The best esports betting sites offer a wealth of exciting markets on games such as League of Legends, CS:GO and Dota 2. They will also provide exciting bonuses, quick withdrawals, comprehensive customer service and features such as live streaming. This guide helps you find the best esports betting sites in Canada.

We will also explain the legal situation for esports bettors, break down the games you can wager on and highlight the most popular betting options. You will discover the best esports betting bonuses too, along with our top esports betting tips, so keep reading for an in-depth guide to esports gambling in Canada.

List of the Best Esports Betting Sites 2024

Our reviewers embarked on a mission to uncover the best betting sites esports fans in Canada can access right now. They conducted very thorough assessments of each esports betting site, using a process explained in detail further down the page. We then compared them against each other and decided that these are the top sportsbooks for esports betting in Canada right now:

1. Bodog – Best esports betting site in Canada
2. Stake –Top crypto sportsbook for esports bettors
3. BetOnline – Best esports betting site for promotions
4. XBet – Beginner-friendly esports betting site
5. MyBookie – Esports betting site with a great loyalty program
6. Everygame – Established esports operator that pays out quickly
7. BetNow – Simple esports betting site competitive odds
8. BUSR – User-friendly esports betting site with strong customer support
9. SportsBetting.ag – Perfect for high-stakes esports bettors
10. PowBet – Lots of exciting esports prop bets

Reviews of the Best Esports Sportsbooks

The top 10 esports betting sites have certain areas in which they specialize. Some are best for mobile players, while others are better suited to desktop use. Certain sportsbooks appeal to casual players, and others suit high-stakes bettors. They have unique features and promos too, so check out our reviews below to find the best one for you.

1. Bodog – Best esports betting site in Canada

Bodog is the No. 1 esports betting site in Canada. It covers CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2, Arena of Valor, King of Glory, Rainbow Six, StarCraft II and Overwatch in detail, along with various other games. You will find a huge volume of leagues and tournaments from around the world, and it offers more esports betting options than rival sportsbooks, including lots of interesting props.

If you are unfamiliar with Bodog, it is Canada’s most popular online gambling site. It has always been one of the leading Canadian grey market sportsbooks, and it also offers a busy poker room, a racebook and a casino. Bodog has trained its focus on esports in recent years, and the results are impressive. Its esports betting odds are slightly better than those at rival sportsbooks, and its live esports betting service is market leading, while there are large bonuses available too, plus rapid payouts.

2. Stake – Top crypto sportsbook for esports bettors

Stake.com is a high-quality esports betting site for crypto users. It has been one of the leading . It was one of the leading Canadian grey market sportsbooks since launching in 2017, and it is now a licensed operator in Ontario. Players in Ontario will need to use Stake.ca as opposed to Stake.com, which is available in the rest of the country.

The main focus is on Counter-Strike FIFA, but Stake.com covers big LoL, Dota 2 and Rainbow 6 events in detail too. The software is very slick, with sharp, dependable live streams of the action, and there are lots of features to boost your enjoyment. There are also exciting bonuses for esports bettors at Stake, so we recommend checking it out.

3. BetOnline – Best esports betting site for promotions

BetOnline has a superb esports betting hub. It is the only operator to separate esports from the sportsbook, which shows how much importance it places on competitive gaming. This is a beautifully designed esports betting site, with live streaming via a Twitch plugin, regularly updated stats and loads of live betting options. It provides impressive prop betting options on big matchups, including lots of player props.

There are some impressive promotions for esports bettors too. The parlay boost is helpful, but the 20% esports rebate is the most important bonus. If you suffer a net loss over the course of a week, you will get the money back in free bet credits. That gives you a second chance to win.

4. XBet – Beginner-friendly esports betting site

XBet is a trusted esports betting site that has served the Canadian market for more than a decade. We like the simplicity of the layout and the quality of the customer service. They combine to make this the perfect esports betting site for beginners.

It does not cover as many tournaments as Bodog and BetOnline, and it is slower to release lines. However, it offers competitive, unique odds and there are lots of props on the big matchups. Cashing out your winnings is a simple and secure process too.

5. MyBookie – Esports betting site with a great loyalty program

MyBookie is one of the most famous offshore betting sites in Canada. It is renowned for offering large promos, a great loyalty program and lots of props. It is a sister site to XBet and these esports bookies are similar in almost every way. They have the same esports lines and markets, and the sites are laid out identically.

The difference is in their promos. MyBookie’s main sign-up offer is larger than XBet’s, and it offers more choice, but XBet’s flagship sign-up bonus comes with gentler rollover requirements. In all other regards, they offer the same, high-quality experience for esports bettors, and they are both recommended.

