetOnline has also moved with the times, and a recent software upgrade ensures that it has no trouble competing with the interfaces of Bodog and Stake.com.
This is our top choice for high-stakes Canadian bettors. There is a useful re-bet feature, which permits you to repeat any bet after waiting 60 seconds. It means there are effectively no upper limits on wagers. There are great bonuses and promotions too, along with a superb live-streaming service. As is the case with Bodog and Stake.com, you can receive same-day crypto withdrawals.
Pros:
- Very well-established company with a trusted brand
- Re-bet feature for high-stakes players
- Large sign-up offer and lots of free bets
- Same-day Bitcoin and altcoin payouts
Cons:
- Fees on fiat-based deposits
- High wagering requirements on promos
XBet is a far simpler sports betting site than Bodog, Stake.com, and BetOnline. It covers fewer sports and there are not as many features. The sportsbook is very easy to use, and the customer service is excellent, so we highly recommend XBet for beginners. We also like the previews and news items it features.
You will find some appealing if you visit the site too, and they have realistic wagering requirements. It can be relied upon to pay out on time, and it provides lots of opinionated sports betting lines, so this is another strong all-round Canadian sportsbook.
Pros:
- Best Canadian sportsbook for beginners
- Simple bet slip and navigation system
- Excellent customer service
- Low wagering requirements on bonuses
Cons:
- Fewer sports to bet on than several rivals
- No online poker room
MyBookie rounds out our top five sportsbooks Canada players can access. It is a sister site to XBet, and – apart from the colour schemes – they are practically identical. They provide the same odds, lines, markets, features, layout, payment methods, and support channels, so you can rely on a strong overall service from MyBookie.
The only noteworthy difference lies on the Bonuses page. MyBookie’s main welcome bonus is larger than the XBet promo. On the flip side, it has a higher rollover requirement, so we decided to slot XBet in just ahead of MyBookie, but they are both recommended.
Pros:
- User-friendly sports betting site
- Lots of props bets on major North American sports
- Great loyalty program
- Trustworthy online gambling operator
Cons:
- Higher bonus rollover requirements than XBet
- Slower to release lines than BetOnline and Bodog
Everygame is a famous online sportsbook and casino that focuses on players in Canada and the United States. It was originally named Intertops, and it is noteworthy for accepting the world’s first online wager, but the team decided to launch a major rebranding exercise in 2021. Everygame was born, featuring an upgraded interface, a live betting section, and more options.
The name Everygame highlights its focus on breadth and variety. It offers fewer betting markets on an individual game than a rival like Bodog, but you would struggle to find a Canadian online sportsbook that takes wagers on more sports events. That includes lots of lower and minor league games from around the world, along with strong coverage of slightly obscure sports, including a diverse range of international hockey leagues.
Pros:
- Takes bets on a diverse assortment of sports events
- Provides customers with betting tips
- Excellent international hockey coverage
- In-depth, new live wagering section
- Prizes for players that compile the winning parlays with the longest odds
Cons:
- Smaller bonuses than rival sportsbooks
- Could offer a broader choice of prop bets
BetNow is another excellent option for beginners in Canada. We would also recommend this offshore sportsbook to anyone interested in placing quick bets on the major leagues with minimal effort. The strapline is “We Make it Simple” – and that approach is clearly evident if you spend a little time on the site.
It is very easy to sign up for a BetNow account, make a deposit, claim your welcome bonus, place bets, and cash out. If you want cutting-edge software, features such as live streaming, and coverage of obscure sports, you should look elsewhere. BetNow is a user-friendly sportsbook for effortless wagering, and it nails that niche perfectly.
Pros:
- Easy to sign up for a sportsbook account
- Simple, secure deposit and withdrawal process
- Offers some appealing sports betting promos
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- Does not offer many added features
- Not recommended for advanced bettors
BUSR provides a simple, effective mobile sports betting site for players in Canada. You can quickly access it via any mobile browser, and then it is really easy to find sports, tournaments, and games. It ensures you can bet on everything from hockey, basketball, and football to futsal, darts, and snooker from anywhere in the country. There are also excellent sections for entertainment and politics, along with a casino and racebook.
The desktop site is user-friendly too if a little basic. BUSR offers compelling bonuses and promotions for Canadian customers. It has an impeccable record for prompt payouts, the betting lines are competitive and Canadian players can choose a broad range of deposit and withdrawal methods, so it warrants a place in our top-10 sportsbook in Canada.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use mobile sports betting site
- Large sign-up bonus and competitive rebates
- Quick payouts
- Excellent sports welcome bonus available
- One of the first sportsbooks to release betting lines
Cons:
- Slightly basic desktop sports betting site
- Does not offer many props
SportsBetting.ag is part of the BetOnline group. It has the same odds, betting options, bonuses, promotions, payment methods, withdrawal speeds, and customer service as BetOnline, so it is an excellent all-round sportsbook.
However, the interface is a little outdated. BetOnline benefited from an extensive upgrade a couple of years ago, making it a very aesthetically pleasing betting site. SportsBetting.ag did not receive the same update, so it looks basic. Check SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline out alongside one another, see which one you prefer, and sign up with that sportsbook.
Pros:
- Re-bet feature for anyone interested in placing large wagers
- Same-day Bitcoin withdrawals
- Releases lines before most rivals
- Excellent live betting section
Cons:
- Credit and debit card deposit fees
- Software looks outdated compared to BetOnline
PowBet is the most impressive new online sportsbook to hit the Canadian market in recent times. It launched in 2021, and it has quickly established itself as one of the best online sportsbooks in the country. PowBet is similar in many ways to Stake.com, with a heavy focus on crypto, an ultra-stylish web design, and very comprehensive sportsbook and casino sections.
