Online Sports Betting in Canada
Here at betting.bet, we will provide you with the latest updates from the Canadian online sports betting markets, signposting you to the best sportsbooks, betting bonuses and more importantly, the safest online betting services.
Online Sports Betting Markets for Canadian Bettors
Canadians' love affair with sport is deeply rooted in the country’s history and heritage. With an unmatched passion for ice hockey, this is understandably a key market of interest for Canada-based bettors. However, as more online sports betting sites launch, Canadians are developing quite an eclectic appetite, seeing sportsbooks list numerous markets for bettors to choose from. Here are the most popular online sports betting markets in Canada at present.
- Ice Hockey: Ice Hockey is a prominent betting market for Canadian bettors, with major events such as the Stanley Cup seeing millions of Canadians register with betting sites to place wagers.
- Football: The NFL is another sport Canadian bettors enjoy placing wagers on. As well as taking an interest in games and tournaments including Canadian-based teams, US football is on Canadian bettors’ radar. In fact, millions of Canadians place NFL wagers on the Super Bowl every year!
- Soccer: Canadian soccer is big business on both a national and international scale. From the Canadian Premier League to the World Cup, Canadian online bettors take a keen interest in soccer from a betting point of view.
- Boxing and MMA: Boxing and MMA are emerging betting markets in the Canadian gambling industry, with more and more wagers being placed on fights in these sports. This is why most Canadian online sportsbooks will now list Boxing and MMA betting as part of their offering.
- Baseball: MLB is another standout market that is of interest to the majority of serious bettors. With the sport renowned for its surprise wins and upsets, it’s simply fascinating from a betting perspective. If you are based in Canada and looking for an MLB betting site, you will not be short of options to explore!
Online Betting Promotions in Canada
Many Canadians will look for betting promotions to help them decide whether or not to register with a particular sportsbook. For this reason, Canada's online sportsbooks are ramping up their offers in an attempt to win over players. This is great news for bettors, with generous online betting deals accessible on various platforms in various shapes and sizes. In this section, we will provide an overview on the most commonly offered betting promotions available in Canada.
Free Bets and Bonuses: Free Bets and bonuses are the most sought-after of all betting promotions. This is because they allow bettors to bet for free or at a reduced rate. Sportbooks often call these promotions by other names. These include free betting credits, wagering bonuses, and so on. It is important that when you are claiming free bets you read the terms and conditions carefully. This is because every offer will be different. Where one bookmaker may require an initial deposit to be wagered, others may not.
Price Boosts: Price boosts are another popular offer found on betting sites operating in Canada. Price boosts, or odds boosts as they are commonly called, are used to incentivize players to explore certain betting markets. An example of a price boost would be 10Bet enhancing the odds of Ronaldo scoring first in a game from 5/1 to 7/1.
Parlay Insurance: Parlay insurance gives players a sort of security policy when placing parlay bets. The offer will allow players to make one/multiple mistakes on their parlay bet and still be paid out.
Loyalty Rewards: Generally, the more loyalty a player shows a betting site, the more they will be rewarded for it. Most online sportsbooks will run loyalty programs to engage players. While each bookmaker will take a unique approach when building its loyalty program, the majority will offer free bets and bonuses in exchange for regular wagers placed.
Selecting the Right Canada Betting Sites
Selecting the right Canadian betting site can feel like an almighty task given how many options are now available. Below, we guide you through the most important factors to consider when searching for your next online betting destination.
New Player Welcome Offer: A new player welcome bonus is capable of enhancing someone’s initial few days as a player. As well as providing free funds to bet with, welcome bonuses also allow players to get familiar with how a betting site works before using their own dollars to place wagers. This is why when comparing betting sites, placing focus on the new player package is advised.
Ongoing Betting Bonuses: Although new player offers are desirable, the best sportsbooks will also have plenty to offer in the way of ongoing bonuses and promotions. Reviewing an online betting site’s promo list before registering is, therefore, a great idea.
Betting Markets and Bet Types: The more variety on offer via a betting site, the more favorable the betting operator is. With more markets comes more bonuses, a wider selection of odds, and the option to navigate numerous markets to find out what you enjoy betting on the most.
Betting Site Design: The aesthetics of an online betting site has a huge bearing on how enjoyable a betting site is to use. In the case of betting sites, looks really do matter!
Payment Methods: Betting sites with numerous payment methods are advantageous as they allow bettors to deposit and withdraw in a manner that is most convenient to them.
Responsible Gambling: Online betting sites that show a commitment to responsible gambling are the ones to look out for. Most providers will feature their responsible gambling policy and services on a dedicated page.
How to Use Canadian Online Betting Sites Safely
While looking for a betting site that is packed with helpful features and competitive odds will be the priority, it is important not to overlook Canada sports betting sites that are passionate about player safety. This is because remaining safe while gambling is hugely important, ensuring you are maintaining a healthy relationship with online betting. Here are a few tips on how to use Canadian online betting sites safely.
Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks is essential when you are partaking in betting sessions. This is because breaks allow you to evaluate your spending and betting strategy, ensuring you are airing on the side of caution.
Define a wagering budget: By defining a budget from the offset you are less likely to overspend on betting. Your budget should come from your disposable income.
Utilize time and spending limits: Most Canada online betting sites will have a series of safe gambling tools integrated into its site. These include the option to introduce time and sending limits, making it impossible for you to spend more money or time on gambling than you want to.
Seek help: If you do feel that your gambling has gotten out of hand and you have formed an unhealthy relationship with online sports betting then it’s important to seek help. Your chosen betting site will have contact details for support organizations on its responsible gambling page.
Legal Online Sports Betting in Canada
Online betting in Canada reached a significant milestone in the Summer of 2021 when single-event betting was legalized. This alternation to Bill C-218 (The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act), gave each Canadian province autonomy over its single-game wagering laws. Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia were the first provinces to respond, already being the largest locations with regard to online betting handle.
Online betting in Canada has grown in popularity significantly since this change in legislation. It is said that we are now in the ‘golden age’ of sports betting in Canada, with Canadian bettors having more options than ever when it comes to wagering online.
The decision to take this next step and form an enhanced regulated gambling market was backed by politicians, sports organizations, and Canadians. It has been a change many have been lobbying in favor of for many years, especially since online betting has taken off in the US.
With each province having its own online gaming laws, it is important for all bettors to review the requirements of their respective provinces. Where most betting sites wil require players to be at least 19 years old to place sports bets online, there may well be some changes to that requirement depending on where in Canada you are betting from.