Best Canadian Sports Betting Sites
- Reputation
- A site’s reputation reflects the relationship it has with its players. That’s why we speak with gamblers and industry experts to uncover every detail in our reviews.
- Safety and Security
- It takes trust to deposit your real money online and we want you to know, if we trust a partner, so can you. This is why all sites must be legitimately licensed and regulated, as well as keeping your data safe with the best encryption technology.
- Banking and Payments
- A necessity of all online gambling sites is a range of secure banking options. From there, it’s imperative all sites provide high payout percentages with fast withdrawals and a fair RTP.
- Bonuses & Promotions
- All our sites are expected to provide new players with a welcome bonus, as well as rewarding loyal players with bankroll boosting promotions. We also check for any unfair T&Cs, meaning you can bet with confidence.
- Customer Support
- Top sites will offer extensive customer support, which is why we review this rigorously. While we always encourage our users to get in touch, we understand the importance of having your questions answered efficiently and by a real person.
- Compatibility
- Whether you're playing online from your computer or mobile device or tablet, our top recommendations can match your lifestyle. A top online casino needs to be compatible with multiple devices, so you have the freedom to play wherever and however you want.
- Online Experience
- Whether through the range of games or sports to bet on, the option to play for free or even choosing between software providers, players must be provided with options when gambling online. Aside from this, we require all partners to meet a high standard with the graphics of their games and localization to accommodate for players from around the world.
- Live dealers
- Many banking options
- Fast payouts
- Not all games are iOS compatible
- Large proportion of games are slots
- Easy banking methods
- Compatible with mobile devices
- International players welcome
- Few promotions and rewards
- Homepage can be difficult to navigate
- Leader in gambling for almost a century
- Mobile device compatible
- Live dealers
- Play for free or real money
- Super-fast and secure banking options
- Payouts in less than 4 days
- Licensed by Gibraltar Gaming Commission
- eCOGRA tested and approved
- Smaller welcome bonus than most
How to Bet on Sports in Canada?
Choose a sportsbook which is right for you by looking at our recommended sports betting sites.
Once you decide, create an account with the site, enter your details and make your first deposit.
If you're new to the site, take advantage of the site's welcome bonus.
Study the site to see what it has to offer and decide what you want to bet on.
Briefly review a few other sites to see if anyone offers better odds. If not, then place your wager.
How We Rate Online Sportsbooks in Canada
We want to make sure you have the best experience possible when betting online, which is why we've developed a comprehensive system by which we review sportsbooks. Based on a range of key factors, like quality, safety and reputation, you can see the full process of how we determine the best sportsbooks in Canada.
Best Betting Bonuses
Like any other competitive industry, sportsbooks know they must work for your business. To entice you into betting on their site, most will offer bonuses, which are often in the form of free bets. The most common is the welcome bonus which books use to encourage people to bet on their site. However, we always recommend you read the fine print, since there are often betting restrictions which can catch you out.
Get this bonus when you sign up at a sportsbook. The most common bonus types are deposit match and free bets.
Sportsbooks agree to match your first deposit, either up to a certain amount or a percentage of your deposit.
Sportsbooks will essentially give you money to bet with you after you make your first deposit. If you win, you collect the winnings.
When you make your second deposit, books will often match a certain percentage of it (but not as much as your initial deposit match).
Offers like free bets, merchandise, cashback, free half-points are offered to active existing bettors to keep their business.
Security
Security is of the utmost importance to many when it comes to online sports betting sites in Canada. That is why we make it a priority to ensure every site we recommend is properly licensed and uses top-of-the-line security and SSL encryption.
Live Streaming
With how live, in-game betting has grown in popularity, we look for sites that offer live streaming of games on their site. If you're making live bets, it's essential you're able to watch the action, so we also look for the sites with the best interface to allow you to do both seamlessly.
In-Play Betting
Betting on aspects of a game in-progress has become more common in recent years, but it's not something every book offers. We find the sites that do, and more importantly, the ones which offer it over a variety of markets and sports.
Banking Options
Nothing is more frustrating to a bettor than having trouble depositing or withdrawing money from a sportsbook. Our recommended sites have a variety of deposit methods and payout quickly and without issues.
Range of Markets
All sportsbooks will offer markets on NFL, NBA and MLB, but the best will provide odds for a huge range of sports. We look beyond the most popular sports and ensure markets on other popular sports in Canada like golf and horse racing are presented.
Mobile Compatibility
Being restricted to betting from your desktop should never be a worry in 2024. Bettors want to bet on the go from cell phones and tablets, so we look for sites with mobile sites and downloadable apps, which are easy to use for all devices.