One day, it may be able to rival Stake.com as the best crypto sportsbook in Canada. It will need to demonstrate a long-term commitment to paying out on time and delivering fresh, exciting promotions for its customers. However, the early signs are promising, as all players have received reliable withdrawals, and the offers are attractive, so we have high hopes for PowBet going forward.
Pros:
- High-quality software
- Interesting bonuses, tournaments and power squad options
- Provides pre-game stats to guide betting decisions
- Already holds a strong reputation among Canadian bettors
Cons:
- Still relatively new to the industry
- No racebook or poker room
🏆 Best Overall Sportsbook 2024 | Bodog |
📊 Best New Sportsbook | Lucky Block |
💰 Best Special Offers | BetOnline |
📺 Live Bets | Everygame |
⭐ Our Choice for Parlay Bets | Xbet |
📱 Bitcoin | Stake.com |
🧩 Top Special Features | BetOnline |
💰 Fastest payouts | Lucky Block |
🔁 Best Value Odds | MyBookie |
⚽ Best for NBA betting | B0dog |
Comparing the Best Betting Sites in Canada
The table below allows you to quickly compare the top sites for sports betting in Canada. We have shown the main promos and features available at each sportsbook, but you can read the reviews on this page to learn more about them.
Sportsbook | Sign-up bonus | Sports to bet on | Live betting | Live streaming | Betting app |
Bodog | 100% up to $400 | 30+ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Stake.com | 200% up to $1,000 | 30+ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Lucky Block | N/A | 35+ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
BetOnline | 100% up to $1,000 | 30+ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
XBet | 50% up to $500 | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
MyBookie | 100% up to $1,000 | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Everygame | 100% up to $250 | 30+ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
BetNow | 150% up to $300 | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
BUSR | 100% up to $1,000 | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
SportsBetting.ag | 100% up to $1,000 | 20+ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
PowBet | 100% up to $100 | 20+ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
FAQs about Sports Betting in Canada
Is sports betting legal in Canada?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Canada provided you meet the minimum age requirements. You can bet on sports from the age of 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, and from 19 in all other provinces and territories. The best Canadian sportsbooks may ask for details to verify your age when you sign up for an account.
How do you bet on sports in Canada?
You can sign up with one of the best sports betting sites in Canada selected by our experts. Our top choice, Bodog, is available in every province and territory apart from Quebec, offering a wealth of wagering options on more than 25 sports. If you are in Quebec, you can register with another of our chosen sportsbooks Canada players can access, such as Stake.com or BetOnline.
What are the best betting sites in Canada?
The best sports betting sites include Bodog, Stake.com, BetOnline, XBet, and MyBookie. You can check out our expert reviews of these popular sportsbooks Canada, which will help you find the best option for your budget and priorities. They are all trusted, legit sportsbooks.
What is the most trusted betting site in Canada?
Bodog is the most trusted sports betting brand in the Canadian market. It was created in Canada, and it has operated in the market for many years, garnering a reputation for providing quick, dependable payouts and a secure, reliable service. Other sportsbooks Canada players can access, such as Stake.com, BetOnline, and XBet, also have trustworthy reputations.
Is sports betting taxable in Canada?
Canadians do not have to pay taxes on online sports betting profits. The only exception to that rule applies to a handful of professional bettors. Anyone enjoying recreational wagering at the best sports betting sites in Canada will not need to concern themselves with any tax obligations.
What sports do Canadians bet on?
Canadians bet on dozens of sports, but the most popular ones are hockey, football, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, UFC, golf, tennis, boxing, and winter sports such as curling and skiing. The best betting sites Canada players can visit take bets on each of those sports, plus many more.
How to bet on sports in Canada
Betting on sports in Canada is incredibly easy. If you want to place online bets you can view our step-by-step guide lower down this page that will walk you through the whole process.
Our Criteria for Choosing a Top Sportsbook in Canada
We focused on nine important criteria when reviewing online sportsbooks in Canada. The top 10 operators featured on this page performed very well in each area, but there were always some standout performers in every category. We have highlighted them below to help you decide which sports betting in Canada sites to register with.
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Choice of Sports
The best sites and apps for sports betting in Canada offer a long list of sports for you to bet on. They normally have a “Main Sports” section, which groups the likes of hockey, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis and golf together, followed by an A-Z of all the sports covered. Betting sites in Canada like Bodog cover a very long list of different sports, and they also cover a large volume of leagues and tournaments. -
Betting Options
The best sites and apps for sports betting in Canada provide their customers with hundreds of betting options on a single game. You should be able to browse alternate puck lines and point spreads, correct scores, game props and player props, and choose from thousands of same game parlay combos. -
Quality of Odds
We compared the odds on offer at the various betting sites in Canada and sought out sportsbooks that regularly provide above average terms. The site with the best odds will vary from one betting market to the next, so it is sensible to register for accounts with a few of the sportsbooks listed on this page. -
Bonuses for New and Existing Customers
You can claim a magnificent array of bonuses and promotions by signing up with the best sites for sports betting in Canada. They often hand out hundreds of dollars in bonus funds to new customers via sign-up offers, and you can then receive lots of promos on a recurring basis, including free bets, odds boosts, reload bonuses and other deals. -
Safety & Security
We brought in cybersecurity experts to ensure that the sites we have recommended are safe and reliable. Our chosen sites for sports betting in Canada use high-end encryption tools to protect customers, and they also invested in strong firewalls. -
Payment Methods
The best betting sites Canada has to offer will provide customers with plenty of payment options. You can use credit cards, debit cards, eWallets, methods like Interac and iDebit and various other options. They make the payment process smooth and easy. -
Payout Speeds
We tested out the withdrawal speeds of the best Canadian sportsbooks to see which sites pay out the quickest. Stake.com really impressed in this regard, but each of the sports betting Canada operators we have selected will provide quick, secure payments if you win. -
Sports Betting Experience
The overall user experience is important at a site or app for sports betting in Canada. We were looking for fast, elegantly designed sportsbooks that allow you to find games easily. The betting options are displayed in a helpful format at the best sportsbooks, allowing you to locate markets you are interested in and place bets quickly. They also offer additional features, like live streaming, to make the experience even better. -
Customer Support
The top sports betting in Canada sites provide elite customer support 24 hours a day. We tested out the live chat, email and, if applicable, phone support at each of the sports betting sites in Canada to check response times. We also checked how helpful the responses were and the general professionalism of the agents.