6. Everygame – Established esports operator that pays out quickly

Everygame is an old-school, reliable esports betting site. It was formerly known as Intertops, the oldest online betting site in the world, but it rebranded in 2021. The site is primarily known for traditional sports betting, poker and casino games, but it covers the biggest esports, such as LoL and CS:GO.

It is a little basic compared to our top three esports betting sites, with minimal betting options, but it is a solid, dependable option for Canadian bettors. Everygame occasionally has market leading esports betting odds too, so it is always worth checking out the lines.

7. BetNow – Simple esports betting site competitive odds

If you want to bet on the biggest esports events as simply as possible, we can highly recommend BetNow. It does not take bets on a wide variety of tournaments, but it offers very competitive odds on major events.

The sign-up process at BetNow takes less than a minute, and you can quickly fund your account to receive a 150% sign-up bonus. Navigation of the site is very simple, and the payout procedure is easy too, so this is another esports betting site that caters well to beginners and anyone in a rush.

8. BUSR – User-friendly esports betting site with strong customer support

BUSR is an esports betting site with great customer service, a simple design and a choice of impressive welcome bonuses. The main esport it focuses on is Counter-Strike, but you can sometimes find lines on additional games when there are big events taking place.

The mobile site is very easy to use, so we recommend BUSR for betting on esports when you are on the move. It is a reputable sportsbook too, so you will have no payout issues if you win.

9. SportsBetting.ag – Perfect for high-stakes esports bettors

SportsBetting.ag is a terrific all-round esports betting site. It is great for high-rollers, thanks to a re-bet feature that allows you to repeat a wager every 60 seconds until you hit your preferred overall stake. It also provides competitive odds, generous promos, live streaming and same day crypto payouts.

This esports betting site is part of the BetOnline group, and it offers an almost identical customer experience. They offer the same lines, bonuses and features, along with the same banking options. However, SportsBetting.ag is a little old-school and dated next to its sister site. BetOnline has had an ambitious revamp, which turned it into a world-leading sportsbook, whereas SportsBetting.ag still uses the old platform, and it would benefit from similar treatment.

10. PowBet – Lots of exciting esports prop bets

PowBet is the most exciting new esports betting site to hit the market in recent years. It launched in 2021, putting its rivals to shame with the sheer quality of its software, the size of its bonuses and the simplicity of the banking process. PowBet is a great option for E-Basketball and eSoccer, with interesting prop bets, excellent live streams, pre-game stats and competitive odds.

There are also lines on popular esports like CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, StarCraft II and Rainbow Six Siege, but it does not cover as many events as BetOnline and Bodog. This esports betting site is a cut above most rivals, and it has always paid out with no problems since launching. However, we would just like to see it build up a trusted reputation over a slightly longer timeframe before pushing it higher on our list of the top esports betting sites.

FAQs about Esports Betting

What is esports betting?

Esports betting allows you to predict how matchups or tournaments will end in a bid to earn a cash profit. Esports gambling sites take bets on the winner of a matchup, and they also offer handicaps, total maps bets, props, futures and parlays. If you would like to esports gamble, check out our detailed guide to esports betting in Canada.

Is betting on esports legal?

It is perfectly legal to bet on esports. You can use high-quality esports betting sites such as Bodog, Stake.com, BetOnline, XBet and MyBookie. Check out our reviews of these popular esports gambling sites to decide which is best for you.

What are the best betting sites for esports?

The best esports betting sites are Bodog, Stake.com, BetOnline, XBet and MyBookie. If you want to esports gamble via a mobile site, we can highly recommend Stake.com. Our guide to esports betting Canada explains the key pros and cons of each leading esports betting site.

How can I claim a bonus for esports betting?

You will need to sign up for an account and make a minimum deposit to claim a bonus at the best betting sites esports fans can access. If it is a deposit match bonus, you will receive the bonus funds immediately. If it is a risk-free bet, a matched first bet, a large odds boost or any other form of esports betting site welcome offer, you need to place a qualifying bet to claim the bonus.

How are esports betting odds calculated?

Leading online sportsbooks provide esports odds after assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each contender. These esports odds can change to reflect betting patterns as the matchup approaches, and the in-play odds will also shift. To learn how to calculate esports betting odds in the decimal, American and fractional formats, check out our guide to esports betting in Canada, which features esports betting tips too.