Competitive Betting Odds
With how online sports betting has exploded in recent years, it's important to compare odds from different sports betting sites. Finding those small differences will add up over time, allowing you to win more and lose less. This is only a positive for bettors in Canada, as the top sportsbooks are in competition with each other, meaning their odds are always becoming more favourable.
If you're not familiar with understanding odds or making sense of the different types of odds, then don't fear. Our Sports Betting Guide and Odds Calculator are two brilliant tools which many bettors use daily when betting online. They will help all bettors make better decisions when it comes to handling odds at sportsbooks and are absolutely free.
Popular Sports Betting in Canada
According to surveys, anywhere from 1.1 million to 4.5 million Canadians placed a bet at an online sports betting site last year. The popularity is expected to grow if legislation gets passed to make single game betting legal; only parlays are legal now.
With the United States being so close, many American sports like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB are popular among Canadian bettors. Local sports like hockey, curling, and lacrosse are also popular.
Soccer Betting
Soccer, or football as most of the world knows the game, is arguably one of the most popular sports on the planet and is certainly a popular one among Canadians. For soccer fans, interest is often drawn first to the English Premier League (EPL), but there are several professional leagues around the world fans can bet on. There are also several international tournaments like the World Cup, the Euros (UEFA European Championship), Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup for fans to wager on. The best Canadian sportsbooks will offer multiple soccer markets along with competitive odds and live, in-play betting.
Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world and betting on horses is one of the oldest forms of gambling. It has a following in just about every country in the world, including Canada. Canadian sportsbooks will offer competitive odds on all of the major races around the world including the Kentucky Derby, The Grand National, Dubai Turf, Breeders Cup Sprint, Breeders Cup Distaff, Breeders Cup Turf, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Melbourne Cup and the Dubai World Cup. Many will also offer odds on local and regional horse racing as well. Whether you want to place a bet on a horse to win outright, place, or show, there is a Canadian sportsbook to fit your betting needs.
Golf Betting
Golf does not have the fast-paced action of football, basketball, or mixed martial arts, but it has a dedicated fan base of millions around the world and in Canada. While it may be known best for the four major tournaments, the Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and Open Championship, there are often tournaments fans can bet on every weekend during the season among the various tours (PGA, European, LPGA, PGA Tour Champions, as well as several smaller, lesser-known tours). Live, in-play betting is a popular betting option among Canadian bettors but can be a little limited compared to other sports available at Canadian sportsbooks.
Top Betting Markets in Canada
Sportsbooks in Canada strive to bring their customers the latest odds and betting markets available, as well as a wealth of options. With a wide array of sports to choose from including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, fans can bet on their favourite team in a variety of ways, from moneyline bets and point spreads to over/under bets, props, and parlays.
Moneyline Bets
Rather than handicap the game by giving points to one team or taking them from the other, bettors can win more or less depending on if they bet on the favourite or underdog to win.
The underdog will be the team with a positive (+) number; the favourite will have a negative one (-). For the underdog, the number indicates how much you will win on a $100 bet. For the favourite, the number indicates what you must bet to win $100.
If the moneyline for the underdog is +400, then a $100 bet will win you $400. If a favourite's moneyline is -500, you would have to bet $500 to win $100.
Over/Under Bets
An over/under bet gives you the chance to bet on how well a player, team, or both teams produce something for a given time period. The most common over/under is betting on whether the total score of a game (both teams combined) will be over or under a given number. The over/under for Super Bowl LIV was 54.0. Since the final score was 31-20, those who bet the under won.
Parlay Bets
Since Canadians can only bet parlays, it's important to understand what these are. Rather than bet on one game, bettors place a wager on the outcome of multiple games (2+). However, while you can win more with the more legs (games) you have in a parlay, you lose if you fail to pick a winner in one leg.
Point Spread/Handicap Bets
To make a game between unmatched teams fair for gamblers, oddsmakers set a point spread for games. The number will be either positive or negative depending on whether the team is the underdog or favourite.
If an underdog loses by less than the point spread (or outright), then you win. For a favourite to win, the team must win by more than the spread. For example, the spread on Super Bowl LIV favoured the Chiefs (-1.5). Since they won by 11 (31-20), they covered the spread.
Outright Bets
Outright bets are wagers you can place on the outcome of a season or competition rather than a single game. These bets are often placed before the season starts, but then are also often available throughout the season. Also known as futures, these can be popular because the higher odds result in a more substantial pay-out if you win. But the downside is you tie up some of your bankroll in a bet you will not know if you win or lose until the end of the season.