Best Features On Betting Sites
Below we have listed what we believe are the best features available at the best bookmakers in Canada.
Live Betting
Live betting or otherwise known as in-play betting is one of the best features that sportsbooks in Canada offer. In the past, once a game began ts could be placed. With live betting, you can wager on games already underway. Sportsbooks update odds in real-time, so you can continuously bet as a match unfolds.
Because you can adapt your bets during a game based on in-game events and what’s happening it makes for an excellent betting opportunity and can turn even the dullest games into riveting spectacles. These reasons are why live betting is continually growing in popularity.
Bet Builders
A bet builder lets you take more autonomy over the bets you place. As the name suggests a bet builder lets you build your own unique bet on a single sporting event. For example, in an NHL game, you can build a bet that includes over 2.5 goals in the game, one player to score at any time, and which player will record the first penalty in a game.
Because you can create your own bet it lets you use your sporting knowledge to place good value. These are bets with high odds but have a better chance of winning than the odds would suggest. It’s important to remember with a bet builder all the events in your built bet have to be correct for your entire bet to be a winning one.
Live Streaming
Some Canadian sportsbooks like Stakes.com let you stream games directly online on your computer or smartphone. So, you can watch games play out in HD and wager on them at the same time. That’s a huge plus, particularly if you want to stream and bet on international sporting events.
Unfortunately, you are not going to find the big events and leagues available for live streaming, such as the Super Bowl, the US Open (golf or tennis!), or the UCL final due to incredibly high broadcasting contracts, but you should find a decent array of domestic and international events ready for you to bet upon and watch.
Cash Out
Cashing out is an excellent feature that’s used in combination with live betting. It enables you to cash out a winning bet early if you feel your bet is likely to turn into a losing one, albeit for a reduced payout.
Say the Maple Leafs are playing the Senators. You’ve backed the Toronto team to win with a $100 at odds of 2.s (potential winnings of $150) and they are 2-1 up at the end of the second period, but you feel the Senators are likely to come out on top, so you cash out your bet.
At that point, you would receive a payout in relation to the current live odds of them winning which would be less than the original 2.5, for example, it may be 1.5 so cashing out early you would receive $50 profit instead of $150.
If the Senators end up tying the game up and then win in OT, you’ve stopped a winning bet from becoming a losing one.
How To Bet on Sports in Canada – Sign Up Process
It will only take a couple of minutes for Canadian bettors to sign up with a high-quality online sportsbook. You can follow the five easy steps below to create your account and place your first bet today:
Click here to visit Bodog, which is the best overall sports betting site in Canada that we reviewed. Hit “Join” to open the Bodog sign-up form.
The sign-up form asks for a variety of personal details, which it will use to verify your identity. It should only take a minute to fill it in. Type in the code sent by SMS to verify your phone, and you can then make a deposit and start betting.
You will be steered towards the Bodog cashier area, where you can choose one of the options displayed. Choose a deposit amount, enter details, and confirm the payment. This will earn you the deposit match welcome bonus.
Head into the sportsbook section of the site and select a sport and then a league you would like to bet on. Choose a game or a futures market and click or tap on one of the betting options, which will add it to the bet slip.
Type the amount you would like to bet in the “RISK” box, and the “WIN” box will highlight the potential profit you will get if the wager wins. Click to place the wager. And that’s it now you know how to bet on sports in Canada.
Practical Online Betting Tips
Having a clear strategy is the best way to increase your chances of winning when betting on sports. Below we have laid out 5 tips to keep in mind when deciding on what bets to place.
1. Research
Research is one of if not the most important things to do before placing any bet. You should look at the present form of teams and players as even the best teams and players go through tough patches and the reverse is also true. Just because you see a big-name team with odds slightly higher than you expect doesn’t mean it’s a good bet.
Injuries can have a huge impact on how a team may fare in a game. If you see good odds on the Raptors beating the bottom-of-the-table Pistons you may immediately jump on it. However, if Pascal Siakham, O.G Anunony, and VanVleet are all sidelined then it’s probably not the best option.
Previous matches between two teams can also give you some inclination of a possible result. Look at previous matches from the season or previous seasons. One team might historically do well against the other. For example, the Spurs won every game against the Celtic between the 2011-12 season and the 2016-17 season.
2. Make Use of Tips from Betting Experts
Many of the best sports betting sites in Canada offer free betting tips from in-house writers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. While they are not right 100% of the time, they know what they are talking about and often provide winning tips.
There are also countless other sites and forums where you can make use of others’ knowledge. While some sites may ask for money for sharing tips, there is a myriad of free options.
3. Stay Within Your Means
Before placing any bets work out how much money you can afford to lose. While the aim of betting is to win, there is a good chance your bet will lose. So work out what amount of money you can lose without it impacting you.
It’s a good idea to set out either a daily, weekly, or monthly budget and stick to it. If you lose big it can be tempting to go bigger to recuperate your losses. It’s also tempting when you are on a winning streak to start betting big. But neither of these options is advisable as it can easily lead to major losses and disappointment.
If you set out your budget and stick to it, losing isn’t that bad but winning is still just as good.
4. Shop Around
If you are reading this review you have already made a good choice as you are learning about what different sites have to offer. Making sure you find the site that offers the best odds on the sport and bet type you want to bet on is a must and is not that time-consuming.
