The Ultimate Sports Betting Guide for Canadians in February 2025
By Sam Clarke | Not Valid for Ontario
Published on 21 January 2025 | 06:17 - Updated on 13 February 2025 | 11:24
Cultural and Economic Importance of Canada Sports Betting
Legal Landscape of Canada Sports Betting
History of Sports Betting in Canada
The history of sports betting in Canada dates back to the early days of the country. Gambling activities were once unregulated and often took place informally. The first effort to regulate gambling came in 1892 with the introduction of the Canadian Criminal Code. This prohibited all forms of gambling except for horse racing. This legal foundation laid the groundwork for the development and regulation of sports betting in the country.
Throughout the 20th century, the legal landscape for gambling evolved, with various amendments to the Criminal Code allowing for more regulated forms of betting. In 1969, the federal government amended the Criminal Code to allow provinces to operate lottery schemes, marking the beginning of legalized gambling in Canada.
Major Milestones and Legislative Changes
- In the 1980s, gambling laws relaxed, giving provinces more control. Provincial lotteries and government-run casinos emerged during this time.
- In 1985, the federal government allowed provinces to offer sports betting, but only as parlay bets on games. This rule aimed to prevent match-fixing and maintain sports integrity.
- In 2021, Canada passed Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. This law allowed single-event sports betting, aligning Canada with many other places worldwide. This change created new opportunities for bettors and the industry, offering more flexibility in betting options.
The Impact of Single-Event Sports Betting Legalization
The legalization of single-event sports betting has transformed Canadian sports betting. It has boosted the industry, attracted international sportsbooks, and spurred new platforms. This change has increased revenue for provincial governments and the economy.
Single-event betting has enhanced the experience for Canadians. Bettors can now make more strategic and informed wagers on individual games, adding excitement.
In summary, Canadian sports betting has gradually liberalized through key legislative milestones. Legalizing single-event sports betting is the most impactful change, promising growth and evolution.
Provincial Regulations and Differences (Excluding Ontario)
Quebec
British Columbia
Alberta
Other Provinces
Importance of Legal and Safe Betting
Regulatory frameworks in Canadian provinces ensure the safety and integrity of sports betting. Provincial authorities protect consumers, prevent illegal gambling, and ensure fair betting activities. Legal sports betting also boosts provincial revenues, funding public services and community projects.
Betting platforms regulated in places like Malta and Gibraltar offer services in Canada. These platforms provide more options for bettors, adhering to high standards of fairness and security.
Canada’s sports betting framework combines federal oversight with provincial regulation. This creates a diverse market that meets bettors' preferences in different regions while ensuring a safe environment.
Criteria for Choosing a Reliable Sportsbook
Selecting a reliable sportsbook is crucial for a safe and enjoyable betting experience. The best sports betting sites usually fulfil most - if not all, of this criteria:
- Licensing and Security: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by a reputable authority.
Uses advanced security measures to protect your personal and financial information.
- Payment Options: Look for a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods.
Includes credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer service available 24/7.
Support via live chat, email, and phone. - User Interface and Experience: The platform should be easy to navigate.
Features a user-friendly design and quick loading times. - Betting Markets and Odds: Offers a wide range of sports and betting markets.
Provides competitive odds. - Bonuses and Promotions: Attractive welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions.
Includes a rewarding VIP program.
Popular Sports for Betting in Canada
The diverse betting options in Canada ensure there's something for every sports enthusiast. Here are the most popular sports in Canada that bettors wager on:
Hockey (NHL and Other Leagues)
Hockey is the most popular sport for betting in Canada due to the country's deep love for the game. The National Hockey League (NHL) attracts the most bets, with Canadians eagerly wagering on their favorite teams and players. The excitement peaks during the playoffs and the Stanley Cup.
Other leagues, like the American Hockey League (AHL) and various junior hockey leagues, also see significant betting action. These leagues offer more chances for fans to bet on up-and-coming players and local teams. With a broad range of hockey leagues, there is always a game to bet on, keeping the excitement alive year-round.
