Sports betting has exploded in popularity across Canada since the country legalized single-event wagering in 2021. Canadians now have access to safe, regulated betting sites where they can place bets on their favorite sports teams and events.
This guide will explore the top-rated sports betting platforms available to bettors north of the border. We’ll review Canada’s leading betting sites, explain how we rank and evaluate them, compare their key features in an easy-to-read table, and provide tips to help you find success when betting online.
Most Popular Sports for Betting in Canada 2024
Whether you’re a seasoned sports bettor or someone looking to place your first wager, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to begin betting safely and legally at the best sportsbooks in Canada.
The Top-Rated Canadian Sportsbooks
After carefully reviewing dozens of online sports betting sites accepting Canadian players, we’ve narrowed down the top options based on important factors like odds and lines, bonuses and promotions, payment options, user experience, and more.
Here are the best sports betting sites available to bettors in Canada:
- PowBet – Best overall Canadian sportsbook
- 1Bet – Top choice for hockey betting
- Sportaza – Incredible range of betting markets
- Stake – Live streaming available
- Rabona – Quick and easy sign-up
Best Sports Betting Sites in Canada 2024
Now let’s take an in-depth look at the top 5 online sports betting sites for Canadian players. We’ll highlight the standout features of each sportsbook and explain why they made our list of the best betting platforms available today.
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PowBet – The Best Canadian Sportsbook
- Payout Time: 48 hours
- Established: 2021
- License: Republic of Panama
- Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
- Our Rating: 4.8/5
Launched in 2021, PowBet has quickly become the go-to online sportsbook for Canadian bettors thanks to its smooth and intuitive user experience, comprehensive sports coverage, secure payment methods, and top-notch customer support.
One standout feature that puts PowBet ahead of its competition is the sheer volume of betting markets available. The sportsbook offers action on over 30 sports, including favorites like hockey, football, basketball, and baseball. PowBet also covers niche sports like esports, politics, entertainment, and more.
When choosing a potential wager, you’ll find an extensive selection of betting types too. A recent MLB game had over 100 different prop bet offerings alone. This extensive variety gives bettors plenty of opportunities to explore different betting angles.
PowBet accepts a range of convenient banking options, including Visa/Mastercard, Interac, PaySafeCard, Skrill, Neteller, and leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash. Payouts take about 48 hours or less, which is faster than many competitors.
While PowBet’s $150 sign-up bonus comes with a very reasonable 5x wagering requirement, the sportsbook also offers various ongoing promotions like reduced juice on different sports, refunds for extended overtime losses, and parlay insurance to keep customers coming back.
With so many betting options, great bonuses, fast payouts, and excellent service, it’s no wonder PowBet tops our list of the best sports betting sites accepting Canadians today.
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1Bet – A Superb Option for Ice Hockey Betting
- Payout Time: 2-10 days
- Established: 2013
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Florida, USA
- Our Rating: 4.6/5
As a long-running sportsbook operating since 2013, 1Bet has had plenty of time to refine its platform into one that excels in both design and functionality. That experience shows in the site’s slick user interface, competitive odds, and awesome customer support.
1Bet covers 35 major sports, including all the popular North American leagues – making it a great option for hockey and basketball betting. You can even live stream games right from the site while wagering live. Available betting types range from money lines, spreads, totals, futures, and an extensive selection of props.
While customer support options like live chat and email might seem standard, 1Bet’s support staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful when responding to inquiries. We received thoughtful responses to complex questions about site functionality almost immediately whenever we reached out.
They also process payments quickly thanks to support for fast crypto coins like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dash as well as other methods like credit cards and Skrill. Payouts take between 1-7 days on average.
Other advantages to betting with 1Bet include frequent odds boosts, a solid 100% welcome bonus of up to $100, and special promos like reduced juice Fridays. Add it all up and 1Bet gives bettors everything they need to place smarter hockey bets.