While we don’t advise signing up to every single betting site and searching each and every site for each bet you make. It is a good idea to find a few sites that consistently offer good odds and check each of those sites before placing a bet to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck.
5. Understand Value
The term value is used a lot in sports betting but what does it actually mean? It simply means measuring the odds of a selection in relation to the outcome actually occurring.
For example, if you flip a coin you know the probability of it being heads is 50%, and the same for tails. So the decimal odds should be 2 for both tail and heads. However, if someone offered you odds of 3 for heads and 1 for a bet for tails then you would pick heads as the chances of it being heads is 50% but the odds are suggesting that there is only a 33.3% chance.
When it comes to sports betting it’s not quite as simple as results are a lot more unpredictable than a coin flip. This is where your knowledge and research come into play. If you think a team has a 50% chance of winning a game but the odds suggest they have a 30% of winning then that is a good value bet.
How to Beat Sportsbooks
As we have shown so far there are a plethora of sportsbooks and new ones are popping up all the time. The reason there are so many is that they are profitable and they make their profits by more people placing losing bets than winning ones and even the best sports betting sites in Canada would prefer your bet to be a losing one. However, beating sportsbooks and making money from sports betting is possible.
Following the tips above, like doing your research, not betting more than you can afford to lose, making use of free tips, finding the best value odds for your bets, understanding how odds work, and making sure you fully understand a sport before betting, is a good way to helping you beat a sportsbook
It’s also important to remember that you are not going to win 100% of your bets, that is impossible unless you are like Biff Tannen and can travel back in time. But, if you follow our tips, create your own strategy, and stick to your strategy you can win more than you lose.
Rollover Requirements at the Best Sports Betting Sites in Canada
One of the advantages of using one of the top betting sites in Canada is the bonuses you receive. As you can see from our reviews every sportsbook offered a welcome bonus and many also offer various other bonuses for existing customers. However, every bonus comes with a rollover requirement and it’s important to understand this as a huge bonus might not be as good as it appears if the rollover requirement is high.
A rollover requirement is the total amount in dollars of bets a bettor must undertake before being able to withdraw a bonus. Sportsbooks do this to stop bettors from depositing a large amount claiming the bonus, placing one small bet, and then withdrawing everything. While the bookmakers’ bonuses are generous, they aren’t stupid.
As an example, we will look at the rollover requirement of Bodog’s welcome bonus as it’s pretty standard and a more than achievable one to meet. On your first deposit, you receive a 100% matched deposit. If you deposit $100 you will receive an extra $100 and have a $200 total bankroll.
The rollover requirement at Bodog is a standard 5x meaning you need to place $1,000 worth of bets (5x $200) before being able to withdraw the bonus. This may seem like a lot but if you are placing multiple bets in a week you can quickly reach this amount.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada?
Sports betting is legal in every province or territory in Canada. Each province has a locally-regulated sportsbook owned by the government, such as PlayNow in British Columbia, PlayAlberta in Alberta, and Mise-o-jeu+ in Quebec. There are also a few locally-regulated sportsbooks in Ontario, which work with a new agency named iGaming Ontario.
However, the best option for most Canadian adults is to use an offshore sportsbook. They offer more betting options, better odds, and larger bonuses than the local monopoly sites, which are typically narrow in their scope.
While they are based overseas, offshore operators provide the best sports betting sites in Canada. They are known as grey market operators. It is perfectly legal for you to use them, as there are no laws to prevent you from doing so.
However, you must bear in mind that they are not regulated by federal, provincial, or territorial governments. For that reason, Canadians tend to use highly reputable sportsbooks that have trustworthy reputations and that have provided safe, reliable withdrawals for many years. The best offshore sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by respected agencies such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and Gaming Curaçao. If you are unsure of how to bet on sports in Canada, you can view our guide above.
What are the Canada Sports Betting Laws?
The Criminal Code of Canada outlawed single-game sports betting in 1892. The ban was laid out in Section 207(4)(b), which specified that betting was not permitted on any race, fight, or single sporting event. This law was amended in 2021 to permit single-game sports betting in Canada.
The federal government passed the Safe & Regulated Sports Betting Act, which made these changes to the Criminal Code:
- Removed the ban on betting on single-game sports betting and other athletic events.
- Permitted retail venues and sports betting sites run by provinces and territories to accept single-game wagers.
- Allowed each province and territory to introduce a regulated local sports betting industry made up of private operators.
- Gave the provinces and territories control over matters such as licensing and taxation.
Single-Game Betting in Canada: Bill C-218
Anyone interested in sports betting in Canada had two clear options prior to 2021: place parlay bets with three or more legs at local sportsbooks controlled by the provincial or territorial governments, or visit an offshore sportsbook to enjoy single-game sports betting. Parlays are notoriously difficult, as they require you to make multiple correct predictions on different sporting events. If one pick loses, the entire bet fails.
For that reason, most Canadians preferred to use sportsbooks based abroad. The Canadian government was happy to allow that activity for many years, but it was not receiving any tax income. It estimated that sports fans were spending $10 billion each year at overseas sportsbooks.
That inspired them to pass the Safe & Regulated Sports Betting Act in 2021. It began life as Bill C-218, but it was renamed after receiving Royal Assent. This law hands individual provinces the power to introduce single-game sports betting. They have all taken advantage of this at their lottery-run betting sites and/or retail sports betting venues.
Single-game sports betting is now very popular in Canada. However, most bettors prefer to stick with the offshore sportsbooks they know and trust. They tend to offer sharper odds and larger bonuses than the likes of Mise-o-jeu+, PROLINE+, and PlayAlberta because there is a lot more competition. It is also a lot cheaper to run an online sportsbook overseas, due to reduced energy and staffing costs, and many sportsbooks pass those savings over to customers via low vig lines and promotions.