Comparing the Best Esports Betting Sites

The chart below allows you to quickly compare the best betting sites esports fans in Canada can access. You will see the main welcome bonus offered by each esports betting site. There are some additional bonuses and promotions specifically targeted at esports bettors too, so visit the promo page on each site for the full details.

Is Esports Betting Legal in Canada?

Esports betting is legal in Canada. You can use offshore sportsbooks from any part of the country to place wagers on games such as CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA and Overwatch. They accept single-game bets, parlays and futures wagers on esports tournaments.

In 2021, the federal government passed the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, which amended the Criminal Code. It allowed individual provinces and territories to legalize single-game sports betting – including esports matchups – if they so desired. Some locally-regulated, lottery-run online sports have launched esports betting. PlayNow in British Columbia is one example.

However, you will find far more esports betting options if you use sportsbooks based overseas. The likes of BetOnline and Bodog have dedicated hubs for esports betting, and they cover a huge volume of games, with live streaming of esports action to boost the excitement.

Are Offshore Esports Betting Sites Legal in Canada?

It is legal f0r anyone in Canada to use offshore esports betting sites. There are no laws at a federal, provincial or territorial level that would stop you from signing up with an offshore betting site and placing bets there. It is referred to as the grey market, as these sites are not regulated by Canadian authorities, but they are legal, licensed and regulated in the jurisdictions in which they are based.

The federal government has never had an issue with Canadians using offshore esports sites, so they have offered players CAD accounts for many years. Quebec once attempted to impose an IP block on offshore gambling sites, which would have made them inaccessible, the the Superior Court of Quebec decided it would be unconstitutional, so the provincial government had to scrap those plans.

That meant Quebecers could continue using esports betting sites. No other province or territory has tried to prevent residents from using offshore sportsbooks since then. You are free to use them, but make sure you stick to the reputable esports betting sites we have featured on this page, as we know that they grade all bets fairly, pay out quickly and reliably, and keep you safe.

Advantages of Offshore Esports Betting Sites

There are lots of advantages to using offshore esports betting sites:

• These sites accept players from across Canada. Most Canadians do not have access to locally-regulated esports betting sites, so the only way to place a wager on games like League of Legends, Dota 2 and CS:GO is to find a reliable offshore operator.
• There are far more esports betting options at offshore sites than the locally-regulated options. They cover a huge volume of events, and they provide a far broader menu of lines and props.
• You will normally find better odds at offshore esports betting sites. The companies specifically choose countries in which it is cheap to run betting sites due to lower staff costs and energy prices. That allows them to pass cost savings to their customers via attractive lines.
• Offshore esports betting sites also offer larger bonuses. They can afford to, as it is cheaper to run sportsbooks outside of Canada, and there is also intense competition, so they need to provide exciting promos to stand out from rival esports betting sites. That is not the case with the likes of PlayNow, which operate in a more monopolistic manner.
• You can use crypto for deposits and withdrawals at offshore sportsbooks. Esports fans tend to be young, tech-savvy adults, and many of them hold crypto, which lends itself very well to deposits and payouts at offshore esports betting sites.

Our Criteria for Choosing a Top Esports Betting Site

We assembled a group of software experts, experienced esports bettors, industry insiders and competitive gaming fans to review the various esports betting sites that operate in Canada. The reviews focused on seven key criteria:

Choice of Esports Games

Some esports betting sites stick to CS:GO, Dota 2 and League of Legends. They cover only the most prominent tournaments, and they do not feature play-ins, qualifiers and so on. The best esports betting sites cover more than a dozen games, including a wide variety of leagues and cups from around the world.

Range of Esports Bets

High-quality esports betting sites such as Bodog offer dozens of different betting options on a single matchup. That includes correct scores, props, map bets and alternate round handicaps. You should find a strong selection of futures betting options on big tournaments too.

Quality of Esports Betting Odds

The best esports betting operators take a relatively low house edge on their moneylines, totals, handicaps and props. It is wise to sign up with a few rival sportsbooks, compare the esports betting odds they offer on each market and quickly grab the most attractive line.

Bonus & Promotions

Bonuses and promotions improve your chances of success as an esports bettor. Some sites offer a deposit match welcome bonus, a reload bonus, rebates on esports losses, odds boosts, parlay promos and much more. These deals can be highly valuable, but we would urge you to avoid bonuses that tie you down to unrealistic rollover requirements.

Safety & Security

Safety is paramount for esports bettors. A site can offer great odds, large bonuses and a beautiful interface, but it counts for little if your details and your funds are unsafe. We only recommend legitimate, licensed esports betting sites that use powerful encryption software to keep you safe.

