Canada is a divided country when it comes to sports betting, and I don’t mean the rivalries between opposing teams. Every province has its own gambling regulations, which makes finding the best betting sites in Canada tricky.

Fortunately, I’ve been in the business for more than a decade, and I’ve gambled in fractured markets before. This, combined with a passion for sports, means I’ve found the top legal betting sites in Canada.

So, if you’re looking to wager money on hockey and more, here’s everything you need to know about online sportsbooks in Canada. 

Best Canadian sportsbooks

Best sports betting sites in Canada per category

Before I reveal the best betting sites in Canada, here are my top picks for the categories you care about the most. 

Best sports betting appbet365 Best live bettingBetway Best for variety of sportsVegasland Best for novices RedAxePlay Best for variety of betting marketsUnibet Best oddsbet365 Best for fast withdrawalsVBET Best for first depositsLuckster Best betting experienceCasumo Best banking options21LuckyBet

Canadian sportsbook reviews

What are the best online sports betting sites in Canada? Based on my reviews and experience in the business, the following CA sportsbooks are ideal for bettors of all persuasions. 

bet365 Canada

Best feature: Parlay boosts

Welcome bonus: $1,000 no-risk bet or $50 bonus bet

Year established: 2000

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 24 – 48 hours

Mobile app: Yes (iOS and Android)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

bet365 is a sports betting behemoth. Founded in 2000 by the Coates family from Stoke, England, this online gambling company now has a major presence in countries around the world, including Canada. 

bet365 has a licence to operate in all territories and provinces in Canada. This means every adult in Canada has access to a high-quality sportsbook that’s packed with competitive odds, slick features, and generous bonuses. 

If I’m honest, bet365 does look a bit basic. The interface is easy to navigate and contains a variety of neat features. However, in terms of aesthetics, I think it’s lacking a bit of pizzazz. My personal preferences aside, bet365 covers a full range of sports, including hockey, football, and basketball. 

Its major strength is soccer, owing to its British roots, but I’d urge you to check out its horse racing odds and special markets because they offer a lot of value. Talking of value, new customers get to choose between one of two welcome bonuses, and there are plenty of promotions for existing customers. 

Early payouts are great, but the best deal, in my opinion, is the parlay boost. This offer gives you a chance to double your winnings on selected parlay bets. You’ll have access to these offers via the desktop site or mobile app, as well as bet365’s live streams, statistics, and sports betting blog. 

What is bet365 Canada best for?

I think bet365 is the best online sports betting site in Canada for customer service and comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest sporting events. 

Pros ConsPlenty of bonus offersThe design could be betterLive streaming, stats, and tipsNo phone supportEarly cashouts and boosts

VBET Canada

Best feature: AI Betting Assistant 

Welcome bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $100

Year established: 2014

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 30 minutes – 72 hours

Mobile app: Yes (iOS and Android)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

VBET was founded by Vigen Badalyan in 2003 as a gambling company. Following an initial rollout of live gaming products, VBET’s online platform launched in 2014. Since then, it’s evolved into a website and mobile app packed with promotions. 

The welcome bonus is bigger than most, but the offers that caught my eye are daily cashback deals, early payouts (when a team goes two goals ahead), and the 100% acca boost. The interface is a little bit busy, and it’s annoying that certain features, such as the stats hub, open on separate pages.

That being said, I can forgive the developers for a few design issues because the oddsmakers cover over 35 sports, including all the North American majors. Throw eSports and virtual sports betting into the mix, and there’s a lot going on. That’s a positive because it means you can bet in ways you want, but it can make the experience a little bit overwhelming at times. 

Fortunately, VBET Canada has the answer in the form of an AI-powered betting assistant called Hoory. This AI chatbot is there to guide and inform you. As well as recommending bets based on your preference, this unique feature gives you match stats, injury reports, and bonus recommendations.

What is VBET Canada best for?

VBET has plenty of bonuses, which is great, but I can’t ignore the fact you can get tips and inspiration from an AI chatbot.

Pros ConsExcellent selection of bonusesThe interface can be overwhelming Innovative AI chatbotCovers all major sports and eSports

Unibet Canada

Best feature: Unibet TV 

Welcome bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $50 + $10 free bet

Year established: 1997

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: less than 24 hours

Mobile app: Yes (iOS and Android)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

Unibet was founded by Swedish gambling enthusiast Anders Ström in 1997 and is now part of the Kindred Group. Alongside other members of the Kindred stable, including 32Red, Unibet has become a global gambling hub offering sports betting, casino games, poker, and bingo. 

