Table of Contents
- Top Sports Betting Sites in Canada
- How to Find the Best CA Betting Sites
- Popular Sports and Leagues
- Common Betting Offers at Our Recommended CA Betting Sites
- Mobile Sports Betting in Canada
- How to Open an CA Betting Account
- Sports Betting Regulation in CA
- CA Sports Betting FAQ
Top Sports Betting Sites in Canada
There’s literally an overwhelming number of betting sites – both local and international – that accept Canadians. But with so much choice, it can be overwhelming to find your footing. But leave it to experts like us to do the grunt work.
Our experts use a set of strict criteria to select only the top CA online sports betting sites. You’ve probably heard of some of the operators on our list because several of them are highly renowned in the industry.
How to Find the Best CA Betting Sites
Finding top-quality sportsbooks and casinos is what we do here. And to ensure an unbiased evaluation, we apply the same strict standards for fair and fool-proof rankings. Several of our assessment criteria are intuitive. Naturally, players want to be able to bet on the best sports and benefit from the best odds prices, fast payouts, etc. We consider all these and more.
License Authority
When betting at sportsbooks in Ireland, it’s important to choose operators that are licensed and regulated. In regulated provinces like Ontario, a domestic licence is necessary. On the other hand, the MGA and the UKGC are the leading authorities in the global betting market, and these are the licences we look for among offshore sportsbooks. Licensing requires operators to follow set rules and guidelines, and the strictest regulatory bodies will mandate that licensees meet the highest standards of security and fair play.
Coverage of Sports and Leagues
We’re always looking for lots of betting action at any sportsbook we review. This is where all the fun is and where winning chances lie. Some bookies only offer a limited range of sports and only the basic markets like the match winner, handicap and totals. Instead, markets like ‘Half-Time Touchdowns’ in the NFL or ‘First Five Innings’ in the MLB can offer up more value and ways to win. The top CA sportsbooks can offer thousands of betting markets on major sports and leagues.
Competitive Odds
One of the top tips for sports bettors is to shop for the best prices. Odds are largely similar across many online sportsbooks, but the best sites know that punters value getting the most return on their bets. Hence, they offer better prices. Any smart bettor also knows to look for the most valuable odds. It’s not just about the flashy bonuses; the minor detail of competitive odds makes the difference in the payout experience, especially for regular bettors.
Betting Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses are the reason why many novice players choose one sportsbook over another. It’s hard to fault this, as we also value these betting offers. A free bet or an insurance bet can protect you against a loss and offer up additional chances to cash out. Betting bonuses have now become a staple that it wouldn’t speak well of a sportsbook not to have one.
We not only check for new betting deals but existing customer offers as well. Sites that offer regular free bets and boosts will keep users happy and be more engaging.
Live Betting and Streaming
Live betting offers the opportunity to take advantage of in-game dynamics and fluctuating odds to place more favourable bets and draw out better profits. It’s a lot more immersive than pre-match bets, and you can typically continue betting in-play till the last few minutes of the game. We look out for the live betting coverage offered at CA betting sites. The more live betting is available, the better.
While live streaming is not as pertinent as live betting, it’s a fantastic feature that adds to the immersive experience. The best sites should offer live streaming on major leagues and events, at the very least.
Payment Methods and Processing Times
Having a different number of ways to deposit and withdraw will make it more convenient to place bets and cash out at online betting sites. We like to see secure and well-recognized payment methods across credit and debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and prepaid cards, from global providers like PayPal to local CA providers like Interac.
The speed of transactions is also crucial, as there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for days on end to cash in your winnings. For this reason, cryptocurrencies have also become a popular cashout method at many top CA bookies.
User Experience
User experience has to do with how easily you can get around the sportsbook, from the sign-up process to placing bets and extra features that optimise the experience, such as cash out, live scores, stats, etc. The site’s overall functionality and how well it responds is also crucial. Smooth functionality is a sign of quality, while slow-loading pages and a clunky design indicate the opposite. So we check these areas right down to the categorization of the different sports.
Reputation and Reviews
Especially with offshore sportsbooks, it’s important to verify the company behind the site and its reputation. Some betting companies have dodgy track records or are associated with other sites that have been blacklisted. And these are huge red flags you should avoid.
Our experts personally test out each operator we review to get first-hand experience. We also consider the opinions of regular bettors, checking consumer complaints and how or if they’ve been resolved. Recurring complaints about delayed and unresolved payouts, for instance, are a major turn-off.
Customer Service
Many bettors don’t realise the importance of customer support, but we’ve been in this industry long enough to know that customer service can make or break your betting experience. Firstly, there should be multiple contact methods to reach the site (email, live chat, telephone), and we’re always pleased to see sites offering 24/7 support so anytime you decide to take a punt, help is just a message away.