American Football (CFL & NFL)
This sport has a strong following in Canada. The CFL, with its unique rules and Canadian teams, gets a lot of attention, especially during the Grey Cup. Many fans place bets on their favorite teams and players throughout the season.
The NFL appeals to Canadian bettors with its high-profile games and international reach. The Super Bowl, in particular, draws heavy betting activity. With both leagues offering many games, football provides many opportunities for bettors to engage and enjoy the sport.
Basketball (NBA and Other Leagues)
Basketball has seen a surge in popularity in Canada, especially with the success of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. The NBA attracts a large volume of bets, with Canadians participating enthusiastically in both regular season and playoff wagering. Other basketball leagues, including college basketball (NCAA), also contribute to the betting landscape.
Soccer (MLS and International Leagues)
Soccer betting has surged in Canada. Fueled by Major League Soccer (MLS) and international leagues like the English Premier League (EPL), La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. Canadian teams such as Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and CF Montréal have large fan bases driving local betting activity. The mix of global soccer competitions and local team support makes soccer betting a thrilling option for Canadian fans.
Other Popular Sports
Canadians have a wide range of betting interests beyond major sports. Tennis is popular, especially during the Grand Slams like Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open. These events attract many bets, with fans wagering on match outcomes, set scores, and player performance.
Cricket also has a dedicated following. Canadian bettors are keen on international matches and leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL). The fast-paced nature of Twenty20 cricket and the star power of international players make it an exciting betting option.
Golf is another favorite. Major tournaments like The Masters, the U.S. Open, and the British Open draw attention. Bettors can wager on overall winners, top finishes, and head-to-head matchups, adding excitement to every round.
MLB baseball offers a long season with many opportunities for betting. Fans can bet on individual games, player statistics, and futures, such as who will win the World Series. The strategic nature of baseball makes it a compelling choice for bettors.
Combat sports, including UFC and boxing, provide thrilling betting experiences. High-profile fights and championship bouts draw significant interest. Bets are placed on fight outcomes, rounds, and specific methods of victory.
Types of Sports Bets
There are several different types of sports bets available to players, meaning there’s always something to keep each event interesting. Even when there’s a mismatch between a clear favourite and a weaker opponent there are plenty of markets to play on to increase your odds.
- Single Bet: This is a bet on the outcome of a certain event, for example Team A to win or Team B to score 2 goals or more. These are the simplest form of bets and a good place to start if you’re new to online sports betting.
- Accumulator: An accumulator or multiple bet lets you add two or more bets to your betslip which are then multiplied to increase the odds if the bet is successful. Of course, with increased odds there is also increased risk, as just one wrong result will count as a loss.
- System bets: Similar to an accumulator, a system bet allows players to bet on multiple events and outcomes, but in this case one incorrect prediction doesn’t mean a lost bet. Part of a system bet can win even if other parts lose, decreasing the risk to the player but with lowered odds or a higher stake required thanks to the increase in the total number of picks in the bet.
Money-line bet: Also known as an outright, this is a bet placed on the outcome of an event. Players have three options to bet on, Team A to win, draw, or Team B to win.
- Over/under bet: This is a bet that the match score will be above or below a certain amount. How it is measured will depend on the sport, so players will bet on touchdowns, goals, etc, and will bet on markets like “Under 3 goals in the match”.
- Handicap bet: A handicap bet allows you to modify the score against the favourite to increase the odds on the market you want to bet on. Essentially, the sportsbook will give one team an imaginary lead, and you can bet on that team overcoming that lead.
- Winner or placed bet: Most common in racing, whether it’s motor racing or horse racing, this is a bet on where a runner will finish in a race. Players can usually bet on most positions with this type of bet, from first to sixth is common in horse racing or greyhounds.
- Spread Betting: Spread betting adds a different angle to betting by letting players “sell” or “buy” points on events. For example, you might think that a football team will only score a few points in a match, therefore you can “sell” points under 15. Winnings will then be determined by the number of points scored under a maximum of 15, multiplied by their original stake.