Unfortunately, Unibet shuttered its Ontario sportsbook in March 2024. The good news, however, is that it’s still available in other Canadian provinces. That’s ideal for sports bettors who want comprehensive sports coverage in tandem with a fresh interface that’s perfectly designed for mobile devices.

I particularly like the use of panels for events and odds rather than the long lists you get at other Canadian betting sites. I also think the images and icons for different sports give the interface some extra vibrancy. 

In terms of coverage, Unibet Canada offers competitive odds for all major sports, including hockey, football, soccer, and baseball. It also covers an interesting selection of niche sports such as yachting, trotting, and TV shows. Finally, along with UniBoosts (aka bet boosts) and an entertaining blog, Unibet TV streams major sporting events from around the world. 

What is Unibet Canada best for?

This sportsbook is great for newbies wanting advice, tips, and support from a friendly community of gambling and sports betting enthusiasts.  

Pros ConsMarket-leading bet boostsNot as much focus on North American sportsCovers more sports than mostHD live streams

Betway Canada

Best feature: Parlay Club 

Welcome bonus: Cashback of up to $200 if your first bet loses

Year established: 2006

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: less than 24 hours

Mobile app: Yes (iOS and Android)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

Betway is based in Malta but initially made its mark in Asia. Since its formation in 2006, Betway has become a global leader in sports betting. One way it’s done this is through sponsorship with dozens of sports teams and organizations, including the NHL.

From a regulatory perspective, Betway Sports is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This means Betway’s 31 sports betting markets are available to people in Canada at large. 

Among the list of sports is horse racing, which is something a lot of Canada sportsbooks don’t cover. Betway’s oddsmakers also have their finger on the pulse by offering lines on emerging sports such as Padel Tennis.

From a usability perspective, I love the use of drop-down menus and panels because they keep the interface clean and easy to navigate. Throw live streams, early cashouts, and a My Bets tab to the mix, and Betway has everything season sports bettors need. 

Could the colour scheme be better? In my opinion, yes. However, there’s no denying it has all the tools you need. Finally, my favourite thing about Betway Canada is its Parlay Club. This promotion gives you $10 every week if you wager $25 or more on parlays with three or more legs.

What is Betway Canada best for?

Betway are solid all-rounders who are strong in all areas. However, it’s the ideal site for bonus hunters, particularly people who enjoy making parlays. 

Pros ConsPlenty of tools, including live streams and cashoutsThe design could be betterParlay Club promotionCertain bonus terms could be improvedOdds for established and emerging sports

Luckster Sport Canada

Best feature: Early Cashouts 

Welcome bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $200

Year established: 2022

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 24 – 48 hours

Mobile app: Yes (iOS and Android)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

Luckster Sport was founded in 2022 and owned by Marketplay Ltd. From my perspective, it’s a fun place to bet on sports. The interface has a quirky, almost cartoonish vibe, but that doesn’t mean Luckster isn’t suitable for serious sports bettors.

The odds are good but not as generous as big-name sports betting brands like bet365. That being said, Luckster covers more than 30 sports, including Canada’s favourite, hockey. Other areas for improvement include the customer support system. There is a live support option, but agents aren’t available 24/7. 

Luckster has a seven-tier loyalty program that gives you access to cashback, birthday bonuses, personalized offers, and better deposit/withdrawal limits. You don’t see loyalty programs at a lot of sportsbooks, so this is definitely a selling point. 

That being said, I think the real reason Luckster is worth a try is its betting tools. You’ll have a variety of ways to control your betting activity through cashouts, combo boosts, and a powerful bet builder tool. 

What is Luckster Sport Canada best for?

If you’re someone who wants more control, I recommend Luckster Canada.  

Pros ConsPowerful betting tools, including bet builderLive support isn’t available 24/7Excellent loyalty programCould cover more sportsFun interface

Vegasland Sport Canada

Best feature: Betting pools 

Welcome bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $200

Year established: 2022

Minimum deposit: $25

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 2 – 6 business days

Mobile app: Yes (Android only)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

Like Luckster, Vegasland is owned by Marketplay Ltd. This online sportsbook launched in 2022, but you might have missed it. I certainly did, even when I visited the Vegasland homepage. The casino is easy to find, but the sportsbook isn’t. I really want the designers to change the layout because the sportsbook is great once you find it. 

The oddsmakers cover 40 sports, which is right up there with the likes of Betway and bet365. The odds for sports such as hockey could be better, but overall, the average betting line is competitive. Mobile bettors have access to an optimized website, and there’s an app if you’re an Android owner. 

