Betting on Sports in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Written by: Daniel Collins
Last Updated: Wed Oct 09, 2024, 1:55 am ET
Read Time: 11 minutes
With the legalization of sports betting in Canada, the industry is rapidly expanding, offering bettors numerous options to engage with their favorite sports. This guide provides detailed information on how to bet online at Canadian sportsbooks, the best payment methods, what to look for in the best Canadian sportsbooks, and why betting on hockey is particularly significant for Canadians.
Top Canadian Sportsbooks
NorthStar Bets
Northstar Bets is the best way to bet on sport in Canada
Thanks in large part to their focus on putting the player first a big reason, NorthStar Bets is the best sportsbook for Canadians. It offers comprehensive coverage of Canadian sports, including NHL and CFL really stands out. With 24/7 live customer service, quick and secure transactions, a slick app for iOS and Android, hundreds of slots, progressive jackpots, tables and live dealer games, Northstar is Canada's premier Casino and Sportsbook.
Other premium features include a Welcome Package worth $5,000 + Bonus Spins, the NorthStar ELITE club for VIPs, lucrative daily and weekly promotions, a loyalty program that pays cash, unique Casino events and in-house sports betting experts.
Bodog
Bodog is a well-established sportsbook with a strong presence in Canada since the early 2000s. It has a user-friendly site, great customer service, and a wide range of betting markets. Bodog offers some unique prop bets and good focus on Canadian sports.
What to Look for in a Sportsbook in Canada
Choosing the right sportsbook will greatly enhance your betting experience and there are several key factors to consider.
Our team has analyzed all these aspects to find the truly best sportsbooks in Canada. The selections we recommend here can all be trusted on all these factors, and you can play at our recommended Canadian sports betting sites with confidence.
User-Friendly Experience
It is important to offer an experience that is positive for users, and design is key to that. A well-designed website with intuitive navigation makes it easier to place bets and manage your account, so you need an interface that you will be comfortable with.
Also, mobile betting has become a preferred choice for bettors in recent years, as current smartphones and tablets have the capacity to do almost anything, including betting on sports.
With that in mind, many leading sportsbooks now prioritize offering dedicated mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. That gives bettors the ability to bet from anywhere, whether they are at home, at the bar watching the game, or even at the sporting event they are betting on.
Variety of Sports and Markets
There are a lot of sports bettors who bet on only a few sports, leagues, or events.
However, many bettors enjoy betting on a variety of things. Therefore, it is important for sportsbooks to cater to all bettors. Most good sports betting sites will cover a wide range of sports, including hockey, football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, at minimum.
However, there are many bettors who enjoy betting on election odds, entertainment odds, or sports like table tennis, darts, or cricket. If you do, choose a sportsbook that has good coverage of events.
Also, having a variety of betting markets, such as prop betting, futures betting, and live betting, will provide more opportunities for value and fun bets.
Competitive Odds
Every sportsbook does not offer the same odds, and finding the best odds is a must for many sports bettors.
If you are a value-conscious bettor, shop around and compare odds across different Canadian sportsbooks to ensure you get the best value for your bets. Having accounts at multiple sports betting sites can help you stay on top of finding favorable odds.
Bonuses and Promotions
Sports betting bonuses and promotions are a big draw for many sports bettors. A good welcome bonus can provide incentive for trying out a new book, and reload bonuses, regular promotions, and sportsbook loyalty programs provide incentive for sticking with a book. All the Canadian sportsbooks we recommend offer generous welcome bonuses and further incentives to keep players invested for the long run.
Customer Support
Good customer support is a non-negotiable for a good sports betting site. Whether it is 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., it is very valuable to have access to 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, or phone so you can get help whenever you need it.
Also, while issues should be rare, quick and helpful responses from customer support can make a big difference in resolving any issues if you do need help at some point.
Betting on Hockey: The Number One Sport at Canadian Sportsbooks
Hockey is more than just a sport in Canada; it's a part of the national identity. Betting on hockey is therefore big business and the Canadian sportsbooks we recommend here pay particular attention to that sport. Here is how:
NHL Betting Width
The NHL is the premier league for hockey betting. When determining which Canadian sportsbooks to recommend, we looked for sportsbooks that offer extensive NHL betting markets, including moneyline, puck line, and totals as well as various prop bets on every NHL game.
Availability of Junior and International Hockey Betting
Betting on junior leagues, such as the OHL and WHL, can provide additional opportunities and value. The Canadian sportsbooks we have reviewed on this page all offer at least some coverage of these leagues. Major international tournaments like the World Championships and the Olympics are big events that need solid coverage by the sportsbook for us to consider it a top option for Canadians.
NHL Live In-Play Betting
In-play or live betting allows you to place bets during the game, with odds that change based on the action. Hockey is a fast-paced game, and things can change quickly so the ability to spot some trends and bet on them can bring value. All respectable Canadian sportsbooks need to offer live in-game wagering to be considered amongst our top choices.
How to Bet Online at Canadian Sportsbooks
Betting online has become massively popular due to its convenience and the wide range of options available. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started with online betting in Canada:
Choose One of the Best Canadian Sportsbooks and Create an Account
– For that you'll need to provide basic personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth. This is necessary for verification and to ensure you meet the legal age for betting.
