Online Bookmakers
Betting Sites
Best Betting Sites: Guide to Legal Betting Sites in Canada
A quick phrase search into your default internet browser is going to reveal tons of online sports betting sites that accept Canadian players looking to wager on their favourite sports teams. While the large variety of Canadian sports betting sites is fantastic for Canadians, it also creates a bit of a dilemma if you are new and haven’t done thorough research into what makes these live betting sites safe, and popular for gamblers. To help you with this, we’ve put together a complete guide on the best Canadian betting sites for you to check out. Below, you’ll discover reviews on the top 10 betting sites, information on the legality of online betting in Canada, who the top sportsbooks are, and find out which criteria to use when choosing from the top betting sites. Best of all? We’ll provide you with a comparison chart, and answer your questions at the end!
Top Bookmakers
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Gambling Laws & Regulations in Canada
When it comes to gambling in Canada, it is legal in so long as you stick to the provincial rules. This means that while some forms of gambling are allowed everywhere (lotteries), other types of gambling are only allowed in certain provinces (land-based casinos). Sports betting falls into the latter category - where in certain provinces it is allowed but only if you are placing parlay bets. So how do you know which forms of sports betting are legal in your province and which of the top sports betting sites you can use? The answer is simple: just check out our handy bullet point list below to see what the rules are by province and territory.
- Ontario
- For Ontario residents, the gambling laws and regulations are exceedingly relaxed. You are allowed to play online at PlayOLG, use Pro-Line for online betting, or choose an off-shore Canadian betting sites. Ontario also allows for land-based casinos, and has horse racing, slots, lotteries, and charities as well.
- Quebec
- For those in Quebec, the province is quite liberal regarding its gambling laws, which means you can access any of the off-shore live betting sites and bet legally. You can also take part in their sports betting site Mise-O-Jeu which allows you to place parlay bets, or the government-run Espacejeux for online casino games. The province also has land-based casinos, horse racing, slots, lotteries, and charities too.
- Alberta
- For those in Alberta, gambling is a popular hobby to partake in. Players have the option of visiting any of the 20+ land-based casinos, or they can place parlay bets at any of the legal betting sites in Canada. You can also access any of the off-shore sportsbook websites to bet legally as well. Alberta also allows for slots, horse racing, lotteries, and charities.
- British Columbia
- In the province of British Columbia, Canadian players can choose to head to one of the 15+ land-based casinos, play on the sports betting website PlayNow, or use one of the top sports betting sites that are hosted off-shore that accept Canadian players. B.C. allows for slots, horse racing, lotteries, and charities.
- Manitoba
- If you are a resident of the province of Manitoba, then all casino-based activities that are online or offline, are overseen by the Liquor and Gaming Authority. You can use the online PlayNow casino, choose to participate in sports betting at Sport Select, or choose from one of the online sports betting sites we have listed out below for some safe off-shore online play. Horse racing, slots, lotteries, and charities are also found in Manitoba.
- New Brunswick
- With New Brunswick being a relatively small province, the land-based casinos are quite limited. If you’re interested in regulated sports betting, you can use the Pro-Line website for online play. As with the other provinces, you are legally allowed to participate in any off-shore sports betting websites that legally accept Canadian players. While it is possible to find slots, horse racing, lotteries, and charities in New Brunswick, it’s much easier to simply play at any of the off-shore Canadian sports betting sites.
- Nova Scotia
- For Canadian bettors based in Nova Scotia, the province offers two land-based casinos that are run by the government, and provide you with access to Pro-Line for parlay sports betting. Horse racing, slots, lotteries, and charities are available here.
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- For Canadians in the jurisdiction of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are no land-based casinos as the government does not permit them to operate. This also means that there are no regulated casino sites available online either. If you are looking to wager on sports, you can use Pro-Line to try your hand at online sports betting, or you can sign up with one of the best Canadian betting sites listed out below.
- Saskatchewan
- Residents of Saskatchewan may not participate in online casinos, although people from other provinces or countries are allowed to do so. It is permissible to establish a land-based casino in Saskatchewan, but not an online casino. Sports betting is legal in Saskatchewan, as long as it's done through the Sports Select service and parlay wagers on sports events (except horse racing) are required.