Vegasland Sportsbook Canada doesn’t offer live streams, but it does have added extras such as cashouts and bet builder. The best features, in my opinion, are the betting pools and tournaments. These add another layer of excitement to the sports betting mix. Not only that, but betting pools also aren’t available at CA online sportsbooks.   

What is Vegasland Sport Canada best for?

Sports bettors who want a bit more action courtesy of betting pools and tournaments.   

Pros ConsUnique betting pools and tournamentsNo live streamsLarge first deposit bonusSportsbook is hard to findOdds for 40 sports

Casumo Sport Canada

Best feature: Unique offers and features

Welcome bonus: 100% extra profit up to $1,000 on first bet

Year established: 2012

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 1 – 3 business days

Mobile app: Yes (iOS and Android)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

Casumo started out as a quirky casino brand in 2012 but launched a sportsbook in 2018. I’ve loved this brand for a long time because the executives dare to be different. The Casumo Canada welcome bonus is a great example of this. Instead of the usual deposit X and get Y free bet scenario, Casumo gives new customers a profit boost of up to $1,000.

The interface also looks different from other, more traditional online betting sites because it’s full of colour. It also has useful features, such as banners that tell you how many sporting events are live right now. For me, this makes it the best-looking online sportsbook on desktop and mobile devices. 

Casumo Canada’s oddsmakers cover all of the sports you love, and I always gravitate to the specials menu because it’s full of unique bet builders. Finally, something that really separates world-class sportsbooks from the underdogs is responsible gambling features. In my opinion, Casumo’s responsible gambling guides and tools are among the best around. 

What is Casumo Sport Canada best for?

I recommend Casumo to anyone who wants a unique experience, quirky features, and a novel interface.   

Pros ConsGreat responsible gambling toolsCould offer more bonusesUnique features and promotionsIt might be too quirky for someExcellent interface

21LuckyBet Sport Canada

Best feature: Cashback bonuses and loyalty rewards

Welcome bonus: Bet $20 and bet a $40 free bet

Year established: 2022

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 24 hours

Mobile app: No

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

21LuckyBet is a ProgressPlay Limited sportsbook that launched in 2022. The interface, in my view, is a bit too basic. That being said, I can’t fault the selection of payment options. In addition to traditional methods, such as bank transfers and debit cards, you can deposit CAD using Apple Pay, Interac, and Payz. 

21LuckyBet could offer odds on a few more sports, particularly niche sports. However, I can’t fault its coverage of eSports such as Dota 2 and CS2. Despite not covering as many sports as some online sports betting sites in Canada, 21LuckyBet does give you more value for the sports it does cover. 

Specifically, it’s one of the best Canadian online sports betting sites for cashback. In addition to weekend deals, there are cashback bonuses for a variety of sports, including soccer, Formula 1, cricket, and rugby. Add a reward program complete with missions and tournaments to the mix, and you’ve got a great place to earn more when you bet on sports. 

What is 21LuckyBet Sport Canada best for?

This is the place to bet on sports in Canada if you want constant cashback on a variety of sports, including soccer, racing, and cricket. 

Pros ConsBest sportsbook for cashback bonusesNo live streamsInnovative loyalty programDoesn’t have a mobile appGreat eSports odds

JeffBet Sport Canada

Best feature: Easy-to-use software

Welcome bonus: Bet $10 and bet a $30 free bet

Year established: 2022

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 72 hours

Mobile app: No

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

JeffBet is part of the ProgressPlay Limited stable alongside 21LuckyBet. Despite launching in 2022, I think the website looks dated. That’s a negative, but there is a silver lining in that JeffBet is extremely easy to use. You won’t have any issues finding odds for 12 different sports, including hockey, football, basketball, and eSports (Dota 2 and CS2).

The odds don’t set the world alight in terms of value, but they’re competitive. This is especially true when you scroll through the latest live betting odds. Would I like JeffBet Canada to have live streams? Yes. However, you can cash out bets in real-time, which is great for those who use the platform’s in-play updates service. 

What is JeffBet Sport Canada best for?

This CA online sportsbook isn’t overloaded with features, which makes it great for people who want a simplified betting experience. 

Pros ConsEasy-to-use softwareDoesn’t have live streamsLive cashouts Needs to cover more sportsCovers major sports and eSports

RedAxePlay Sport Canada

Best feature: Leaderboard promotions

Welcome bonus: $10 first deposit match

Year established: 2021

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 24 hours

Mobile app: No

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

RedAxePlay has been making a mark in the online sports betting world since 2021. Under the watch of ProgressPlay Limited, this Canadian betting site provides odds for a variety of popular sports, including hockey, soccer, and basketball. You can also bet on eSports tournaments, but there isn’t enough love for niche sports, such as badminton and table tennis. 