Online Sportsbook Promotions in Canada
Online sportsbooks use several methods to entice new players and keep their current clients happy. One of the most common ways they do this is through regular offers and promotions for new and existing players. Below you’ll find a list of some of the most popular promotions offered by sportsbooks so you can keep an eye out for them when you’re deciding which online sportsbook to choose.
- Welcome Bonus: Welcome bonuses vary depending on the sportsbook, but it’s very rare to find an online sportsbook that doesn’t offer one. Players might choose which online sportsbook to open an account with depending on their welcome bonus, or they might open accounts with more than one sportsbook in order to take advantage of a variety of welcome offers. Most commonly, a welcome bonus will come in the form of a deposit match, doubling the money you deposit when you sign up, or bonus bets. There are others to look out for, and amounts and percentages will vary as well as the requirements required to fulfil to claim, which is why we take a close look at welcome bonuses in every review we publish.
- Moneyback or Second Chance Bets: These bonuses offer you the value of your first bet back if the bet loses. If your first bet wins, you don't get anything extra. These bonuses are designed to give players a second chance to win and transform their betting experience into a positive one. Of course, they can lose again but the second bet is covered by the bonus.
- Matched Deposit: A matched deposit effectively doubles your deposit by giving you bonus money to the value of your deposit, usually up to a certain cap. A matched deposit bonus might be offered as a welcome bonus or as a periodic promotion for loyal customers, so be sure to look out for them from your chosen sportsbook.
- Deposit Bonus: A deposit bonus is similar to a matched deposit in that players will receive bonus money after making a deposit. However, a deposit bonus will give the player a set amount of money on top of their deposit but does not always match it. For example, a $20 deposit bonus may give players an extra $10 dollars to play with next time they make a deposit, on top of whatever quantity they deposited.
- No Deposit Bonus Bets: One of the most popular offers amongst players, it’s rare to find no deposit bonus bets in the wild. It’s most common to see these bets offered to long-term players as a form of loyalty bonus, or to players who might not have played in a while in order to entice them back, but they can also appear as part of a welcome offer or a promotion drive, maybe for big events like the Super Bowl or FIFA World Cup.
- Best Odds Guaranteed: These days, it’s almost impossible to find a sportsbook that doesn’t offer a Best Odds Guaranteed promotion on horse racing. This means that a player’s stake will always be placed on the best odds before the race, no matter how they might fluctuate before the horses leave the blocks. If you place a bet the day before a race and the odds go up overnight, you’ll receive the bigger odds - meaning you don’t have to keep checking back on the odds and you won’t miss out if odds drop. Although this promotion usually only applies to horse racing, it’s still great to know you can place your bet safe in the knowledge that you’ll get the best odds.
- Enhanced Odds: Sportsbooks tend to offer enhanced odds on big events or tournaments, or they might just lengthen odds on certain markets and accumulator bets before a big match to encourage people to get their bets in. They’re likely to be found a few hours before the event, and are often highlighted or placed on the front page of the site.
- Boosted Multiples: If you thought accumulators couldn’t get more exciting, you were wrong. Sportsbooks may choose to offer boosted multiples to enhance winnings, and the boosts are usually between 50% and 70%. However, there is of course a greater risk to betting on multiple markets, as a loss in any one will lose you your entire bet, so use caution when playing with boosted multiples.
How to Make an Online Sports Bet
Nowadays, registering at an online betting site is a piece of cake. Just access the website of the sportsbook of your choice, then:
- Click on the sign up button
- Add your personal and banking information as requested
- Verify ID
- Make your first deposit
Once you have signed up, follow these steps, in order to place your first bet:
Choose the sport you want to bet on
There will usually be a list of sports in side column or navigation bar of the betting site. You can also choose between the most popular leagues of the moment, such as the Copa del Rey or the ACB League, among many others.
Choose the market
Each market will have different options and odds depending on the probability. So, for a correct score bet in soccer, you could have many options such as 0-0, 1-0, 2-1, 2-0 etc. And the odds will be higher for the most unlikely outcomes.
Enter the amount you want to bet
When you add your selections to your ticket or bet slip (normally located on the right side of the page) a box will appear in which you will have to enter the amount you want to bet for each of your selections. Normally the potential profits that you can obtain by getting all your bets right will also appear.