- Prince Edward Island
- For those living in PEI, there are no land-based casinos present, but they are legally allowed to operate within the province. Pro-Line is available online for sports betting, and residents are legally allowed to use popular off-shore sites for legal sports betting on their favourite sports like hockey, lacrosse, nhl, soccer, football, baseball, and so on. Horse racing, slots, lotteries, and charities are available here.
- Northwest Territories
- While the law does allow for land-based and online-based casinos, there are none in the Northwest Territories for residents. If you’re looking to do online sports betting, the options available are Sport Select and off-shore betting sites that accept Canadian players.
- Yukon
- In the Yukon, permanent licenses are not permitted for land-based casinos, however temporary licenses are available to a variety of sites for up to three days at a time. There are no licensed online casinos in the territory, but Sports Select does offer legal sports betting services. As with the other provinces and territories, you can play on any of the top sports betting sites.
- Nunavut
- If you are located in Nunavut, there are no available land-based casinos, but online sports betting is available through Sport Select. Residents are also able to bet on major sports through offshore online sportsbook sites and sports betting apps.
Top 10 Canadian Betting Sites
1.
Betway
Betway
launched back in 2006, BetWay is now recognized internationally as a major player when it comes to sports betting and online wagering. They have a strong reputation for having some of the best bonuses available, without sacrificing on their lines or popular events. Plus, their website is modern in design, they have convenient banking options, a dedicated loyalty program, and payout within 1-5 days.
- Betting markets amount to 30,000+
- Features the best in esports betting
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Has early cash out as a feature
- Live streams are limited
2.
Sports Interaction
Sports Interaction
Bettors looking for lines on football, hockey, baseball, or basketball will want to visit Sports Interaction. You'll also discover lines for boxing, soccer, and certain large sporting events; as well as excellent bonuses and live betting options. Sports Interaction is a top-tier betting site that performs well on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Customer support is available 24/7
- Strong, comprehensive top sports coverage
- Website is optimized to be mobile friendly
- No native mobile app for download
- Does not provide in-depth coverage of European leagues or sports
- The website design is outdated
3.
Bodog
Bodog
Bodog has established itself as one of the sports betting industry's keystones, with a fantastic welcome bonus and numerous ongoing and seasonal promotions. You’ll get to enjoy mobile betting and a streamlined desktop website.
- Streamlined, single account for sports bets, casino and poker
- Extensive list containing props and futures
- Bonuses are comparatively generous
- French is not offered as a language option
- Access is not available to the US
- Some sports do not offer live betting
4.
Bet99
Bet99
One of the newer platforms available in the online Canadian gambling market, Bet99 already boasts an impressive sportsbook and casino. Not only that, but they sport a modern, easy to use platform run by a fantastic, friendly customer service team. No need to worry about trustworthiness either, as Bet99 is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commision as well as Gaming Labs International.
- Good amount of betting markets available
- Favourable odds of winning
- Bonuses are considerably generous
- Relatively new platform
- Does not offer any live streaming
5.
Pinnacle
Pinnacle
This sportsbook is all about the low margins, high betting limits, and the greatest odds. Pinnacle doesn’t look to advertise, they do not enter into large sponsorship agreements, nor do they give incentives to new users. Rather, you get nothing but the best odds available on the market. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, Pinnacle has it.
- Most popular sports have ample coverage
- Every market benefits from great odds and lines
- Offers 24/7 customer support
- Supports multiple Canadian banking methods
- Casino and virtual sports have additional betting options
- Has low margins and high betting limits
- Fast withdrawal process
- Does not include a bonus for signing up
- Withdrawals after the first in each month aren’t free
- Range of sports is not as great as other bookies
6.
William Hill
William Hill
When it comes to William Hill, you can’t really go wrong. They are a globally recognized sportsbook that was founded back in 1934 as a company that took mail and phone bets via their brick and mortar betting shops. They have a full-range of betting and gaming options, are well-known and reputable, and you can find some really good promotions and rewards with them. Plus, they have tons of deposit options for those who need more than just a few.
- Fantastic promotions and offers for Canadian bettors
- Provide secure Canadian deposit and withdrawal methods
- Is a top regulated and licensed sportsbook in the UK
- Can be found on the London Stock Exchange
- The place to go if you want extensive offers for numerous sports markets
- Has live streaming and in-play betting
- The welcome bonus can be confusing for new members
- Email support is not as fast as it could be
- The betting interface has an outdated design
7.