Payment Methods

A long list of popular payment methods is an attractive trait in an esports betting site. The best operators offer instant deposits and quick payouts, with no banking fees charged. You can check if a sportsbook accepts your preferred payment method before signing up by visiting the FAQ section of the site.

Customer Support

You will receive professional customer support 24 hours a day at the best esports betting sites. Their customer service teams are available via live chat, email and potentially over the phone, and they respond to requests quickly and diligently. We test out the customer support department at each sportsbook during our intensive review process.

How to Sign Up and Bet on Esports

It is easy to create an esports betting account and place your first esports bet. Just follow our five simple steps:

1. Visit the No. 1 Esports Betting Site

Click here to visit Bodog, the best esports betting operator, and then click or tap on the “Join” button to open the mobile sign-up form.

2. Complete the Sign-Up Form

Provide your personal information, choose a password, agree to the terms of service and certify that you are the minimum legal age for gambling in your province or territory. Hit “Register.” It will send an SMS code to your phone, which you can enter to verify it.

3. Make a Deposit

Choose one of the convenient deposit options listed, such as a card, bank transfer or cryptocurrency, and make your first deposit. You will then receive your sign-up bonus credits.

4. Choose an Esports Betting Option

Select esports from the main sportsbook menu, choose and esport and browse a range of matchups. Click on one that appeals, browse your esports betting options and click on one to add it to your betslip.

5. Place Your Bet

Type in a bet amount into the “RISK” box and it will display your potential profit. Click to confirm, and you will be paid out after the matchup is over if you win.

How Esports Betting Works

You will be presented with a selection of betting options on individual matchups and on overall tournaments at the best esports betting sites. Here is an example of a futures betting market on the winner of the League of Legends World Championship:

Decimal Odds

Decimal esports odds are easy to understand. You simply multiply the amount you would like to bet by the figure to calculate your total return. That includes your profit and the return of your stake (bet amount).

For example, a $10 bet on Gen.G would earn you a total return of $32.50 if they won the tournament. A $100 bet on Gen.G would earn you a return of $325. That includes a $225 profit and the return of your $100 stake.

A $10 bet on JD Gaming would result in a return of $35 if they won, while a $10 bet on Evil Geniuses would result in a $1,010 payout. That tells you JD Gaming are among the favourites, while the far larger potential payout on Evil Geniuses explains that they are huge underdogs.

American Odds

American esports odds tell you the profit available by placing a bet, as opposed to the total return. They start with a minus or a plus. If the odds start with a plus, the numbers highlight the profit available on a $100 bet. A $100 at +250 would earn you a $250 profit. You then need to add the return of your $100 stake to calculate your total return of $350. As such, American odds of +250 equate to decimal odds of 3.50.

If the odds start with a minus, it explains how much you would be required to lay down to net a $100 profit. For example, if Top Esports are priced at -150 to beat Cloud9, you would need to wager $150 to win $100. Your total return would be $250, as you get your stake back when you win. You can bet any amount you like – for example, a $10 bet at -150 would net you a $6.67 profit and a total return of $16.67.

Fractional Odds

Fractional esports odds also tell you the profit available rather than the total return. They are a little easier than American odds to understand, because you simply need to multiply your bet amount by the fraction to calculate your profit.

For example, a $10 bet at 5/2 would result in a $25 profit, as 10 x 5/2 = 25. You then add the return of the $10 stake to calculate your overall return of $35. As you can see, fractional odds of 5/2 equate to decimal odds of 3.50 and American odds of +250.

Single-Game Esports Betting Explained

Single-game esports betting is now available across Canada. Before the law changed in 2021, only parlays with three or more legs were permitted at locally regulated sportsbooks. It is tricky to land a successful parlay, as your bet loses if just one selection fails you. For that reason, most Canadian esports bettors preferred to use offshore sites operating in the so-called grey market.

The Canadian government had no problem with that sort of activity, so large, reputable sportsbooks offered CAD accounts to bettors across the country. However, it was not earning any tax income, so it decided to amend the Criminal Code in 2021.

That decision allowed each province and territory to roll out single-game sports betting – including wagers on esports matchups – and some have taken advantage of that opportunity. It means you can now bet on a single esports event at some lottery-run sportsbooks. However, the overall service is a lot better at offshore sites – with more options, sharper lines, larger bonuses and features such as live streaming – so most players simply continue using them.