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Sportaza – An Incredible Range of Betting Markets
- Payout Time: 48 hours
- Established: 2020
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Isle of Man
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
As a newer sportsbook, Sportaza has made waves with bettors thanks to competitive odds, awesome live betting functionality, and one of the most diverse sportsbooks around.
No matter if your betting preference is mainstream sports like football and basketball or more niche competitions like table tennis, futsal, or badminton, you’ll find outstanding betting coverage at Sportaza. In all, the sportsbook accepts action on 30+ sports with a focus on European and Asian leagues.
Besides outstanding variety, Sportaza also offers live, in-play betting opportunities and features like cash out, parlay builder, pari-mutuel betting options, and more. You can even watch live streams for certain events.
From a customer service and reliability standpoint, Sportaza checks those boxes as well with 24/7 live chat, email, and phone assistance along with fast crypto payouts taking only 48 hours or less. Banking options include leading debit/credit cards, e-wallets Skrill and Neteller as well as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other coins.
While Sportaza’s welcome bonus tops out at only $100, occasional odds boosts and special promotions make up for it and highlight why this sportsbook is on the rise.
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Stake – Live Streaming Available
- Payout Time: 48 hours
- Established: 2017
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Curaçao
- Our Rating: 4.3/5
Stake established itself early on thanks to an easy registration process, an awesome live betting platform, and one of the most seamless mobile experiences around. Those advantages help offset the sportsbook’s rather plain user interface and lack of a welcome bonus.
Where Stake shines brightest is with its live betting capabilities. The site offers an incredible variety of in-play betting opportunities across 30+ sports including traditional competitions like football, basketball, and hockey as well as emerging events like esports, volleyball, handball, and more. You can even live stream certain games straight from the betting portal as you wager.
Stake accepts a range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana. Unfortunately, credit cards and e-wallets aren’t supported. Payouts generally take between 5-48 hours.
While the lack of a welcome bonus is disappointing, Stake’s weekly sports reload bonuses help make up for it. There is also a lucrative loyalty program that rewards customers who bet often with better bonuses as they climb the VIP ranks.
Easy to use with awesome live betting options, Stake is a great pick if you plan on putting money down on competitions happening in real time.
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Rabona – Quick and Easy Sign-Up Process
- Payout Time: 2-10 days
- Established: 2019
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Cyprus
- Our Rating: 4.3/5
Right from the start, Rabona makes things easy on new players thanks to a fast registration process that takes just minutes. Simply enter your info, deposit leading payment methods like Visa, MasterCard, Interac, Neteller, Skrill, or even Apple Pay and you’re ready to begin betting.
While Rabona may offer slightly lesser known sports compared to bigger name brands, the variety is still impressive at over 20+ options including favorites like hockey, football, basketball, and baseball. You can bet on traditional moneyline, spread, and totals style bets or take advantage of Rabona’s expansive live betting platform for exciting in-play action.
Support options stand out as well. Rabona offers customer assistance through channels like live chat, email, and WhatsApp at all hours. We found responses to be quick with detailed, thoughtful guidance coming back almost instantly whenever we reached out.
Other advantages to betting with Rabona involve frequent odds boosts, a solid 100% deposit match welcome bonus of up to $100, and a lucrative cash back program that returns 10% of net losses each week. Combined with fast payouts via crypto, Rabona offers a great overall user experience.
How We Rank Canada Sports Betting Sites?
Our expert reviewers used a comprehensive grading system to evaluate, compare, and rank the top online sportsbooks accepting Canadian bettors today. Here are the key factors we focused on.
- Reputation – Highly reputable betting sites feature positive feedback regarding payout speeds, sports variety, bonus offers, and overall customer satisfaction. We performed extensive research to gauge real player experiences and identify the most respected brands.
- Sports Variety – The top online sportsbooks all offer betting action across 30-35+ sports including hockey, football basketball, and other North American favorites. Niche sports like politics and entertainment betting were favored too.
- Competitive Odds – Aside from variety, having the best odds and lines is key. Our review team compared the betting odds at various sites to find those offering the most valuable prices on game and player futures and props, spreads, money lines, and more.