PowerPlay
PowerPlay
This bookie was made for the die-hard sports betting fans and frequent flyers of online casinos. It may have only been launched in 2018, but has quickly risen to the top of the sports betting charts. New to online sports betting? It even features a section to teach you everything you need to know to get the most out of the platform, and offers a long line of bonuses to keep you coming back for more.
- Vast range of customer support options to suit your needs
- Multiple sign-up bonuses and offers
- Interface is user-friendly
- Customer live chat support doesn’t have 24/7 availability
- Platform lacks live streaming
- There is no mobile app, despite a mobile-friendly website
8.
Betsafe
Betsafe
Founded back in 2009, BetSafe is known as one of the top sports betting sites for Canadian players due to its comprehensive odds. They have an excellent set of sport betting markets across numerous sports, great betting odds that cover a large range of the markets, and they offer live in-play betting as well as, casino, poker, and bingo. Their website is very easy to navigate, and they have a ton of promotions, offerings, and a fantastic welcome bonus.
- Sign-up bonus of up to $1000
- Highly diverse betting markets
- Exceptional focus on sports and horse race betting
- Year long promotions, including bonuses and free bets
- No compatibility with cryptocurrencies
9.
Unibet
Unibet
In 1997, Unibet was founded with the goal of sharing sports knowledge to assist interested gamers in making better bets. Canadian bettors are able to wager real money on large-scale events, casino games, poker, bingo, and tons of live sports. The company has a mobile app, and it is licensed by MGA in Malta.
- Larger betting market compared to competitors
- Offers tips and statistics on worldwide major events
- Showcases 40,000+ live events
- Some markets may impose betting limits
- Restrictions can occasionally be placed on winners
10.
1xbet
1xbet
This sports betting hotspot has been in operation since 2007, and houses a whopping 400K players under its roof. The sports, casino and poker wagers are all made live, and are available 24/7. Connect with the mobile app and keep more than 60,000 events right in your pocket.
- Excellent, reputable live betting bookmaker
- Multiple ongoing promotions and contests
- Odds of winning are comparable to those of competitors
- Platform lacks a dedicated racebook
Comparison of Canadian Betting Sites
We hope that our tiny reviews might have educated you a little more about the finest betting sites in Canada, but if you're in a hurry, the most important features of Canadian betting sites may be enough. We've chosen three important elements of betting sites in Canada for you, and have outlined them in the table below.
How to Bet on Sportsbooks for Canadian Punters?
Wondering how you go about actually betting with one of the top sportsbooks in Canada? Read on to find out more about depositing, promotions, bet types, and more.
How Do I Deposit to a Sportsbook in Canada?
Once you’ve made an account with one of the Canadian sports betting sites, simply login, verify yourself, and head to the banking section of the website. This is often found underneath your profile dashboard. From here, you will be able to choose your deposit method, fill out the information, and make the transaction. If you’re wondering about which types of payment methods are accepted at most sportsbook sites, head to the banking and payments section below.
Popular Canadian Sports Betting Promotions
Some of the most popular bonuses and promotions that come with the best Canadian betting sites include the following:
- Sign Up Bonus: this is a big matching % of your first deposit.
- First Bet Match: this allows you to double your first bet amount.
- Reload Bonus: when you refill your account, you get a bonus amount on top.
- Refer-a-Friend: if you give your friend a code or link, you get a bonus after their first deposit.
- Racebook Rebate: lost last week? Get a % back.
- Free Bets: bet with the sportsbook’s own money.
- Rotating Promotions on Big Betting Events: SuperBowl, Stanley Cup, Wimbledon, World Cup, Lacrosse World Championship.
It is important to note that these bonuses or offers are not the only ones available. Most sportsbooks also run their own internal promotions that are fun and easy to join in on. For instance BetWay has BetWay Boosts (boosted odds), and Your Lead - You Win, while other sportsbooks like 888Sports let users pick 8 games for a change to win cash prizes (if all are correct) called the 8 Promotion.
Profitable Markets to Wager in Canada
Some of the most profitable markets to wager in are football, soccer, hockey, and tennis. These sports have major events including the Super Bowl, the Stanley Cup, the World Cup, and Wimbledon.