Most Popular Esports Games to Bet on 

There are plenty of esports, but a small handful of popular games dominate the betting scene. They are the games with the largest fan bases, the most lavish prize pools and the most famous pro players. These are the top games to be on:

CS:GO

• Game name: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
• Genre: First-Person Shooter
• Developer: Valve
• Notable tournaments: Majors, BLAST Premier, IEM
• Notable players: dupreeh, Xyp9x, dev1ce. gla1ve, s1mple

CS:GO has the busiest esports scene in the world. It may lack the eye-watering prize pools that Dota 2 commands or the immensely devoted fan base that League of Legends enjoys, but it makes up for it in the sheer volume of pro events taking place throughout the year. There is always something to bet on, and more than 15,000 pro players have earned cash prizes from north of 6,000 tournaments in recent years, highlighting how vibrant the scene is.

League of Legends

• Game name: League of Legends
• Genre: MOBA
• Developer: Riot Games
• Notable tournaments: World Championship, Mid-Season Invitational, Regional Leagues
• Notable players: Faker, Duke, Bang, Wolf, Bengi

LoL is the most popular esport in the world. It is divided into regional leagues, such as the LCK, LPL, LEC and LCS, which have spring and summer splits each year. The top teams lock horns in the Mid-Season Invitational each year, and they then converge to vie for supremacy at the Worlds, which have set records for esports viewership figures.

Dota 2

• Game name: Defense of the Ancients 2
• Genre: MOBA
• Developer: Valve
• Notable tournaments: The International, ESL One, Masters
• Notable players: N0tail, JerAx, ana, Ceb, Topson

Dota 2 is the richest esport in the world, thanks largely to the success of its flagship tournament – The International. It is mainly funded via a compendium model, and the prize pool smashed through the $40 million barrier in 2021. The 20 highest earning esports players of all time all play Dota 2.

Rainbow Six Siege

• Game name: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
• Genre: FPS
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Notable tournaments: Six Invitational, Majors, Gamers8
• Notable players: Canadian, Geometrics, Psycho, Kamikaze

CS:GO, League of Legends and Dota 2 are the top three esports, and they are well clear of the chasing pack. Several games are jostling for position below them, but we decided to include R6S in this guide, as it is gaining a great deal of momentum right now. It is typically featured alongside the three aforementioned games at esports betting sites, and you can choose from a broad range of bet types.

Arena of Valor / King of Glory

• Game name: Arena of Valor / King of Glory / Honor of Kings
• Genre: MOBA (Mobile)
• Developer: Tencent
• Notable tournaments: AIoV International, Pro League, Challenger Cup
• Notable players: Fly, HuaHai, Alan, NuoYan, 1dao

Tencent created this title as a mobile version of League of Legends, the flagship multiplayer online battle arena title produced by its Riot Games subsidiary. In China, it has become the highest grossing mobile game of all time. It translates to King of Glory or Honor of Kings. Tencent released a variant called Arena of Valor for western gamers, but they are very similar, and they are now starting to converge in the esports scene.

Other Popular Esports

There are lots of other highly popular esports that you can bet on at leading sportsbooks. These are some of the most common games to look out for:

• StarCraft II
• Overwatch
• PUBG
• Rocket League
• Valorant
• Fortnite
• Call of Duty

Popular Types of Esports Betting Markets

You can sometimes find more than 70 betting options on a single esports matchup at elite sportsbooks such as Bodog. These are the most common markets:

Moneyline Bets

This is a simple bet on the winner of an esports matchup. The sportsbooks assess both teams and then release esports odds on each of them. The odds tell you the perceived likelihood of the team winning, along with the profit available if you successfully bet on them. You can place moneyline bets on the entire match, or on a particular map or round.

Example: 

Map Handicaps

This popular market gives the supposedly stronger esports team (the moneyline favourite) a handicap. For example, you might find that AURA Fire is the 1.28 favourite to beat Geek Fam, while Geek Fam is the 3.50 underdog at a site that allows you to esports gamble.

If you then went into the handicap market, you might expect to find odds of 1.90 on AURA Fire -1.5 and 1.90 on Geek Fam +1.5. A bet on AURA Fire -1.5 would require them to win by a margin of at least 2 maps, whereas a wager on Geek Fam +1.5 would succeed if they won or if they lost by a single map.

Example: 

Map Bets

The best esports betting sites take bets on individual maps within a matchup. You can bet on which team will win the map, and you can also bet on round handicaps. For example, you might find 1.90 on Team Liquid -4.5 rounds on Map 1 against Movistar Raiders, and Movistar Raiders +4.5 rounds on Map 1 at 1.90. You can also place correct score bets, winning margin bets, total rounds, half-time/full-time bets and props.