Do You Need to Pay Tax on Sports Betting in Canada?
There is no need to pay tax on any profits you earn from sports betting in Canada. It is not deemed taxable revenue unless you are a professional gambler. Only a handful of individuals fall into that category.
The overwhelming majority of recreational sports bettors will not need to concern themselves with any tax obligations. If you land a big win when betting on sports or an online casino game, the money is yours to keep.
Are Offshore Betting Sites Legal?
Offshore betting sites are legal and licensed in the jurisdictions in which they are based. There are no laws preventing Canadian sports bettors from using them. They target players in Canada with CAD accounts, and you can use common payment methods like Interac, credit cards, and debit cards to fund those accounts.
The federal government has never sought to prohibit Canadians from using offshore sportsbooks, casinos, racebooks, and poker rooms. The Quebec provincial government tried to do so in 2016, but it was overruled by the Superior Court of Quebec, which ruled that such a law would be unconstitutional. That ensured any Quebecers could continue betting offshore, and it set a nationwide precedent too.
Advantages of Offshore Betting Sites
There are several advantages available to anyone that uses offshore betting sites as opposed to sportsbooks like PlayNow, Sport Select, and Mise-o-jeu+. These are the top benefits:
- Better Odds | You will invariably find better odds and lines with lower juice if you visit an offshore sportsbook. They are competing for customers in Canada and the United States, so they need to offer attractive odds, which is not the case with lottery-controlled provincial lotteries.
- Greater Variety | You can bet on more sports and markets at offshore sportsbooks, as they have fewer restrictions regarding the events they can accept wagers on.
- Larger Bonuses | There are normally significantly larger sports betting bonuses available at offshore betting sites. We have listed some of the best bonuses on this page.
- Hold Multiple Accounts | You can register with a variety of offshore sports betting sites. That means you get lots of sign-up bonuses, and you can always then line shop for the best odds before placing a wager.
- More Banking Options | Offshore sportsbooks and casinos accept crypto, which is great if you hold Bitcoin or altcoins. It also ensures you get paid out quicker.
Sports Betting in Each Canadian Province & Territory
Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island all began offering single-game sports betting immediately after the federal law changed. They all run their own sports betting sites, such as PROLINE+, Mise-o-jeu+, and PlayNow, which now offer single-game bets.
Alberta was the next province to introduce single-game sports betting in Canada, followed by Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. Some of them only offer sports betting at retail venues, but others have online sports betting. You can also legally use offshore online sports betting sites in any of them. Nova Scotia was the last province to legalize single-game sports betting when it took the plunge in February 2022.
Province
Legal betting age
Online sports betting
Retail sports betting
Alberta
18+
British Columbia
19+
Manitoba
18+
New Brunswick
19+
Newfoundland and Labrador
19+
Northwest Territories
19+
Nova Scotia
19+
Nunavut
19+
Ontario
19+
Quebec
18+
Prince Edward Island
19+
Saskatchewan
19+
Yukon
19+
Main Sports and Leagues to Bet on in Canada
Elite Canadian sports betting sites offer wagers on more than 20 sports and hundreds of leagues from across the globe. These are the most popular sports and leagues:
NHL
Hockey is the most popular sport in Canada. There are seven NHL teams spread across the country, and you can bet on every game featuring the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens.
The best sportsbooks have hundreds of betting markets on their games, including the puck line, moneyline, total goals, props, correct scores, and same-game parlay bets. You can also bet on different leagues, such as those taking place in Europe.
Football
You will be offered a variety of betting markets on every CFL game at top Canadian sports betting sites. Fans of the BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, Toronto Argonauts, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans can bet on all the action throughout the season. NFL games are also covered comprehensively, along with NCAA football.
NBA
The Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship triumph galvanized interest in basketball across the entire country. You will be able to bet on every NBA, WNBA, and NCAAB game at sports betting Canada sites, along with Euroleague basketball and various other leagues in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.
MLB
Canada is the only other country apart from the United States with an MLB franchise, and you can place single-game bets every time the Toronto Blue Jays are in action at the best Canadian sportsbooks. You should also find betting on leagues in Japan, South Korea, China, and potentially Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Soccer
The top betting sites in Canada cover the EPL, MLS, Liga MX, Champions League, Europa League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and dozens of additional leagues and cups from around the world. You will always find more betting options on soccer than on any other sport. Any fans of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC, or CF Montreal should find lots of markets on their games at sites like Bodog, Stake.com, and MyBookie.
UFC
UFC is also covered in detail at the best sports betting sites in Canada. They accept wagers on the moneyline winner of a fight, but also the total rounds, the method of victory, and other markets. You may also find props on Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night.
Esports
Esports betting is fully legal in Canada, so you can place bets on games like CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, StarCraft II, Honor of Kings, Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, and Overwatch. Bodog is a great option for esports betting. You can wager on full matches, individual maps, and overall tournaments, with various handicap markets and player props available on big events.
Horse Racing
Betting on international horse racing is available at grey market operators. You can place bets on horse races at a couple of small, specialist sites in Ontario, but top betting sites that are licensed and regulated by iGaming Ontario cannot offer horse racing wagers, as it was not included in Bill C-218.
Golf
Sportsbooks like Bodog and Stake.com provide an excellent choice of betting markets on the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, DP World Tour, and major tournaments. You will be able to bet on the winner of the tournament before it begins and while it is in play, while additional markets include a top-10 finish, to make or miss the cut and head-to-head matchups at the top sites for sports betting in Canada.
DFS
Sports fans in Canada can use American DFS sites DraftKings or FanDuel to enter fantasy contests covering hockey, football, basketball, and various other sports. However, DFS contests are unavailable in the newly regulated Ontario market.