Bet Types at Online Bookies in Canada
At the betting sites on our list, you'll be able to find all kinds of sports betting lines and odds. You can wager on single-game point spreads and money lines (single-game betting), totals, and parlay bets, as well as more complex betting like NHL pucklines, MLB runlines, and player and team props. There is also in-game wagering done with live betting. And the ability to bet on “futures” such as season-winners, point leaders and more ahead of each season.
Canada and Daily Fantasy Sports
In Canada, daily fantasy sports are legal. DraftKings and FanDuel are two of the largest companies in the business.
Mobile Sports Betting Sites in Canada
If you are looking for a mobile-friendly sportsbook that you can head to on your phone, a mobile application you can download, the best options include: Bet365, BetWay, Sports Interaction, William Hill, Unibet, Casumo, BetSafe, PowerPlay, Pinnacle, LeoVegas, 22Bet, Spin Sports, Bodog, and BetVictor.
Choosing a Good Betting Site in Canada?
Now that we’ve covered the legality of betting at the best sports betting sites in Canada, and have provided you with a list of the safest online sports betting sites available to Canadian players, let’s talk about actually choosing which site to use when placing bets. There are many things you’ll want to consider before signing up with any website, so take your time and look at them all. We recommend using the points below as a starting point for narrowing down your selection.
Legal, Licensed & Safe
With your real money at stake, you need to be sure that you’re depositing with a bookmaker that you can trust. To ensure this, only make accounts at legal betting sites in Canada that are licensed with the kahnawake gaming authority. Also make sure that when you go to the website, that they are using HTTPS encryption as this secures any and all sensitive information, including any transactions you make.
Sign Up Offers
The most popular online gambling sites in Canada provide sign-up bonuses. Take a look at our comparison table above to see sign up offers and promotions of our top sports betting sites for Canadians. Please also read the fine print as there are always terms and conditions that apply.
Banking and Payment Options
After signing up with one of Canadian sports betting sites, you can deposit via one of their accepted banking methods. Common payment options include credit cards like MasterCard and VISA, e-wallets like Instadebit, iDebit, EcoPayz, PaySafeCard, Neteller, Skrill, or choose to use banking methods like a bank wire transfer, or Interac. Many sportsbooks also allow cryptocurrencies to be accepted like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Typically, the deposit method you use to fund your account will also be the method that you withdraw your funds too.
Design, Style, and Usability
If the design of the website is tedious to use, you’re not going to enjoy your time placing bets on it. Make sure that you like the overall style and design, and make sure that the entire sign up, betting, and withdrawal process is streamlined and easy to understand.
Competitive Odds
It is important to always look for Canadian sports betting sites that offer competitive odds on all of their live sports and events. Some just provide competitive odds on popular sports such as NFL football and NHL hockey, while others specialize in certain markets like NBA basketball. So, when you go to sign up, make sure that there are viable betting opportunities on all of your favourite sports.
Mobile Betting
Mobile devices are increasingly being used to place sports wagers in Canada. As a result, the finest Canadian sportsbooks must ensure that they can satisfy their mobile customers. Betting sites will have been created with cell phones and tablets in mind. This ensures that the sites are compatible with the appropriate screen sizes while also allowing access to all of the same markets and features.
Some of the top sports betting sites will also have mobile betting apps available for you to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. So, if you're always on the run or simply want to use your phone, our suggested Canadian bookies can help you make wagers with.
Customer Support
All of the recommended sportsbooks in this guide will have some kind of customer support available to you, whether that is in the form of live chats, customer service emails, or 24/7 phone numbers that you can access at any time.
Sports & Betting Markets Available
With Canadians being some of the biggest sports fans on the planet, the increasing amount of individuals choosing to participate in live betting on their favourite teams and athletes, means that bookies must meet their demands and offer popular markets such as: NHL, NFL, NBA, and more. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the popular sports to bet on in Canada, and which betting sites best fit each niche.
- Best Football Betting Sites
- Despite Canada having the third largest city in North America (Toronto), Canada does not have a National Football League franchise. However, this doesn’t stop Canadians from wagering on both NFL and CFL at top sports betting sites. If you’re looking to bet on football, Canadian bettors should check out Bet365, 1xBet, and BetVictor.
- Best NHL Betting Sites
- In Canada, hockey is king. If you're a lover of the Canadiens, Senators, Maple Leafs, Jets, Flames, Oilers, or Canucks and like to watch sports, then you're probably into betting on hockey and the NHL as well. Here are our top three picks for the best NHL betting sites where you may put your wagering skills on display: William Hill, PowerPlay, and Bettogoal.