Prop Bets
Prop bets are things that you can bet, while related to the game, do not have anything to do with the final score. These can be appealing to non-fans of a sport since they do not require much if any knowledge of the sport being played. Sportsbooks will often generate hundreds of them for the Super Bowl on things from the result of the coin flip, the colour of the Gatorade thrown on the winning coach, the length of the National Anthem, and so much more.
Best Sports Betting Apps
With all bets in Canada placed online, it's imperative that sportsbooks have an app that is secure and easy to use. Mobile gambling in Canada is hugely popular and bettors expect an app to be easy to navigate, secure and available on both Android and iOS. We've listed the top 3 betting apps in Canada below.
1. Betway Sports
Available for iPhone and Android users, Betway's mobile app is very strong. A smooth interface allows you to navigate to the latest promotions, to view your bets and manage your bankroll. With a sophisticated search feature, it's important to note the variety of markets is as strong as the desktop site. Weekly free bets are offered exclusively to mobile app users and the live streaming feature is one of the best available.
2. 888Sport
888Sport also provide live streaming as part of their app's offering, but only for horse racing. However, the in-game stats are a nice touch, as is their brilliant form guide for upcoming events. All bettors can access the app and when signing up will receive up to three $10 free bets. Those looking to place parlays can do so with ease thanks to the easy navigation between the bet slip and markets.
3. 10Bet
10Bet's mobile app prides itself on the most seamless betting experience mobile users can have. The sportsbook features almost the exact functionality, features and design of the desktop website, going for a slick side bar instead of a bottom navigation. In-game betting is available as well as over 1000 single touch options for Fast Market betting. Perhaps the best feature of the app is the 'Bet Search' function, which is best used with the generous welcome bonus of up to $50.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada?
While there is some ambiguity surrounding betting laws in Canada, there is nothing to say online sports betting is illegal. However, it is illegal to operate a sportsbook in Canada, so bettors use operators based outside of Canada. To put the legality of online betting into perspective, there has never been an arrest for betting with an online sportsbook based in Canada.
Since betting online is not illegal, it's treated as if it's legal. Consequently, there is no national regulating authority which means it's regulated under the purview of each individual province and territory.
There are some restrictions, though. You must be of legal age. All sportsbooks must have a government issue Canadian gambling license. Also, single-game betting is not allowed, only parlays. Additional restrictions vary depending on the province.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice and we recommend seeking independent advice for more information about betting in Canada. Laws are constantly changing and while we strive to keep up with the regulations, the information may become outdated.
Province/Territories
Yukon
The legal gambling age in Alberta is 18.
Overview of BettingGambling in its various forms, including betting on sports, is the source of four percent of the province's revenue. It's regulated by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission working in conjunction with the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. Bettors are restricted to making a maximum of $250 in bets a day.
There are no sportsbooks operating from within Alberta.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Sports Select.
The legal gambling age in British Columbia is 19.
Overview of BettingSports betting, along with other gaming activities is regulated by the British Columbia Lottery and Gaming Corporation which runs the only government-approved site, PlayNow.com. PlayNow has several betting options including Oddset outcome, point spread, Over/Under, totals and props.
Winnings are subject to taxes. Bets can be placed online or at authorized retail locations.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?Pro-Line service is used and the only state-run betting site online, PlayNow.com. But there are restrictions on the size of bets and betting limits.
The legal gambling age in Manitoba is 18.
Overview of BettingBetting on sports is managed in Manitoba by the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Commission (MLL) and regulated by the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba. The Sport Select system is utilized in country rather than the Pro-line system. Bettors are restricted to a maximum bet(s) of $250 a day.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Sport Select. Online betting is available through PlayNow Manitoba.
The legal gambling age in New Brunswick is 19.
Overview of BettingWhile Pro-line is the official, government approved sports betting provider, it is not considered a government operated online sportsbook. Its betting games can be found online or at authorized, land-based providers.
The Gaming Control Branch of the Department of Public Safety is responsible for regulating sports betting and works in conjunction with the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation, as well as the Atlantic Lottery Corporation to that end.
Like every other province, bettors can use offshore sites where they can find better odds.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Pro-Line.
The legal gambling age in Newfoundland and Labrador is 19.
Overview of BettingSports betting in Newfoundland and Labrador is managed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation but regulated by the Consumer Affairs Division, Consumer and Commercial Affairs Branch of Service NL. Bets can be placed through the Pro-line service either online or at authorized retail locations.
Due to the limitations of the Pro-line system, many bettors take their business to offshore sites instead.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Pro-Line.