– KYC Verification: Some sportsbooks may require you to verify your identity before you bet by submitting a government-issued ID and proof of address. In any case you will need to do this verification at some point to cash out winnings so you might as well do it right away!
Make a Deposit
Choose a payment method that suits you best. Most Canadian sportsbooks offer a variety of options including Interac, credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, which we dive into below.
Don't forget to select your deposit Bonuses: all sportsbooks offer bonuses for your first deposit. These can significantly boost your initial bankroll, so be sure to select it at the time of your deposit. Note that the bonus will come with some restrictions attached, such as rollover, maximum bet etc. Make sure to review those before taking the bonus as you don't want to be breaking sportsbook rules afterwards.
Place Your First Bets
If you are new to sports betting, it is vital to educate yourself on bet types.
If you are interested in betting on sporting events, familiarize yourself with different types of bets such as moneyline, point spreads, and totals (over/under).
Those are the main types of ways to bet on sporting events, and you may want to start there before learning about other types of bets. Each type of bet has its own strategy and potential payout, so educate yourself well before wading into unfamiliar territory.
Also, explore the various betting markets available. Our recommended Canadian sportsbooks will include hockey, football, basketball, and baseball, but for your first bets we recommend choosing the sport that you know the most about so you can place informed bets.
Withdraw your Winnings
As a bettor, the goal is to win. If you achieve your desired goal, it will be time to request a withdrawal.
As with deposits, withdrawals can be made through various methods. Check the processing times and any fees associated with your preferred method. Many players at Canadian sportsbooks choose Interac, which offers prompt payments. In fact, the payment should hit your account in just a few minutes.
Payment Methods at Canadian Sportsbooks
As mentioned above, a variety of options will be available to you, each with their pros and cons. Selecting the right payment method is crucial for a smooth betting experience. Here are the most popular options at Canadian sportsbooks:
Interac
Interac is the golden standard for payments in Canada. All the sportsbooks we recommend here accept it for both deposits and withdrawals. The key advantage is that every Canadian has access to it, and it is secure. Keep in mind that it does take a few minutes for the transactions to go through.
Credit and Debit Cards: Widely Accepted at Canadian Sportsbooks
You can use credit and debit cards to deposit at Canadian sports betting sites. Most gambling sites accept Visa and MasterCard. Some accept American Express too but if you plan on using that method check first, not all Canadian sportsbooks will accept it.
Do note that there are fees that your bank may charge for gambling transactions. The sportsbooks generally do not cover these fees.
e-Wallets
Neteller and Skrill are accepted at most Canadian sportsbooks. These are popular with bettors for their speed and low fees. PayPal is accepted at some sportsbooks, but it is not that frequent so don't bet on it. Newish wallets like MiFinity are growing in popularity so you might want to check these out too.
Cryptocurrencies: An Increasingly Popular Payment Method at Canadian Sportsbooks
More and more people use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Tether to gamble online because of its fast transactions and security. Receiving your withdrawals by this method usually takes a few minutes only. If you use crypto to deposit, you might qualify for larger bonuses so check what promotions might be available to you.
Legal Landscape of Betting at Canadian Sportsbooks
For the longest time, Canada was an outlier in the world of sports betting since it only allowed betting on parlay cards with the lotteries of each of the province. Since the passage of Bill C-218 in August 2021 however, single-game sports betting has been legal in Canada. This legislation has opened up a regulated market, allowing each province to manage its own sports betting operations.
Since then, Ontario has taken the lead with a competitive market, allowing multiple commercial sportsbooks to operate. In Other Provinces, each province has the authority to set its own rules and regulations for sports betting, leading to a diverse landscape across the country, but most have yet to enact local laws regarding sports gambling.
It is very important to note that regardless of local regulations and commercial or lottery-operated sportsbooks, Kahnawake and other First Nations have a constitutional and recognized right to offer gambling products to players in Canada.
Therefore, playing at a Kahnawake-licensed sportsbook is legal everywhere and can be trusted. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has been overseeing gambling from the tribal land since 1998 and is one of the most reputable gambling regulators in the world.
Remember to Bet Responsibly at Canadian Sportsbooks
While sports betting can be an exciting and enjoyable pastime, it's essential to practice responsible gaming to ensure it remains a fun activity. Don't let betting on sports become a financial burden or an obsession…
Responsible gaming involves setting limits on the amount of time and money spent on betting, recognizing the signs of problem gambling, and seeking help when needed.
All reputable sportsbooks offer tools and resources to help bettors manage their gaming habits, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to professional support services. Please make sure you look for those and set limits that are appropriate for your budget.
If you feel that gambling is starting to have a negative effect on your life, several organizations provide support and resources for responsible gaming in Canada:
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC): The RGC offers a wealth of resources to help individuals gamble responsibly. Visit responsiblegambling.org for more information.
- Problem Gambling Helpline: Available 24/7, this helpline offers confidential support and can be reached at 1-888-230-3505.
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada: A fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope to solve their common problem and help others recover from gambling addiction. More details can be found at gamblersanonymous.org.
Always remember: the goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience without it negatively impacting your life or finances. Always bet within your means and never chase losses. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, seek support from these organizations and local counseling services.
Other Canada Sports Betting Information
Canadian Sports Betting FAQ
Free Betting Picks