- Best Basketball Betting Sites
- While basketball has always been well-liked in Canada, the Toronto Raptors' NBA championship triumph in 2019 only elevated the game to new heights. Millions of people follow the NBA, with the Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies being adored by many. Moneylines, total points, halftime/full time, parlays, and props are all popular markets for those looking for live betting on sportsbooks like BetWay, Bodog, and Sports Interaction.
- Best Baseball Betting Sites
- Baseball is a favorite pastime in Canada. Ontario's Labatt Park is the world's oldest baseball stadium, having been built in 1887. The Toronto Blue Jays play in the MLB, and the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) were a Canadian MLB franchise. Bets on the world's top baseball teams are widely made, with wagers being placed on the outcome of individual games and player performances. Canadian sportsbooks like Sports Interaction, BetWay, PowerPlay, and Bodog have live baseball betting.
- Best Soccer Betting Sites
- While soccer isn’t as large in Canada as it is in Europe, it has exploded in popularity over the last few decades. Many Canadians follow the MLS, and support European teams nowadays, which has boosted overall interest in the beautiful game. As a result, live betting on leagues and competitions such as the English Premier League, Champions League, MLS Cup, and World Cup are placed throughout the season. All of the best Canadian sports betting sites will offer soccer as a market.
- Best Rugby Betting Sites
- Canada has established a solid presence in the world of rugby, with both 15 and 7-man teams competing. The men's national team is regularly among the top 20 in the world, while the women's team is one of the best. Today, there are several betting options on lineup markets such as match winner, total points and halftime/full options. For rugby, the best Canadian betting sites are: Bet99, Sports Interaction, Unibet, and William Hill.
- Best Tennis Betting Sites
- Tennis participation in Canada has grown considerably in recent years. This is due, in part, to top professionals like Denis Shapovalov, Milos Raonic, and Bianca Andrescu. Tournaments from across the world may now be bet on by Canadian punters. The Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open are all heavily covered. A large number of pre-match, in-play and outright tennis markets can be found at the sites in our top 10 betting sites reviews above. Special mention of Sports Interaction, and William Hill.
- Best Golf Betting Sites
- The first golf course in Canada was established in 1873. Men's and women's professional tournaments are held weekly throughout the season, with most of these being covered by top Canadian sports betting sites. Recommended live betting sites for Golf include BetWay Sports, Bodog, and 888 Sport.
- Best Lacrosse Betting Sites
- Another Canadian national sport is lacrosse, which was originally called Baggataway by the Algonquin and Tewaarathon by the Iroquois. Some of the best Canadian betting sites have recently introduced lacrosse markets for Canadians to bet in. The NCAA basketball tournament is the most popular event, during which moneyline, spread and over/under bets are available.
CA Betting Sites FAQs
What Are the Best Sportsbooks for Canadians?
The best sports betting sites in Canada are Sports Interaction, BetWay, Bodog, PowerPlay, and 1xBet.
Is It Safe to Bet Online?
Before signing up for any Canadian sportsbook, it is highly recommended that you look to see that the site is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This is because legal betting sites in Canada must have a Government Issued Gambling License (issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Those that hold this license are closely regulated, and are therefore safe to bet on. In general, it is safe to bet online if you take into account the measures we’ve provided in this guide.
Do Canadian betting customers pay taxes on winnings made from bets?
Only professional gamblers are required to pay taxes on their earnings. As a result, recreational Canadian bettors are entitled to keep 100% of their profits generated at Canadian sports betting sites. This is one of the reasons why it has grown in popularity over time.
Can I Claim a Welcome Bonus When Signing Up at a Canadian Betting Site?
Yes! Each of the Canadian betting websites on our list offers a sign-up bonus of some sort. Those who meet the qualifying conditions will have a fantastic foundation to build on, whether it be a matched deposit bonus or free bet. But remember to only join up with bookies that offer realistic betting requirements. In most situations, there are certain restrictions in place, such as minimum odds or rollover requirements so be aware of what these are before claiming a welcome bonus.
Can I Wager Using Canadian Dollars?
Yes. The majority of our top-rated sports betting sites take payments in Canadian dollars. As a result, Canadian bettors don’t have to worry about conversion fees, thus being able to stake 100% of the cash that you deposit.