- Promotions – Lucrative initial welcome bonuses and ongoing reload promotions keep bettors coming back. We favored sportsbooks with solid welcome offers, odds boosts, reduced juice specials, contest entries, and profit boosts.
- Banking – Fast payouts via crypto, convenient funding through debit/credit cards, and support for intermediary services like Interac and InstaDebit were prerequisites at the best sports betting sites.
- Mobile Compatibility – All top betting platforms we reviewed feature intuitive mobile interfaces that function smoothly across iOS and Android devices without losing key desktop features.
- Customer Support – Responsive and knowledgeable customer support should be available at all hours. Our reviewers tested each site’s communication channels like live chat, email and WhatsApp for promptness and courtesy.
Using this set of criteria and testing methodology allowed us to identify and rank the very best online sportsbooks available to Canadians in 2023.
Best Canada Sports Betting Sites Compared
To see how the top online sportsbooks stack up directly against each other, check out this quick comparison chart summarizing the key features and offerings from each site.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Min. Deposit Needed | Sports Covered | Live Streaming? | Crypto Accepted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowBet | 100% Match to $150 | $30 CAD | 30+ | No | Yes |
| 1Bet | 100% Match to $100 | $10 CAD | 35+ | Yes | Yes |
| Sportaza | 100% Match to $100 | $20 CAD | 30+ | No | Yes |
| Stake | None | $5 CAD | 30+ | Yes | Yes |
| Rabona | 100% Match to $100 | $30 CAD | 25+ | No | Yes |
Advantages of Using Canadian Sportsbooks
Thanks to Canada’s 2021 legalization of single-game sports betting, Canadian players now have access to safe, regulated betting sites operated by reputable companies based domestically and internationally.
Here are the main advantages you’ll enjoy by betting with top-rated online sportsbooks versus underground options:
- Convenience – Safely bet on sports from anywhere within Canada via desktop or mobile without travel Account Safety – Your personal and banking data is secured through encryption
- Guaranteed Payouts – Licensed sites reliably pay out winnings quickly
- Sports Variety – Bet on preferred sports like hockey, football, basketball, baseball and more
- Lucrative Bonuses – Reputable sportsbooks offer generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promos High Bet Limits – Large wagers are accepted with a ceiling often reaching five-figures
- Responsible Gaming – Legal operators promote healthy betting habits and responsible wagering through problem gambling resources and deposit limits By placing your sports bets through regulated, transparent sites recommended in this guide, you can wager with confidence while benefitting from security, reliability, and excellent customer service.
Drawbacks of Betting Sites in Canada
While legal Canadian sportsbooks provide many advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider as well before you start betting.
Potential Drawbacks Include:
- All Money Wagered Carries Risk – There is no such thing as a guaranteed win, so you should only bet what you can afford to lose.
- Fewer Crypto Options – While the most popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are supported, more niche coins may not be.
- Underwhelming Welcome Bonuses – Some legal betting sites offer smaller deposit matches compared to other jurisdictions.
- Identity Verification Required – The legal sportsbooks will require documentation like a photo ID before withdrawals can be completed. Offshore sites may not mandate this.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada?
Sports betting is entirely legal across most of Canada after Bill C-218 passed in 2021. This legislation allowed each province and territory to manage its own retail and online sports betting regulations at its discretion.
As a result, legal sportsbooks are available through a mix of government-run platforms, international operators, and provincial monopolies depending on your location. Other provinces allow mobile betting options only.
Here is a brief overview of the legal sports betting landscape across Canada:
- British Columbia – BC offers legal online betting through PlayNow.com and select international sites. The minimum age is 19.
- Alberta – Alberta Gaming allows approved private sportsbook operators to offer online betting apps and sites to those 18+.
- Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan players can legally bet at online sportsbooks run by the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation at age 18.
- Manitoba – At age 18, Manitoba residents can place online sports wagers through PlayNow.com or access approved international sites.