Confirm your selection and that's it, bet placed. If the bet is a winner, the betting site will notify you through the web platform or sports betting app. The funds will be added to your account, usually within 24 hours.
Mobile Betting in Canada: The Future of Sports Wagering
Benefits of Mobile Sports Betting in Canada
Mobile betting offers numerous benefits, including:
- Convenience: Bettors can place bets from their smartphones or tablets without being tied to a desktop computer.
- Accessibility: Mobile apps provide quick access to betting markets and live odds, making it easy to place bets on the go.
- User Experience: Many mobile apps are designed with user-friendly interfaces and personalized features to enhance the betting experience.
Top Mobile Betting Apps in Canada
Live Sports Betting: A Dynamic Way to Bet
What is Live Betting?
Live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows bettors to place wagers on events as they unfold in real-time. This dynamic form of betting adds excitement and engagement, as odds change continuously based on the game's progress. Bettors can react to the action, making predictions on the fly.
There are many types of live bets available. You can bet on the next team to score, the outcome of the current play, or even the final result. The constant flow of new betting opportunities keeps the experience fresh and thrilling.
Live betting also requires quick thinking and a good understanding of the sport. As the game progresses, odds adjust based on what's happening. This means bettors need to stay informed and make swift decisions.
Many online sportsbooks offer live betting with real-time updates and streaming. This ensures you can watch the game and place bets without delay. Mobile apps enhance this experience, allowing you to bet from anywhere.
Advantages and Strategies for Live Betting
Advantages
- Immediate Action: Bettors can react to events as they happen, making real-time decisions.
- Enhanced Engagement: Live betting keeps bettors engaged throughout the event.
- Strategic Opportunities: Bettors can capitalize on fluctuating odds and make informed decisions based on the game's development.
Strategies
- Stay Informed: Keep up with live updates and statistics.
- Quick Decisions: Be prepared to act fast as odds can change rapidly.
- Manage Bankroll: Set limits to avoid impulsive betting during the excitement of live events.
More Features of Canada Sports Betting Platforms
Online sportsbooks offer a whole plethora of features to keep their players satisfied and to keep themselves ahead of the competition. To help you in your search, we’ve put together a list of some of the best online sportsbook features to look out for when deciding which provider to choose.
- Acca Insurance: Although not yet a common practice in Canada, Acca Insurance is a popular feature in the UK that refunds your multiple bet stake if just one selection lets you down.
- Bet Builder: Bet Builders are available at all the best online sportsbooks, and allow you to, you guessed it, build your own bet. This is slightly different to an accumulator or multiple bet, as a Bet Builder is designed to allow you to pick various markets from the same game.
- Cash Out: A last minute swing in the play that ruins a bet is a great frustration for many players, which is why the Cash Out feature is perfect for those players who can see a late twist in the storyline coming to destroy their bet. Cash Out lets you close your bet early at reduced odds for the security of banking the money and not suffering through the possibility of losing it all before the action ends.
- Live Betting: All the top sportsbooks will offer a live betting service. This gives players a more interactive experience and allows for live bets - which team will score the next point, how many shots there will be in the next ten minutes, and much more. Outright odds will also change depending on the live action, meaning players can enjoy bigger odds if they’re confident of a comeback, or bet on a potential sure thing if one team has a big lead.
- Live Streaming: Live streaming is a perfect compliment to live betting, and many sportsbooks now offer this service to help players keep up with the action. Different sportsbooks will offer live streaming services for different sports and events, usually found on a list published on their app or website.
- Enhanced Odds Betting: Even though enhanced odds are not a physical feature and can be offered and determined by any platform at any time, it’s becoming more and more common to see enhanced odds being offered regularly, for example for particular weekend events. The best sportsbooks are committing to offering enhanced odds more and more so it’s definitely something to think about when deciding which sportsbook to go with.
Canada Sports Betting Strategies and Tips
Research and Staying Informed
Successful betting requires thorough research and staying informed about teams, players, and events. Keeping up with the latest news, statistics, and expert analysis can significantly improve your betting decisions.