However, like 21LuckyBet, you’ll get access to a plethora of cashback promotions for specific sports, including soccer and racing. All of these features are available on iOS and Android devices, which is great because you can also make payments via mobile processors such as Apple Pay. 

Unfortunately, you will need to use the mobile website to access these features because RedAxePlay Canada doesn’t have a mobile app. The positive here is that the website is very easy to use. The lack of unnecessary page elements means you can skip effortlessly from the betting menu to the bet slip and get the best odds possible. 

What is RedAxePlay Sport Canada best for?

This easy-to-use sportsbook has a novel rewards program that allows you to progress by placing bets and completing missions. 

Pros ConsSimple and easy-to-use interfaceDoesn’t have an iOS or Android appFun rewards programNeeds to cover more sportsGreat selection of cashback offers

Vegas Mobile Sport Canada

Best feature: Ideal for mobile bettors

Welcome bonus: Bet $10 and bet a $20 free bet

Year established: 2014

Minimum deposit: $10

Minimum wager: $0.10

Withdrawal speed: 2 – 4 days

Mobile app: Yes (iOS and Android)

Online casino: Yes

Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat

Does Vegas Mobile Sportsbook live up to its name? Is it really the ideal mobile sportsbook for Canadians? In a lot of ways, it is. The design is a bit basic, so don’t expect a ton of features or flashy animations. However, since launching in 2014, this ProgressPlay Limited platform has become a hive of betting activity. 

Regardless of whether you use the website or download the mobile app, you’ll have access to competitive odds on 40 sports, including eSports. You’ll also have the opportunity to claim cashback bonuses worth up to $500 and make payments using mobile-friendly methods such as Apple Pay. Add live streaming to the mix, and Vegas Mobile Canada has everything you need to get more from your favourite sports. 

What is Vegas Mobile Sport Canada best for?

This online sportsbook is, of course, a top pick for mobile bettors who want easy access to odds and offers on the go.  

Pros ConsPerfect for mobile devicesDesign is basicCashback bonuses worth up to $500Withdrawals could be fasterLive streams

How to bet online in Canada

Here’s how to start betting on sports in Canada and take advantage of our exclusive bonus offers:

Read our Canadian online sportsbook reviews. 

Tap the secure link within a review to start the registration process. 

Enter and confirm your details to join your favourite Canadian betting sites. 

Log in and go to the cashier page. 

Choose a deposit method and add cash to your balance. 

Claim the latest bonus offers before opening the sports betting menu.

Select a sport, then find a potentially lucrative bet. 

Tap the odds next to your pick. 

Enter your stake on the bet slip.

Confirm your bet and wait for the result. 

How we ranked Canadian sports betting sites

We don’t offer glossy, sycophantic, or ambiguous reviews. We dig down into the specifics of every CA gambling site to ensure it offers a high-quality product. As part of the team, I subscribe to this philosophy, which is why I rank the best Canadian sports betting sites, as well as others in Canada, by assessing these qualities:

Security

Security and trust, in my view, are inseparable when it comes to gambling. I only use safe Canadian sportsbooks and, in turn, companies I trust. That’s why I look for the following credentials before I test Canadian sports betting sites:

Parent company: if a sports betting site is owned by a known and reputable brand, that’s a positive. For example, bet365 is a private gambling company based in the UK. It’s a multi-billion-dollar business with licensed betting sites in multiple countries. If this company was untrustworthy or unsafe, people would know about it. 

Licence and regulation: I’ll only use and recommend licensed Canadian gambling sites. If you’re in Ontario, I’ll recommend online betting sites licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. If you’re elsewhere in Canada, I’ll recommend sportsbooks licensed by international regulators, such as the Malta Gaming Commission. Licensed Canadian betting sites are not only legal but certified as safe and fair by independent organizations. 

Security features: Canada sports betting sites need to protect your data at all times, which means using the latest encryption software (either SSL or TLS encryption). Additionally, I like it when a sportsbook offers two-factor authentication, security alerts, reputable payment methods, and responsible gambling tools. 

Sports and betting markets

Sports betting operators have two jobs: to make gambling enjoyable and to offer great odds. That’s not easy when you’re catering to thousands of customers, all of whom have different preferences and expectations. 

The key to satisfying everyone is by covering as many bases as possible. Sports betting operators do this by offering odds on dozens of sports. From major sports such as hockey, football, basketball, baseball, and soccer to minor sports like badminton and cycling, the top betting sites in Canada cover a wide variety of sports. 