All betting in Ontario must be ring-fenced within the province, including DFS contests, poker tournaments, and so on. DraftKings and FanDuel say there is not enough liquidity in Ontario alone to offer DFS. They have launched legal online sportsbooks and casinos in the province, so they stopped accepting DFS customers in ON.
Other Sports
Anyone interested in sports betting in Canada will find a wealth of options at elite sites like Bodog, Stake.com, and BetOnline. They take bets on everything from alpine skiing and curling to volleyball and water polo. Winter sports are very popular in Canada, along with lacrosse, tennis, motorsports, boxing, rugby, and cricket. You can also bet on sports as diverse as Aussie Rules, handball, Pesapallo, and snooker.
Popular Bets at the Best Sports Betting Sites in Canada
As we have mentioned several times in this sports betting Canada guide, top sportsbooks provide their customers with hundreds of betting options. These are the most popular choices in Canada:
Moneylines
Sports betting in Canada sites accept straight moneyline bets on every sport. All you need to do is predict the result, such as the Blue Jays beating the Pirates, the Oilers beating the Islanders, or Bianca Andreescu beating Harmony Tan.
Point Spreads and Puck Lines
The top sportsbooks Canada has to offer will accept point spreads on football games, puck lines on hockey games, run lines on baseball games, and so on. The concept is always the same: the supposedly superior team is given a handicap, and bettors then need to decide which team will cover the spread or line that arises.
Over/Under Betting
This is a simple bet on the total goals, runs, or points in a game. The sports betting in Canada sites might set a total goals line of 5.5 on an NHL game, for instance, with odds of -110 (1.91) on over 5.5 goals and -110 (1.91) on under 5.5 goals.
Prop Bets
Hundreds of prop bets are available on certain sporting events at the best sites for sports betting in Canada. They include game props, such as the highest scoring period in a hockey game, or player props, such as an NBA star recording a triple-double.
Parlays
The best betting sites Canada allow you to combine two or more selections to form a parlay. Each of your picks must be correct for the parlay to pay off, but you can earn a large profit if you guess correctly.
Futures Bets
Top sports betting sites in Canada offer futures bets on which teams will win major events, such as the Stanley Cup, the Grey Cup, or the NBA Championship. You can also bet on player awards, like the Hart Memorial Trophy, or over/under on a team’s regular season wins. There are lots of additional futures bets on offer too at the best Canadian sportsbooks, so head into the “Futures” section on any league to see your options.
Live Wagering at the Best Canada Sportsbooks
The best sports betting sites in Canada allow you to continue wagering on a game after it has started. You can watch the start of the game, gain an appreciation for how well each team is shaping up, and then bet from a strong position. Stake.com and BetOnline stand out as excellent live betting sites with live streaming capabilities.
How Betting Odds Work at the Best Sports Betting Sites in Canada
To be able to stand a chance of placing winning bets understanding how betting odds work is essential. Odds let you know how much you have to risk to get a specific reward if you win. Usually, you’ll stand to receive higher odds so a bigger reward if the outcome you are betting on is less likely to happen.
Odds can be shown in several different ways. Let’s take a closer look at the 3 most common types of odds formats you’ll see at the best Canada betting sites.
American Odds
American odds are perhaps the most complex odds format of the three most common odds. That’s because how to read them depends on whether you’re betting on the favored outcome or the underdog outcome.
The favored outcome is represented by a – sign. In this case, the number indicates the amount you need to bet to win $100. So, odds of -200 mean that you must bet $200 to win $100, plus get your original $200 wager back (a total payout of $300). If you lose, you’ll lose $200.
The underdog outcome is represented by a + sign. In this case, the number indicates the amount you’ll win if you wager $100. So, odds of +200 mean that if you bet $100, you will win $200 and get your original $100 wager back (a total payout of $300). If you lose, you’ll only lose $100.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds are slightly easier to follow as they are formatted to show how much you will win for every $1 you bet. For example, odds of 10/1 mean that if you win your bet, you’ll receive $10 for every $1 you wager – plus you’ll receive your original bet back. So if you bet $5 on 10/1 odds you will win $50 plus your original $5 back ($55 total)
It gets a little more complicated when the second number isn’t a 1 but still fairly straightforward. For example, if you bet $5 on odds of 8/5 and win, you’ll receive $13 – that includes $8 for winning and a refund of your original $5 bet. If you bet $10 on 8/5 you will win $16 plus your $10 stake ($26 total)
Decimal Odds
You are most likely to see decimal odds being used by online sportsbooks in Canada, which is useful as they’re easy to understand. They simply display the amount you’ll win, in dollars, for every $1 you bet – including your original wager. So, odds of 2.9 mean that if you bet $10, you’ll receive $29 (2.9 x $10).
How To Calculate Your Winnings From A Wager
In betting, you will hear the terms winnings and return a lot and there is an important distinction between the two. Winnings are the profit you make from a bet whereas returns are your winnings added to your original stake.
Maximizing your profits is the main aim of any bettor, so knowing how to work out your potential winnings is important. Profits can be worked out as follows:
Single Bets (Positive Moneyline Odds)
The formula you need is profit = stake x (odds/100). So, a $10 bet on odds of +110 = $10 x (110/100) = $10 x 1.1 = $11. Your full return will be $21 ($10 + $11).
Single Bets (Negative Moneyline Odds)
The formula here switches to profit = stake / (odds/100). So the $10 bet on odds of -110 becomes = $10 / (110/100) = $10 / 1.1 = $9.09. Your return will be $19.09 ($10 + $9.09).
Decimal Odds
Decimal odds give your return by multiplication. If you want to get your profit, subtract 1 from the odds. So, decimal odds of 1.50 for a $10 will give a $15 return, but a $5 profit.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds only give your profit, not your return, again by multiplication. A $10 bet on odds of 5/4 will give a profit of $12.50. To get your return, add on your stake (in this case, a total return of £22.50).