Bankroll Management
Managing your bankroll is crucial for long-term betting success. Set a dedicated budget for betting activities, wager a consistent percentage of your bankroll on each bet, and avoid making emotional decisions.
Value Betting
Value betting involves identifying bets that offer higher odds than the true probability of the event occurring. This strategy focuses on finding discrepancies between a sportsbook's odds and the actual likelihood of an outcome. By consistently placing value bets, you can enhance your long-term profitability. The key to successful value betting is thorough research and a deep understanding of the sport and its nuances. Over time, this approach can yield significant returns, but it requires patience and discipline to identify and act on value opportunities.
Hedge Betting
Hedge betting is a strategy designed to minimize risk by placing multiple bets on different outcomes of the same event. This approach can help secure a profit or at least reduce potential losses, regardless of the event's final result. For instance, if you place an initial bet and the odds shift in your favor, you can place an opposing bet to lock in a profit. While hedge betting can protect your bankroll, it may also limit your potential winnings. It's a useful tool for risk management, especially in volatile betting markets.
Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting exploits differing odds from various sportsbooks to guarantee a profit, regardless of the event's outcome. By placing bets on all possible outcomes with different bookmakers, you can ensure a return by capitalizing on the price discrepancies. This strategy requires access to multiple betting accounts and the ability to act quickly as odds change. While arbitrage betting can be profitable, it demands significant time and effort to monitor odds and place the necessary bets. Additionally, some sportsbooks may limit or ban accounts that engage in frequent arbitrage betting.
Common Sports Betting Pitfalls to Avoid
Chasing Losses
Chasing losses is a common pitfall where bettors try to recover their losses by placing impulsive and often larger bets. This approach can quickly spiral out of control, leading to even greater losses. To avoid this, it's crucial to maintain discipline and stick to your betting strategy, regardless of previous outcomes. Set limits on how much you are willing to lose in a session and take a break if you hit that limit. Remember, betting should be a fun and strategic activity, not a desperate attempt to recoup losses.
Overconfidence
Overconfidence can be a dangerous mindset in sports betting. It's easy to overestimate your knowledge and underestimate the role of luck and variability in sports. To stay informed and objective, continuously research teams, players, and trends. Avoid making decisions based on gut feelings or past successes alone. Always consider the statistical probabilities and maintain a balanced perspective. Humility and a willingness to learn are key to long-term success in sports betting.
By understanding and avoiding these common pitfalls, you can enhance your sports betting experience and increase your chances of long-term success. Stay disciplined, informed, and always manage your bankroll wisely to make the most of your betting endeavors
Emerging Technology: The Future of Sports Betting in Canada
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are set to revolutionize sports betting and the way that new exemplary sportsbooks are founded and operate. AI can provide personalized betting recommendations and enhance fraud detection, while blockchain offers increased transparency and security for transactions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
AI has the potential to provide highly personalized betting experiences. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can help create tailored recommendations for bettors, improving their chances of making successful bets. AI-driven algorithms can track player statistics, team performance, and even game conditions in real time to offer insights that human bettors may overlook. Additionally, AI can play a crucial role in fraud detection, analyzing patterns in betting behavior to identify suspicious activity or match-fixing attempts. By automating these processes, AI reduces human error and ensures that betting platforms remain secure and trustworthy.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is another game-changer for the sports betting world, particularly in terms of transaction transparency and security. With its decentralized and immutable ledger, blockchain ensures that every transaction is recorded and cannot be altered or tampered with, which drastically reduces the risk of fraud. This can be particularly important in an industry where trust is paramount. Blockchain technology can also speed up transaction times, offering bettors near-instant withdrawals and deposits. Furthermore, blockchain’s transparent nature allows bettors to track the flow of funds and verify the integrity of the betting process, ensuring fairness across the platform.
The sports betting market in Canada is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the legalization of single-event betting, technological advancements, and increasing popularity among bettors. This growth will likely lead to more innovative betting options and enhanced user experiences.