We assess the quality of the service and how quickly and efficiently they respond. Nowadays, social media is diffused in every aspect of living, including sports betting. So the best sites will be reachable via popular social networks like Facebook.
Popular Sports and Leagues
There’s a world of sports betting entertainment available at Canadian betting sites. You’ll find as many as 30 or more different options at the leading sports betting sites, comprising local and international favourites. Several niche sports are available, too, including unconventional markets like political betting.
In this section, we’ll be covering the most popular sports for CA bettors. These are where you’ll find the most action and often the most competitive odds.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey, especially the NHL (National Hockey League), is a prominent p sports betting world. The game’s fast-paced nature offers bettors a range of options to place wagers. Key betting events include regular-season games, the NHL Playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Finals. Moneyline, Puck Line, Over/Under, and Futures are hugely popular betting markets. Prop bets are also favoured. Top Canadian sportsbooks offer lots of in-play or live betting over the 10-month-long NHL season.
Basketball
Basketball is another significant attraction in the sports betting arena. The NBA is the pinnacle, featuring events like the regular season, the Playoffs, and the much-anticipated NBA Finals. With the rise of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA, basketball betting has seen a surge in Canada.
Punters can go for the moneyline, point spreads, and over/under bets, which are the most prevalent betting options. Futures and props are also great betting markets that offer lots of value. Predict who will be the season MVP or how many rebounds a player might collect.
Football
There are plenty of options when it comes to football betting in Canada. The NFL is certainly the most popular league covered at the top sports betting sites, but the Canadian Football League (CFL) has its own strong following, with local teams battling it out for the coveted Grey Cup. Lots of college basketball events are also available. Here also, you can place pre-match or in-play bets on various markets. Some of the best bonuses are offered at football events.
Baseball
The MLB season, with its 162 games per team, provides ample betting opportunities for Canadians. The sport is followed not only by Toronto Blue Jays’ fans. Lots of bettors love betting on basketball because of the adrenaline-pumping nature of the game.
As a fast-paced game with plenty of scoring, basketball presents numerous betting possibilities, from game results to player statistics. Moneyline, run line, and total bets are staples, but you can also go for season-long predictions such as World Series champions or league MVPs. This game also has some of the widest variety of props for dynamic betting experiences.
Soccer
While soccer might not be as deeply ingrained in Canadian culture as it is in other parts of the world, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams like Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and CF Montréal have increased the sport’s popularity. Given its global nature, you can take a punt on an enormous range of international markets and betting options. Popular European leagues like the Bundesliga, EPL, La Liga, and Serie A are covered. Big international meets like the EURO, UEFA and World Cup also provide lots of football betting action.
This sport has the most pre-match and live bet options, including match winner, over/under, BTTS (both teams to score), 1st half, handicaps, team totals, corners, cards, correct score, clean sheet, etc.
Common Betting Offers at Our Recommended CA Betting Sites
It’s always a good idea to take up a bonus deal when playing at betting sites in Canada. This will get you off to a great start when you sign up and offer more chances for you to win. Operators are always eager to attract new customers, and bonuses are the easiest way to do so. You can expect a fine selection of bonuses and promotions at the best sites.
We always evaluate the terms and conditions (wagering requirements, validity period, etc.) to ensure that the bonus is actually valuable and provides a good chance of cashing out. So you can rest assured of getting the most generous offers at our top-ranking sites.
Let’s introduce some of the best betting bonuses in Canada:
Match Offer
This is one of, if not the most popular bonus type. With a match offer, you receive a percentage of your deposit as a bonus. For instance, a 100% match up to $200. You’ll need to make a minimum qualifying deposit, typically $10, in which case you receive an extra $10 in bonuses. You can maximise the offer by depositing the max bonus amount.
Although we provide the most pertinent terms in our betting site reviews, it’s wise to read the terms and conditions on your own for all the details.
Free Bets
Free bets are another popular sports betting deal. To claim these, you usually have to make a deposit and place a bet. These bonuses reduce the risk on your bet by offering a free bet if your original bet loses. With a free bet offer, you have the confidence to take a chance on riskier bets, knowing that you have a backup bet at the operator’s expense.
Another highlight of this bonus is that they usually have little or no wagering requirements. However, you don’t get to keep the free bet value, only the profits made from it. This is one of the reasons it pays to sign up for online betting CA sites.
Cashback
This sports bonus will refund you a portion of your losses in a given period. Daily, weekly, and monthly cashback deals are available. You simply have to bet a certain amount within the stipulated time, and soon after, the bookie rewards you with a cashback bonus. The objective of this bonus is obviously to relieve your losses. It’s usually a small percentage of between 10% – 30%, but that amounts to tangible savings if you’re a frequent bettor.