Example: 

Total Maps

This is a simple over/under bet on the number of maps that will be required in an esports matchup. You can also bet on total rounds within a map.

Example: 

Prop Bets

Prop bets are additional markets that do not focus on the result. For example, you can bet over/under on the number of detonated or diffused bombs in a CS:GO matchup, or whether a particular map will go to overtime.

Example: 

Futures

These are long-term wagers on markets such as the winner of an esports tournament, the winner of a particular group and so on. Elite esports betting sites like BetOnline and Bodog offer additional futures bets, including “to reach the final”, the region of the winner, the best performing team from each region and whether a play-in team will win.

Example: 

Parlays

Parlays combine two or more esports predictions to form a single wager. Each selection within the parlay needs to be correct for the overall bet to succeed. If one leg fails, the bet loses. However, you can earn large profits through parlays, as the winnings compound within the wager.

Live Esports Betting

High-quality esports betting sites allow you to continue betting on markets such as the moneyline, handicaps, totals and props after the action has started. You can watch the matchup and ascertain how well the opposing teams are shaping up before placing live bets from a strong position.

Our Top 5 Tips for Betting on Esports

Our top esports betting tips are designed to improve your long-term chances of success and profitability when wagering on competitive gaming tournaments. These are our top five:

Find the Best Odds on Each Bet

You will maximize your potential profits on every esports wager you place if you take the time to shop around for the best odds. In the long run, this simple practice can make the difference between earning a profit and slipping to a loss. Sign up with multiple esports betting sites, compare their odds on each bet you like and place your wagers accordingly.

Claim Appealing Bonuses

The best esports betting sites offer exciting bonuses for new and existing bettors. We have rounded up the key promos you can redeem below. It is wise to claim as many bonuses as possible, with one important caveat: stick to promos with low rollover requirements.

Focus on One or Two Esports

It is impossible to become an expert on every esport, as the competitive gaming scene is very diverse. We would recommend that you stick to one or two similar games and study them in-depth. For example, you might choose Dota 2 and LoL, or CS:GO and Rainbow Six. Stay abreast of roster moves, rule changes, updates to the game play and so on, pore over the stats and watch as much action within your chosen esports as possible.

Look for Expert Esports Picks

Expert picks from pro esports handicappers can be very beneficial. It is sensible to establish a capper’s credentials first. Look for established experts that can demonstrate strong long-term records and that speak or write with authority on a particular esport. Conduct your own research to back up their picks and ensure you agree with them.

Treat Parlays with Caution

Sportsbooks like to accept parlays, as they normally earn a higher margin on them. That is because the overall house edge increases each time you add a selection to a parlay. Bettors also like parlays, because they offer the chance to win big from a small bet amount, but we would advise you to use them sparingly if you are seeking long-term success.

Bonuses for Esports Betting Online

The best Canadian esports betting sites offer bonuses for new users to build up their customer bases. They then provide further bonuses for existing customers, which are designed to generate repeat business and reward loyalty. The most appealing offers improve your long-term prospects of success. These are the most common bonuses:

Match Deposit Sign Up Bonuses

An esports betting site offering this type of bonus will match a specific percentage of your first deposit with site credit. There is always an upper limit to the amount you can receive. For example, it might be a 50% bonus up to $500 or a 100% bonus up to $200. You then need to complete a rollover requirement on the bonus funds before withdrawing. Look out for bonuses with low rollover requirement, as they are the most attractive.

No Deposit Bonus

This bonus is awarded to new customers without requiring them to make a qualifying deposit. You typically gain a small amount of site credit, which must be rolled over several times before a withdrawal is permitted. The esports betting site will try to hold onto you as a long-term, paying customer, but you can simply walk away if you like.

Free Bets

Free bets may be issued to new and/or existing customers at the top esports betting sites. You may simply be awarded a free bet, no strings attached. However, you normally need to place a qualifying wager to earn free bets. For example, it could be a “bet $10, get a $25 free bet” bonus. The details will be laid out clearly in the terms and conditions. 

Bitcoin & Crypto Bonuses

Some offshore sportsbooks offer larger bonuses on crypto deposits, as this is their preferred way to receive funds. It saves them time, money and effort, as it cuts out the middleman via a direct wallet-to-wallet transaction. If you choose to use Bitcoin or an altcoin when making your deposit, you may receive a 75% bonus up to $750 as opposed to the standard 50% bonus up to $250, for example.