In addition to covering as many sports as possible, I want the oddsmakers to offer competitive lines. For me, the sign of a truly great Canadian gambling site is one where the odds are constantly being updated. This shows me that the team is assessing the market and moving their lines to ensure customers get the best odds possible. 

Bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs

Anyone who has read my gambling reviews knows that I love bonuses and promotions. I love them because gambling is full of ups and downs. Bonuses help smooth out the swings by giving you extra value at opportune moments. That’s why Canadian sports betting operators who prioritize promotions get the most love. 

Some offers you can expect to see at the top sports betting sites are:

Free bets

Odds boosts

Prize boosts

Cashback on losing bets

Loyalty rewards

Bonuses are important, and spotting them is easy, but most people overlook the wagering requirements. Otherwise known as terms and conditions, the wagering requirements govern how bonuses are activated, released, and converted to cash. Therefore, the less restrictive the wagering requirements are, the better the bonus is. 

Payment methods

Sports betting is the act of wagering money on a specific outcome with the aim of getting a return on the investment. You can only do this if you’ve got money in your sportsbook account. For that to happen, you need a selection of secure ways to make deposits. Then, of course, you need ways to withdraw money when you’ve made successful bets. 

The qualities to look for when it comes to sports betting deposits and withdrawals are:

Available payment methods: having a variety of ways to make deposits and withdrawals means you’ve got a better way of ensuring transactions are not only guaranteed but processed quickly.

Security levels: payment methods at regulated Canadian and Ontarian sports betting sites have to be preapproved. Put simply, gambling regulators have lists of safe payment processors that licensees choose from. 

Fast deposit and withdrawals: speed matters. Deposits should be processed instantly, and withdrawals shouldn’t be much slower. There will be an internal processing period whereby withdrawal requests undergo security checks. These should take no more than 72 hours but, ideally, 24 hours. From there, you should expect to get your money within a few days. 

Customer Care

I’ve seen far too many promising sportsbooks crumble because of poor customer service. I’ll always speak to customer support agents and read through an FAQ to get a sense of how much help is available. 

In addition to an easy-to-access customer support team, I make sure that operators have clear data protection policies. This, combined with secure software and responsive customer care assistants are all positives. 

Mobile Apps

There’s a clear and, sometimes, contentious divide in the gambling world. On one side are sports betting operators that offer mobile apps. On the other side are sports betting operators that only offer mobile sites. 

I prefer mobile apps because they’re a little bit more refined and have the added advantage of features such as Touch ID/Face ID logins. That being said, a sportsbook needs to be available on a mobile device and, in reality, it doesn’t matter whether it’s via an app or website. 

Stand-out features

Odds, bonuses, and payment options form the foundation of every sportsbook, but the way these products are presented matters. Your gambling experience hinges on a sports betting site’s interface. 

Put simply, if the interface is a mess, constantly crashes and is difficult to navigate, it compromises your experience. I acknowledge that we all have preferences when it comes to design and aesthetics. However, an interface can be objectively well-designed. 

In addition to ease of use, look for added extras such as statistics, betting tips, live results, and live streaming. Add in some blog posts covering sports events, and you’ve got a Canadian online sportsbook that’s easy to use and fun. 

Responsible gambling

Sports betting should be fun. For me, it’s a way of adding another layer of excitement to your favourite sporting events. That being said, money is at stake, which means there’s a certain amount of risk involved. The more ways you’ve got to mitigate these risks, the better. 

That’s why I only recommend online sportsbooks with clear responsible gambling policies. Essentially, the more resources and tools you’ve got access to, the more a gambling operator cares for your well-being. 

Some of the features I look for when I’m reviewing Canadian gambling sites are:

Know Your Customer (KYC) checks: online gambling operators in Canada need to verify the identity of all customers to comply with local gambling regulations. These checks prevent fraudulent activity and, as well as keeping you safe, allow operators to understand more about you as an individual. Understanding more about you means the operator can offer better protection. 

Personalised limits: the best online sports betting sites in Canada give you the ability to set personal deposit, betting, and loss limits. You have complete control over the limits you set, which makes it easy to manage your money responsibly. 

Self-exclusion: you can take timeouts or restrict access to your sports betting account indefinitely when things are getting too much. This failsafe is, for me, the most important responsible gambling tool.

Why trust my reviews of Canadian sportsbooks?

I’ve been in the gambling industry for the best part of two decades. I came up as a poker player but have since spread my wings and flown over all parts of the industry. When it comes to sports betting, my particular penchants are horse racing, boxing, and MMA. However, being of British descent, I also love a “flutter” on football (aka soccer) every once in a while. 