Again, there’s usually some small print here, but don’t be surprised to see the best bookies offer wager-free cashback bonuses.
Loyalty Programmes
Top betting sites aren’t after new players, but they also aim for long-term customer retention, hence the loyalty or VIP programme. These will offer regular rewards at intervals or for making achievements. Most VIP programmes are designed with tiered levels, where you earn points and receive rewards as you advance. Free bets, cashback, boosted odds and more are among the perks available here. Be sure to check the rules for accumulating points and climbing up the VIP levels.
Mobile Sports Betting in Canada
Mobile site compatibility is a must-have for any online sportsbook. With HTML5 and the latest technologies, there’s no reason for a site to lack mobile compatibility. In fact, the best operators prioritise the mobile experience to ensure a great user experience directly on your phone or tablet.
Top sportsbooks will have a mobile site version. Others may also provide an app for Android or iPhone or both. All the features, such as cash out, in-play betting, and more, will be available on the best mobile betting sites in Canada. A large portion of the betting population is choosing to bet with phones and tablets because of the convenience and ease of use. So, it’s only natural that operators are adapting to the growing demand. All the best sites that we recommend are mobile CA betting sites.
How to Open an CA Betting Account
The sign-up process is among the various aspects we check for any top sportsbook. Fortunately, this is one area where many Canadian bookies excel. Each sportsbook is different, but it’s more or less the same procedure. Here’s how it’s done:
- Select a top CA betting site we recommend. You can read our reviews to compare deals and site offerings in order to choose which sportsbook best suits your preferences.
- Register on the site by filling in your name, email, date of birth and other required personal details. You’ll also have to create a username and password.
- Verify your age and identity by providing an ID document such as a driver’s licence, passport, or national identification card.
- Make a deposit and claim your bonus to begin betting on your favourite sports.
Sports Betting Regulation in CA
Sports betting is legal in Canada. Prior to 2021, Canadians could place parlay bets (multi-event wagers) through provincial lottery operators. However, betting on single sports events was prohibited. This changed in August 2021 when the Canadian Senate passed Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act.
This bill effectively amended the Criminal Code in order to allow provinces and territories offer single-event sports betting. Through this law, power was delegated to provinces and territories that can now regulate and licence operators offering single-event sports betting.
At the moment, several provinces have made minor developments to their betting systems, but the most notable is Ontario, which opened up the regulated betting market in April 2022 and became the first province to allow commercial online sportsbooks. Everywhere else in Canada, bettors can either bet through the provincial lotteries or join any licensed international sportsbooks that accept Canadians.
CA Sports Betting FAQ
Is legal online sports betting available in Canada?
Yes, online sports betting CA is legal. However, there’s no single legislation applicable throughout Canada. Instead, the different provinces are responsible for regulating all forms of gambling within their territories.
Are my winnings from sports betting taxable in Canada?
No winnings from sports betting are not taxable in Canada. Unlike some other countries that have to pay tax on gambling winnings, bettors in Canada are free to keep their entire winnings.
How do I deposit and withdraw money from online betting sites?
Most online betting sites offer various methods for depositing and withdrawing, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller. Always check the specific payment methods offered by your chosen site and ensure that they are secure.
Is there a minimum age for sports betting in Canada?
Yes, depending on the province you must be at least 18 or 19 years old to engage in any form of gambling, including sports betting.
Are there responsible gambling resources available for Canadians?
Absolutely. The Canadian government and various organisations like Responsible Gambling Council and Gamblers Anonymous promote responsible gambling. There are also gambling helplines for the different provinces.
Can I bet on international sports events from Canada?
Yes, Canadians can bet on both domestic and international sports events. Many international sportsbooks provide extensive markets covering sports events from around the world.
How do I know if an online betting site is safe and reliable?
Always look for betting sites that are licensed by reputable gambling commissions, whether local or international licensors like the MGA and UKGC. You can read our reviews for details on security protocols, and customer service, which can also indicate reliability.
Are there any betting limits imposed on Canadian bettors?
Betting limits often depend on the betting site itself and the event or market you’re betting on. While there’s no legal maximum bet, each site may have its own limits based on potential payout amounts or other factors.
Can I use CA dollars for betting on these sites?
Many major betting sites accept Canadian dollars. However, it’s essential to check the currency options on your chosen site. If CAD isn’t accepted, your money will be converted to a supported currency, which may come with conversion fees.
Are there any bonuses or promotions for Canadian bettors?
Yes, the top CA betting sites offer bonuses or promotions to attract and retain players, including welcome bonuses, free bets, and loyalty programs. Always read the terms and conditions associated with these offers to understand the requirements.