Reload or Top-Up Bonuses

A reload bonus rewards you with site credit each time you top up your esports betting account balance. It will normally be smaller than the sign-up bonus, but it is generally worth claiming, provided it comes with a low rollover requirement.

Risk-Free Bets

A risk-free bet bonus allows you to place a wager on an esports event, secure in the knowledge you will get your money back if it loses. The refund may be paid in cash, but it is normally paid as site credit, with a 1x rollover requirement.

The Best Payment Methods for Esports Betting

You can choose from a variety of payment methods at the best esports betting sites. They broadly fall into three distinct categories:

Traditional Payment Methods

Visa, MasterCard, Interac, Instadebit, iDebit and Trustly are the most common payment methods at esports betting sites in Canada. You can fund an account using a credit card, debit card or online bank transfer. This is a swift and secure process, and it should be free of charge.

eWallet Betting Options

Using an eWallet means you do not need to insert card details on a web form when funding an esports betting account, so it is quick and safe. PayPal, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, Skrill and Neteller are among the most common eWallet methods, but the options will differ depending on which part of Canada you are based in.

Crypto Betting Options

Many esports fans hold cryptocurrencies, and there are certain esports betting sites that accept them for deposits and withdrawals. The most common coins accepted at these sites tend to be Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, XRP, Tether and USDC, but you can often find a variety of additional altcoins too.

The sites that accept crypto are based offshore. That allows them to accept players from every Canadian province and territory. They offer sharp esports odds and great bonuses, and crypto makes it quick, easy and secure to send funds to them and get paid out. Litecoin is a great option due to the low fees, and so are coins such as ADA and DOT, which do not run on the more expensive Bitcoin or Ethereum networks. More about crypto sportsbooks can be found at

2022 Esports Schedule

There are lots of huge tournaments taking place during 2022. These are the most exciting events to mark in your diary:

Top Canadian Esports Players

There are lots of homegrown stars for Canadian esports fans to cheer on, including Halo star Damon “Karma” Barlow, StarCraft II player Sasha “Scarlett” Hostyn, Rocket League duo Jacob “JKnaps” Knapman and Mariano “SquishyMuffinz” Arruda and rising Call of Duty maestro Indevir “iLLeY” Dhaliwal, plus Troy “Canadian” Jaroslawski, the top-earning Rainbow 6 Siege player of all time. These are the top five Canadian esports stars:

Arteezy – Dota 2

• Player name: Artour Babev
• Nickname: Arteezy
• Game: Dota 2
• Team: Evil Geniuses, Cloud9, Team Secret
• Earnings: US$2.5 million

Arteezy was born in Uzbekistan, but he moved to Vancouver as a child and then burst onto the competitive gaming scene at the tender age of 17. He has racked up prize money of US $2.5 million thanks to his success with Evil Geniuses, Cloud9 and Team Secret at The International, the top Dota 2 tournament.

Aui_2000 – Dota 2

• Player name: Kurtis Ling
• Nickname: Aui_2000
• Game: Dota 2
• Team: Evil Geniuses, Team Secret
• Earnings: US$2 million

This Vancouver native was the first true Canadian esports star. He dropped out of the University of British Columbia to pursue a full-time career as a pro gamer, and that proved to be a very shrewd decision. He led Evil Geniuses to victory in The International 2015, which netted him more than US$1.6 million. Aui_2000 has never hit those heights again, but he remains a Canadian esports legend.

Zayt – Fortnite

• Player name: Williams Aubin
• Nickname: Zayt
• Game: Fortnite
• Team: Independent, NRG Esports
• Earnings: US$1.2 million

Zayt, who hails from Quebec, was just 19 years of age when he qualified for the Fortnite World Cup in 2019. He finished fourth in the duos event, alongside American player Saf, which earned him US$750,000, and he added an extra US$50,000 for his performance in the solo event. Zayt also won the ESL Katowice Royal in 2019.

Twistzz – CS:GO

• Player name: Russel Van Dulken
• Nickname: Twistzz
• Game: CS:GO
• Team: Team Liquid, FaZe Clan
• Earnings: US$1.2 million

Twistzz is among the top 10 highest earning CS:GO players of all time. He was part of the FaZe Clan team that won the PGL Major Antwerp in 2022, and he also won the second Inter Grand Slam with Team Liquid in 2019. Twistzz is one of just two North American players, along with Stewie2K, to win both a major and an Intel Grand Slam during his career. He is also part of the first team to win IEM Katowice, The Major, IEM Cologne in one year.