Aside from a passion for gambling, I’ve researched and written about every aspect of the industry. From technical papers covering the legality of betting in Canada and other countries to sportsbook reviews and event previews, I’ve done it all. Put simply, I know how the industry works from both sides of the fence. 

That’s important when it comes to online sports betting in Canada because it’s a nuanced market. I understand the legal landscape and, in turn, how the best Canadian sportsbooks stay on the right side of the law. Throw in a (very) healthy dose of skepticism and desire to give you honest reviews, and you can rest assured you’re getting the best advice possible.  

How to pick an online betting site in Canada: Tips and recommendations

OK, so you now know my background and credentials. I, like you, am a keen sports bettor, so my desire to find high-quality gambling sites is a personal mission. You can, of course, take my advice at face value. 

That’s not a bad idea, but I prefer people who wager money on sports to be educated and informed. With this in mind, here are my top tips for finding the right online sportsbooks and, in turn, how to get maximum value from your time online:

Read our CA online sportsbook reviews and test the sites you like the look of. There’s no accounting for personal experience in these situations, so use our reviews as a springboard from which to launch your own investigation.

Money matters in betting, so never risk more than you can afford to lose. That’s why you need access to a variety of responsible gambling tools. I’ll always avoid operators that neglect responsible gambling best practices.  

Always demand something extra. Gambling comes with inherent risks, so any sports betting operator you use should acknowledge this by offering you a steady stream of added value. Bonuses should be generous in terms of what you get but also in terms of their wagering requirements. 

Bonuses are a great metric with which to assess the quality of a sports betting site but don’t ignore other features. The best Canadian sportsbooks offer a variety of features, including betting tips, live streams, tips, and competitions.

Fun should always be number one. When all is said and done, online sports betting should be entertaining and enjoyable. An online sportsbook has to make you feel engaged and excited. If it doesn’t, find somewhere else to place bets. 

Most common bet types at online sportsbooks in Canada

You now know where to bet on sports in Canada, but that’s only possible if you know which wagers to make. Below are some of the ways seasoned sports bettors speculate on teams, players, and major events. 

Moneyline

Moneyline bets are the most popular way of wagering money on sports because it’s a simple X or Y proposition. The odds on moneyline bets are often shorter than other types of sports bets because the propositions cover general outcomes, as you’ll see in the example below. 

Example moneyline

Toronto Maple Leafs -160 odds

Montreal Canadiens +135 odds

Picking the Maple Leafs means you’re backing them to win the game by any margin and vice versa. 

Point spread

A point spread bet involves giving teams a numerical advantage or disadvantage based on how likely they are to win or lose. The reason for creating a point spread is to help offset one team’s advantage over another. 

Example point spread

Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 at +140 odds

Montreal Canadiens +1.5 at -165 odds

The examples above mean that the Maple Leafs need to win by more than 1.5 points because they’re starting at minus 1.5 points. Conversely, the Canadiens need to lose by fewer than 1.5 points for you to win the bet. 

Prop bet

A prop bet focuses on a specific outcome for a team or individuals. These bets typically have longer odds than other wagers because there are only a small number of possible outcomes. 

Example prop bet

Team prop bet = Toronto Maple Leafs to score 5 goals 

Player prop bet = Nick Abruzzese to score the first goal

Futures bet

Futures bets focus on season-long events or cup competitions. Essentially, they take an overarching view of a league or competition. They’re similar to moneyline bets in the sense they’re fairly general because you’re betting on X to happen.

Example futures bet

A standard futures bet would be the Toronto Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup. Putting money on this bet means you’re backing the Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup at any point in the season. 

Over/Under bet

The clue is in the name of this wager. Oddsmakers at the top Canadian sportsbooks set a line, and your job is to predict whether the final result will finish over (above) or under (below) that line. Over/under bets are commonly linked to scorelines, but they can also be used for prop-style bets, e.g. Player X to score over/under 3 goals. 

Example over/under bet

Goals in a soccer game:

Line = 2.5

Over -125 odds

Under +100 odds

Parlay bets

Parlay bets are the best way to play for massive returns, but be warned, they’re not easy to win. Parlays, also known as accumulator bets in other parts of the world, are multi-way wagers. This means you’re linking together a selection of picks and tying them together as a single bet. 

Every part of the wager (i.e. each pick, aka leg) needs to be correct for you to win the bet. That’s why the odds on parlays are extremely lucrative. The only exception to this is if the sportsbook offers cashouts that allow you to end bets early and collect a prize. 