Double/Parlay/System Bets
Here’s where the math skills really kick in. To work out profit (or potential profit) from a bet with more than one leg, you take the return (not the profit) from one bet and use it as the stake for the next. The order you work out each step does not matter as the outcome will be the same.
Let’s say we are staking $10 on three parlay bets with odds of +110, +120, and -110.
- $10 * (110/100) = $11 profit + $10 stake = $21
- $21 * (120/100) = $25.20 profit + $21 stake = $46.20
- $46.20 / (110/100) = $42 profit + $46.20 stake = $88.20
Therefore, if all three of your legs are wins, your total return will be $88.20, therefore your total profit will be $88.20 – $10 = $78.20.
It’s worth noting that all the best Canadian sportsbooks will have bet slips that will show you your potential winnings and returns before confirming a bet but it’s worth knowing the maths behind it.
Exchanges vs. Sportsbooks
If you’ve never heard of a betting exchange you may be wondering what it is. In some ways, they are similar to sportsbooks as you can go place bets on sports at both. However, the main difference is that at exchanges you are betting against other players rather than placing a bet with a bookmaker who offers a set price on a bet.
Because you are betting against other players the options are more flexible. At a sportsbook, the bookmaker sets the odds and players can decide to take the bet or not. At exchanges, the players can set their own odds, and other players can decide if they think it’s worth wagering.
Pros of Exchanges
One of the major advantages of Exchanges is that because there are low overheads you can often find better odds on offer. The difference is not usually that high but if you are placing bug wagers or many then a small differential in odds can make a large difference in winnings.
Another benefit of exchanges is that because players set their own bets then the options are practically limitless. At most sportsbooks even ones with large markets, there are certain bets that won’t be offered. But at exchanges, if you can think of a bet you can place it.
Cons of Exchanges
There are some drawbacks to exchanges, however. The first is commission, betting exchanges make their money by taking a commission from all winning bets. Most exchanges only take a commission on winning bets. The rate of the commission depends on the bet made but most range from between 2-5%. You need to bear this in mind when calculating your total winnings.
Another con for exchanges is that there are generally fewer bonuses. While the best bookmakers in Canada offer welcome bonuses and a whole host of other promotions, at exchanges, the number of and value of any promotions is generally not as good as sportsbooks.
Top Bonuses at Best Sports Betting Sites in Canada
You will receive a large sign-up bonus at the best Canada sports betting sites. They offer these bonuses to attract new customers, as the market in Canada is very competitive. Sportsbooks then offer ongoing bonuses to drum up repeat business and reward your loyalty. These are the main bonus types:
Match Deposit Bonuses
This common form of sign-up bonus matches a percentage of a new player’s first deposit with bonus funds. For example, you might be offered a 100% welcome bonus of up to $200. If you were to deposit $200 of your own money, you would be given $200 in bonus credits, and you would then need to complete a rollover requirement on the credits before cashing any remaining profits out.
Matched First Bet
Some sites for sports betting in Canada may match your first bet, rather than your first deposit. For example, if you deposit $1,000 and place a $50 bet, you will receive $50 in bonus funds. Once again, you need to roll the bonus funds over a certain number of times – it could be a 1x rollover or a 10x rollover, depending on the sportsbook – before withdrawing.
No Deposit Bonuses
This is a rarely available but attractive form of the welcome bonus, which does not require you to risk any of your own cash. A sports betting in Canada site will just give you bonus credits. You then need to complete a rollover requirement, which is usually high, before cashing out. In that time, the Canadian sportsbook hopes to win you over as a long-standing customer.
Risk-Free Bets
Some apps and websites for sports betting in Canada offer a risk-free bet as a welcome bonus. If your first bet loses, it will reimburse you, up to a certain limit – such as $500 or $1,000. The refund takes the form of cash at some sportsbooks, but it is normally paid as site credit, which comes with a 1x rollover requirement. You need to complete that before requesting a withdrawal.
Promotions for Existing Customers
There are lots of promotions for existing customers at the best Canadian sportsbooks. They include odds boosts, profit boosts, parlay bonuses, free bets, and loyalty programs. Visit the “Promotions” page of any sportsbook to see which offers you can claim that day.
Payment Methods available at the Best Sports Betting Sites Canada
You will have plenty of options at your disposal when funding a Canadian sportsbook or requesting a payout. These are the main methods available:
eWallet Payment Options
An eWallet ensures you do not have to enter any card details on a web form, so it is a quick and secure way to fund a sportsbook account. PayPal, MuchBetter, ecoPayz, Skrill, and Neteller are among the most widely accepted eWallets available at the best sportsbooks Canada players can access.
Traditional Payment Methods
The most common payment methods at sites that offer sports betting in Canada are Interac, Instadebit, iDebit, Visa, and MasterCard. The best Canadian sports betting sites offer those methods, and they are free of charge.
Crypto Betting Options
You can use crypto to fund an offshore account at a sportsbook. Examples include Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Tether. It is a very quick and secure withdrawal method, but you may incur network fees. For that reason, it is useful to consider alternative blockchains to Bitcoin and Ethereum, some of which come with tiny fees and very quick transaction speeds. Learn more about crypto sportsbooks.
Canada Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
Mobile apps and mobile-optimized websites make it very quick and convenient for you to enjoy sports betting in Canada. No matter where you are, you can just pick up your smartphone and jab the screen a few times to place a bet.
Offshore sportsbooks do not offer native mobile apps via Google Play or the App Store. However, the best operators have built very impressive mobile-optimized sports betting sites. You can access them rapidly from any mobile browser, and you will find that they offer an almost identical user experience to a native app, but they do not take up any storage space on your mobile device, and there is no need to download or upgrade anything.