The legal gambling age in the Northwest Territories is 18.
Overview of BettingSports betting in the Northwest Territories is governed by NWT Lotteries. Bettors can bet online or at authorized land-based retailers. Common complaints about the approved betting service, Sports Select, are the same here as everywhere else—the odds are not good and there are too many restrictions (like the $250 a day betting max).
But like everywhere else in Canada, bettors in the Northwest Territories often turn to offshore sportsbooks to get their needs met.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Sports Select.
The legal gambling age in Nova Scotia is 19.
Overview of BettingSports betting in Nova Scotia is managed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) but is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Division (AGD) of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations which works with the ALC and the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation (NSPLCC). Betting options include Pro-Line, Pro-Line Fantasy, Pro-Line Futures and Stadium-Bets.
With the odds by the official betting provider being poor, many bettors frequent offshore sites instead since it is not illegal to do so.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Pro-Line.
The legal gambling age in Nunavut is 18.
Overview of BettingLike the other territories, sports betting in Nunavut is conducted and managed by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation using the Sports Select service. Users have the same issues with it in Nunavut as users elsewhere—poor odds and way too many restrictions. Many choose to just take their business offshore instead.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Sports Select.
The legal gambling age in Ontario is 19.
Overview of BettingThe legality of sports betting in Ontario, like everywhere else in Canada, is a little vague. While illegal to bet at unlicensed betting houses, there is no restriction to betting at offshore sites since they are licensed somewhere.
So, online betting is treated as legal in Ontario, and winnings are not taxed. It's regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. But people are also able to place bets through the state's official sports betting service, the OLG Proline betting system.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is the land-based Pro-Line betting system.
The legal gambling age on Prince Edward Island is 19.
Overview of BettingBetting is regulated by the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission in conjunction with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The Commission has been regulating the industry in the province since 1976. Pro-line tickets can be bought online or at authorized retail locations. But since the odds are often not the best, many bettors turn to offshore sites to get their gambling needs met.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved service in the province is Pro-Line.
The legal gambling age in Quebec is 18.
Overview of BettingBetting is restricted to parlays of no fewer than two legs and no more than eight, and must be done through the governments' official game, Mise-O-Jeu, which is managed and operated by Loto-Quebec. While the odds are considered terrible, much like the odds Proline and Sports Select offer, there are more betting options for people to enjoy, i.e., Match Winner 2-Way, Match Winner 3-Way, Match Winner with Spread, and more.
Wagers can be placed through the official site online or at authorized convenience stores and shops. All betting operations are supervised by the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved betting is via a game called Mise-O-Jeu that can be found at convenience stores.
The legal gambling age in Saskatchewan is 19.
Overview of BettingBetting on sports is quite a popular pastime in Saskatchewan. According to a study conducted by Statistics Canada, more money per household is spent on gambling in Saskatchewan than every other province. Sports betting is regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.
The maximum bet that can be made through the official online sports betting site, Sports Select, is $250. Bets can be placed online and at authorized retail locations.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Sports Select.
The legal gambling age in the Yukon is 19.
Overview of BettingSports betting is regulated by the local government but managed and operated by the Western Canadian Lottery Corporation's Sport Select. Options are limited and the odds are not considered particularly good. On top of that, it is only available at authorized retail locations and not online.
So, it is not uncommon for bettors to get their needs met through offshore betting sites.
Does it have provincial online sports betting sites?The only approved site in the province is Sports Select.
Sports Betting News
FAQs
How to bet on sports?
Firstly, you must decide which sportsbook you want to bet with online. When you find one you feel comfortable with, set up an account and make your first deposit. Then, all you have to do is decide what you want to bet on, and then place your bet.
How does sports betting work?
Sports betting works with oddsmakers setting the odds and adjusting them as necessary leading up to an event. Customers will put money down on the outcome and if they win, they can collect their winnings from the operator. But if they lose, the operator keeps their money.
How to win consistently in sports betting?
The single biggest factor in winning consistently is research. But the trick to winning consistently is more about the bets you don't make. Don't get over-confident and start cutting corners after you win a few. Count on your research; not luck. Try not to let emotions factor into your betting decisions.
Who sets the odds for sports betting?
Oddsmakers, or linemakers, for each sportsbook are responsible for setting the odds for their site.
What is the safest sport to bet on?
The safest sport is going to be the one you know the most about and can make a well-informed decision about, so is different for everybody.There is an element of risk involved in every sports bet, and the only way to mitigate that risk is with information. The more informed your decision is, the less risk there will be.