Example parlay bet

The Toronto Maple Leafs to win + and score 5 goals + and Connor Dewar to score a goal

Most popular sports to bet on in Canada

Virtually everyone in Canada loves hockey, but it’s not the only sport you can speculate on at the top online betting sites. Some of the most popular sports to bet on in Canada are…

NHL

It’s hardly surprising that Canada’s best online sports betting sites go big on NHL odds. Data from Rogers Sports & Media shows that Sportsnet’s Hockey Central pre-game shows are watched by 66% of Canadians. That’s why you’ll find hundreds of hockey bets every week at the leading Canadian sportsbooks.

Events to look out for…

The Stanley Cup

The NHL draft

The NHL All-Star Game

NHL Winter Classic

NHL Global Series

NFL

One of North America’s biggest sports scores on multiple levels. As well as offering NFL betting odds before, during, and after the regular season, the top Canadian sports betting sites allow you to bet on special events, such as the Super Bowl. Add endless coverage and stats to the mix, and you’ve got an entire universe of betting opportunities if you’re a fan of American football. 

Events to look out for…

The NFL

The CFL

The Super Bowl

The NFL draft

NBA

Canadians have been making an impact on the NBA and basketball in general for decades. Indeed, when the Toronto Raptors won the NBA title in 2019, it revived Canada’s interest in basketball. 

Events to look out for…

The NBA regular season

The NBA playoffs

The NBA draft

MLB

There aren’t many Canadian baseball teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), but that doesn’t mean it’s not big over here. Helped, of course, by the presence of the Toronto Blue Jays, there are an estimated 10 million baseball fans in Canada. Add more than 170 million Americans to the mix, and it’s easy to see why online sportsbooks offer extensive coverage of every MLB game.

Events to look out for…

The MLB regular season

The MLB World Series

The MLB All-Star Game

The MLB International Series

The MLB draft

MLS/Soccer

Soccer, otherwise known as football in Europe, is the most popular sport in the world. Indeed, when FIFA’s quadrennial World Cup rolls around, an estimated 1.5 billion people tune in. North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) doesn’t attract quite as many viewers. However, when you add coverage of the Premier League, Serie A, and other leagues, it’s easy to see why soccer betting odds dominate the best online sportsbooks. 

Events to look out for…

The World Cup

The European Championship

The Champions League

Copa America

African Cup of Nations

The FA Cup

Boxing

Boxing is big wherever you go, but Canada has produced some punch-perfect pugilists over the years. From Tommy Burns and Arturo Gatti to Lennox Lewis and Adonis Stevenson, Canadians have always punched above their weight in boxing. CA online sports betting sites cover the biggest fights and often offer moneyline, parlays, and round betting. 

Events to look out for…

WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF championship fights

UFC

Like boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) stokes a primal fire in sports fans. The UFC is the sport’s leading organization, which is why Canada’s top betting sites cover every event. From pay-per-view numbered events, such as UFC 300, to smaller shows like Fight Nights, you’ll find MMA odds for each fighter and fight. 

Events to look out for…

UFC numbered events, such as UFC 300

Is sports betting legal in Canada?

Sports betting is legal in Canada. More specifically, online sports betting is legal in Canada, and it has been for many years. That being said, official legalization came into effect in 2021. Prior to that, Canada was a grey market, which meant there were no official regulations, but online gambling wasn’t officially prohibited. 

Today, it’s a white market, which means sports betting is legal in Canada thanks to Bill C-218.  This bill added an amendment to paragraph 207(4)‍(b) of the Criminal Code, making it legal for provinces to regulate and tax online sports betting as they see fit. 

Most provinces have exercised their right to regulate online sports betting, which has given rise to a variety of state-owned sportsbooks. What’s important to note, however, is that you can still access international sportsbooks in provinces with local regulations. 

As long as it’s licensed by an international regulator such as the Malta Gaming Authority, you can use it in Canada. The only exception to this rule is Ontario, where international operators must be licensed by the local regulator. 

With all of this in mind, here’s a quick round-up of Canada’s sports betting laws by province:

Alberta

Status: Legal

Regulator: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis

Minimum age: 18

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

PlayAlberta was the first online sportsbook licensed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). More recently, the province has been accepting licence applications from more privately-owned sports betting companies.  

British Columbia

Status: Legal

Regulator: British Columbia Lottery Corporation

Minimum age: 19

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

British Columbia was one of the first provinces to advocate for a change to Canada’s gambling laws. As such, officials were quick to exercise their right to offer online sports betting through the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).