New Canada Betting Sites
New Canada Betting Sites appear every year so, whether you’re looking for Quebec sportsbooks or Alberta sportsbooks, you can find them. While not every new sportsbook will be one of the best Canadian sportsbooks, some of them have a lot to offer.
One plus for new sites for sports betting in Canada is they often have bigger welcome bonuses and more seamless mobile experiences than existing sportsbooks. They can also offer new features like parlay builders, odds boosts, and live streaming.
When considering sportsbooks in Canada, be sure to do your homework. New sportsbooks don’t have the same track record as more established players, so it’s important to make sure your money will be safe.
Parlays
Combining multiple single bets into one overall bet is known as a parlay but may also be referred to as an accumulator bet (or acca for short) or a combination or combo bet. With a parlay, you chain together several bets (the order is immaterial) so that the winnings from one bet become the stake of the next, and so on.
Parlays can significantly increase the odds and your potential winnings. However, bear in mind that all your singles have to win else your overall parlay bet fails. If you place a ten-game parlay and get 9 out of 10 correct and lose on only one you win nothing and lose all of your original stake.
Another parlay-type option is a round-robin bet. Here all possible combo bets are included within the bet – so if you bet on four events, you also have four triples, six doubles, and four singles covered. Because you are placing multiple single, double, triple bets, etc, you are going to need to stake more but the upside is you don’t lose everything as long as you get at least one bet comes in, unlike traditional parlays
Online Vs Offline Betting
There are a number of retail outlets throughout Canada where legal sports betting on single events is now permitted – and indeed in some provinces, it is the only way you can wager. However, in most jurisdictions, you can also bet online, plus you always have the option of using an offshore sportsbook that falls outside of Canada’s jurisdiction.
So, what are there any advantages of sports betting online as opposed to visiting a retail sportsbook? Take a look below to see a few of the benefits online sportsbooks have over brick-and-mortar bookmakers.
Welcome bonuses – all of the best bookmakers in Canada and indeed most online sites will offer patrons a welcome bonus or some other kind of promotional deal. Retail sportsbooks do not.
Ongoing promotions – the majority of online sportsbooks in Canada will also offer a stream of promotions throughout the duration of your membership. These come in many forms, like reload bonuses, cashback, competitions plus many more.
Cashing out – the live betting option of cashing out is a great way of stopping winning bets from becoming losing ones. While you may lose less than if you did not cash out early it also means that you make some profit and do not take a loss. Retail sports books do not generally offer cashout.
Betting is easy – it’s just far more convenient to bet online at one of the top bookmakers in Canada than braving the weather conditions and driving to your ‘nearest’ retail sports, which could be over 100 miles away! You can stay warm and cozy at home and place whatever bet you want. Now with most online sites offering apps or mobile sites, you can bet from anywhere at any time.
Different providers – it’s unlikely that you’ve access to over two dozen different retail sportsbooks within your local areas, but you should have access to over two dozen online sportsbooks. This means checking the options and odds at one sportsbook is quick and easy, and if you don’t like what you see, you can just move on to the next one!
Other Types of Gambling Available In Canada
At present, running an online casino in Canada is not legal, and neither is playing at an online casino that is run in Canada. This is despite Canada having many real-world casinos. Offshore sites often have casino options though, including most of the top 10 Canadian sportsbooks from the top of this page, meaning you can play casino games at them as they are outside of Canada’s jurisdiction.
Below are details of the kind of games you can expect to be available to play on your PC, laptop, tablet, or phone.
Slots
Online video slots are the most popular and populous option at online casinos for Canadian players. There are thousands to choose from, all with countless different themes and features.
Roulette
The simplest kind of gambling game. Bet on a number or a group of numbers (or red/black) and hope the ball lands in the pocket of a number you’ve covered. Our tip here – choose European Roulette over American Roulette as the odds are better for you.
Blackjack
The world’s most popular casino card game. You need to score as close to 21 without going bust and hope that you beat the dealer’s total. Our tip here is to research ‘perfect strategy’ which should help to maximize your chances of coming out of a blackjack session in profit. Like roulette, most casinos offer a few different variations such as European, American, and multi-hand.
Poker
There are three main ‘types’ of poker available at online casino sites:
- Ring Games: Where you play against real people. Such games can be tough, especially for newbs. You have to know what you are doing when it comes to this type of poker play.
- Video Poker: Draw poker played on a video screen. The better your hand, the more you win. Commonly, if your hand is worth less than a pair of jacks, you lose your stake.
- Casino Poker: Usually Texas Hold’em poker but played head-to-head against the casino dealer. The rules are not the same as ring games, so make sure you understand them before you sit down to play.
Baccarat
A popular European card game where the aim is to score a total of nine. You cannot bust as only the final digit of your total is your score. All cards that are usually worth ten are worth zero, and you can bet on yourself to win or lose (you cannot lose on purpose!) or for there to be a tie.
Craps
Craps is a dice game that is popular in North America but is rarely found at online casinos as the participation factor in craps is important. Playing on your own is just not as good! If you like dice games try sic bo, which is a Chinese game that works much like roulette.
The Best Sports Betting Site in Canada
The best sports betting site in Canada is currently Bodog. It offers an unrivaled array of betting options, competitive odds, high-quality software, appealing bonuses, responsive customer service, and secure payments. We recommend Bodog to any bettors in Canada.
If you are based in Quebec, you will not be able to use Bodog. BetOnline is a great option for bettors in Quebec, as it offers quick and reliable withdrawals, great bonuses, a trustworthy reputation, and an excellent all-round sports betting experience for desktop and mobile players.
Neil Roarty is a gambling industry veteran with over 15 years experience writing and editing in both Europe and North America. He is a regular speaker at gambling conferences and appears as an author in many industry publications.