NAF – CS:GO

• Player name: Keith Markovic
• Nickname:  NAF
• Game: CS:GO
• Team: Team Liquid, OpTic Gaming
• Earnings: US$1.1 million

The Team Liquid rifler is one of the most talented CS:GO players on the scene right now. He arguably peaked in 2019, when he played alongside Twistzz for Team Liquid during their victorious Intel Grand Slam campaign. He is still at TL, where he plays alongside EliGE, oSee, nitr0 and daps.

Canadian Esports Teams to Bet On

There are a few Canadian esports teams to bet on at the leading sportsbooks:

Luminosity Gaming

Steve “Bukaya” Maida founded Luminosity in 2015. The team is headquartered in Toronto, and it has competed in Call of Duty, CS:GO Rainbow Six: Siege, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., Fortnite, Apex Legends and various other games over the years.

Toronto Defiant

Toronto Defiant compete in the Overwatch League. They began in 2019 as one of eight expansion teams, competing in the West region. The team is owned by OverActive Media, which previously owned Montreal Rebellion as a feeder team. The Defiant finished with a 9-7 record in the 2021 regular season, but they are yet to reach the playoffs.

Vancouver Titans

The Titans also started out as an Overwatch League expansion team in 2019, when they went all the way to the Grand Finals before ultimately losing to San Francisco Shock. Things have gone south for the team since then, and they have not reached the playoffs again. They dropped their entire roster after a dreadful 2021 season, and they are now in rebuilding mode.

Esports Betting Terms

Action – A bet placed on an esports matchup or tournament.

Air Bet – A fun bet, with no money riding on the outcome.

Avatar – The character a player controls.

Bad Beat – An esports wager that loses due to a freak occurrence or a bad call.

Bankroll – The money you will use to place bets throughout the year.

Bots – Computer-controlled opponents.

Bracket – The diagram that shows the progress of an esports tournament.

Cash Out – End a bet before the event finishes to earn a guaranteed profit.

Chalk – A bet on an esports favourite.

Clutch – Performing in tense moments.

Cover – Backing a team to win on the handicap markets.

Circuit – The various tournaments taking place during the year within a particular esport.

Dog – The underdog, which is given a low chance of success.

Double Elimination – A tournament with an upper bracket and lower bracket, which gives teams a second chance to stay alive after losing.

Edge – A perceived esports betting advantage.

Frag – A kill.

FPS – A first person shooter game, such as CS:GO.

Futures – Long-term wagers, such as the winner of The International.

Handicapper – An analyst that offers esports betting picks.

HUD – The on-screen display that shows key information about a player.

IEM – Intel Extreme Masters, a prominent series of esports tournaments.

Juice – The house edge an esports betting site takes on its lines.

LAN – A tournament is not held online, taking place on a Local Area Network instead.

Map – The setting for part of an esports matchup. Teams often need to win a majority of maps to clinch victory.

MOBA – A multiplayer online battle arena game, such as League of Legends or Dota 2.

MMORPG – A massively multiplayer online role playing game.

Moneyline – A bet on which team will win a matchup.

Oddsmaker – The individual who sets the esports betting odds.

Pick – A prediction on how an esports matchup will end.

Push – A bet that neither ends in a win nor a loss, so you get your money back.

RTS – A real time strategy game, such as StarCraft II.

Skins – Cosmetics purchased by esports players to enhance the appearance of their avatars.

Split – Part of the season. For example, League of Legends tournaments are divided into spring and summer splits.

Twitch – A popular streaming platform for esports events.

Vigorish – Another term for house edge, or juice, applied to esports betting lines.

Betting on Esports Near Me

Betting on esports is possible at lottery-controlled retail betting kiosks across Canada. Prior to 2021, they could only offer parlays. However, each province and territory has now rolled out legal single-game betting – including on esports events – since that law change. Nova Scotia was the final province to do so when it made the change in February 2022.

It can be helpful to place a retail esports bet if you are passing by a participating retailer, but it is normally a lot quicker and more convenient to place an online sports wager. If you sign up with a sportsbook like Bodog, Stake or BetOnline, you can pick up your phone and get your esports bets on in seconds.

The Best Esports Betting Site in Canada

We rate Bodog as the best esports betting site in Canada. It covers a huge volume of esports, from major games such as CS:GO and League of Legends to smaller titles like Halo. You can choose from a wide array of tournaments and leagues, and it has a ton of betting options, plus features such as live streaming and a terrific in-play betting section.

If you sign up with Bodog today, you can claim a large welcome bonus. It offers lots of additional promos too, and it is very quick to pay out, so we highly recommend registering with Bodog if you want to bet on esports in Canada.