Manitoba

Status: Legal

Regulator: Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation 

Minimum age: 18

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

Manitoba has long been a pro-gambling province, which is why it offers online sports betting via the state-owned PlayNow. 

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

Status: Legal

Regulator: The Atlantic Lottery

Minimum age: 19

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

The Atlantic Lottery regulates online sports betting in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. There are some subtle differences between certain rules in each province, but residents all have access to the same state-owned sportsbook called Proline Stadium. 

Ontario

Status: Legal

Regulator: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

Minimum age: 19

Access to international online sportsbooks: Only if they’re licensed by the AGCO

Ontario is the most progressive Canadian province in terms of online gambling laws. It opened its borders to international operators in 2022, which means locals can bet on sports and other types of gambling using platforms such as bet365 and Unibet.

Quebec

Status: Legal

Regulator: Loto-Québec

Minimum age: 18

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

Quebec started offering locally regulated online sports betting in 2021 via Loto-Québec’s Mise-o-jeu. This online sportsbook only accepted single-game betting at the time of writing. 

Saskatchewan

Status: Legal

Regulator: Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation

Minimum age: 19

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

Online sports betting in Saskatchewan launched in 2022. It’s available via Sports Select (which currently only accepts parlays) and PlayNow.com. Both sites are run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SaskGaming), and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).

Yukon

Status: Legal

Regulator: Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) 

Minimum age: 19

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

Online sports betting is legal in the Yukon, but at the time of writing, you can only place wagers in one of the province’s 37 retail sportsbooks.  

Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Status: Not Legal

Regulator: N/A

Minimum age: N/A

Access to international online sportsbooks: Yes

Online sports betting wasn’t available in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut at the time of writing. 

Other types of gambling in Canada

Are other types of gambling legal in Canada? The short answer is yes. Gambling is legal in Canada, including online casinos, poker, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports. What’s interesting about the Canadian online gambling market is the contrast between casino gaming et al. and sports betting. 

While almost every province has enacted its own online sports betting laws, only a few have embraced alternative activities. The good news, however, is that there aren’t any restrictions on offshore operators. This means that people in provinces without regulations governing activities such as online casino gaming can still have fun. 

So, to conclude this guide to online sports betting in Canada, here are the other ways you can wager money and play for prizes:

Casino: the only provinces with local online casino regulations are Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. All other provinces are grey markets, which means you can access offshore casino sites. 

Horse racing: Alberta and British Columbia have local laws that cover bets on horse racing. Everywhere else defers to licensed offshore sportsbooks.  

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): you can enter Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests in all Canadian provinces except Ontario (at the time of writing).

Poker: you can play poker at licensed land-based venues in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. However, in terms of provinces that have local online poker regulations, Ontario is the only one. Players elsewhere in Canada can use internationally licensed poker sites. 

FAQ about betting sites in Canada

Before you rush off and experience the joys of sports betting in Canada, I need to tie things up with a few important questions and answers. So, to help give you a final and complete overview of the betting scene in Canada, here are five important takeaways. 

1. What’s the best online gambling site in Canada? 

The best online gambling site in Canada for sports betting is bet365 because it offers generous odds, reliable software, and plenty of promotions. There are many more fantastic sportsbooks in Canada, including Unibet and Betway. However, for its all-round service, bet365 is the best online sports betting site in Canada. 

2. Is bet365 safe and available in Canada?

Yes, bet365 is not only safe but available in all parts of Canada. Bet365 is licensed and regulated, which means sports bettors in the province can use this sportsbook if they’re 19 or older.  

3. What’s the most trustworthy betting site in Canada? 

There are dozens of trustworthy online betting sites in Canada, including well-established brands such as bet365, Betway, and Unibet. As long as a CA sportsbook is licensed by a regulator such as the AGCO and MGA, you can be assured that it’s safe, reliable, and fair.

4. Where can I bet on horse racing in Canada?

You can bet on horse racing events, including the Grand National and the Kentucky Derby, at bet365, Betway, and other top-rated Canadian online sportsbooks. Betting on horse racing events gives you the opportunity to make outright picks, each-way bets, and a variety of exotic multiway wagers. 

5. Can I bet on eSports in Canada?

All of the best online sports betting sites in Canada offer eSports odds. This means you can bet on the outcome of major eSports tournaments, such as Dota 2 and CS2, as well as props that focus on prominent gamers like Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 19+. T&Cs apply. Responsible Gambling Council

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playing

Only gambles with money they can afford to lose

Never chase their losses

Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed

Responsible Gambling Council – https://www.responsiblegambling.org/

For help with a gambling problem, call the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on 1 800 463-2338.