- Ontario – Legal online sports betting launched in Ontario in 2022. Those 19 and up can now access sites owned by iGaming Ontario or private operators.
- Quebec – Online sports betting through government-owned Espacejeux is available to those 21+. International operators also take bets.
- New Brunswick – New Brunswick’s online sports betting is run by Atlantic Lottery and Proline through ALC.net. You must be 19 to play.
- Nova Scotia – The Atlantic Lottery lets adults aged 19+ in Nova Scotia bet online. International sportsbooks accepting Canadians also offer service.
- Prince Edward Island – Online sports betting options in Prince Edward Island are provided by Atlantic Lottery for those aged 19 or older.
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Residents 19 and older can access online sports betting through Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s site.
- Yukon – While limited to just retail locations currently, efforts are underway to expand sports betting online in Yukon.
- Northwest Territories – Legal sports betting is limited to physical spaces like lounges and stores open to those aged 19+.
- Nunavut – Sports betting fans have few regulated options currently. Residents must be 19 and physically travel to access legal retail betting.
In summary, online sports betting is legal across most of Canada with a mix of government and internationally-operated sites available. Always check your regional regulations though before betting.
Biggest Sports to Bet on in Canada
Canadians love wagering on various professional sports teams and leagues. These sports attract the most betting action across legal online sportsbooks and provincial gambling sites:
- Hockey (NHL) – As Canada’s national pastime, NHL hockey betting tops all sports in popularity and is handled by a wide margin. Playoff series and Stanley Cup Finals betting intensifies the action.
- Football (CFL) – The Canadian Football League has a devout following. Fans throughout Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia drive betting action during the CFL season from June through November.
- Basketball (NBA) – Led by the Toronto Raptors and their loyal fanbase, NBA basketball trails only hockey in popularity. Bets on futures, props, and March Madness bracket contests are very common.
- Baseball (MLB) – Baseball might be America’s pastime but Canada isn’t far behind in their fandom, especially with Toronto representing the AL East. MLB sees steady betting traffic from April into October.
- Soccer (World Cup) – Soccer has a more limited domestic footprint beyond the struggling Canadian Premier League. Canada’s qualification in the 2022 FIFA World Cup renewed some interest that should continue building.
While hockey rules the roost in the Great White North, Canadian sportsbooks meet demand by covering various sports and leagues. You’ll find betting markets for everything from UFC MMA to rugby, cricket to darts, and more.
Biggest Canadian Sporting Events to Bet On
The very best Canada sports betting sites drive engagement by offering exciting betting opportunities surrounding major domestic sporting events.
Here are the premier Canadian sporting events that attract swarms of betting activity annually:
- Stanley Cup Playoffs – As the final showcase deciding that year’s NHL champion, the Stanley Cup Playoffs incite rabid betting enthusiasm as Canada’s seven teams battle for supremacy.
- NBA Finals – Thanks to the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship, betting interest on the NBA Finals intensifies greatly when Canada’s lone franchise contends. The Raptors are perennial playoff contenders and continue enticing NBA Finals bets.
- Grey Cup – Taking place each November, the CFL’s championship game is Canada’s equivalent of the Super Bowl. While betting handles can’t match other events, Grey Cup betting grows annually and entices bets nationwide.
- IIHF World Juniors – A hugely popular event highlighting the best-teenaged hockey prospects, the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship held each December/January offers exciting betting opportunities through round robins and knockout phases.
- The Queen’s Plate – First run in 1860, The Queen’s Plate horse race remains Canada’s most prestigious event. As the oldest continuously run stakes race in North America, the 1 1⁄4 mile race induces heavy betting action.
These marquee Canadian tournaments culminating in each sport’s season generate intense betting enthusiasm. The best betting apps and sites accept high wager volumes surrounding these iconic events.
Tips for Canadian Sports Bettors
While betting with a regulated Canadian sportsbook makes things simple for the most part, following these basic tips will help sharpen your betting process to maximize success.
- Know the Laws – Understand federal and provincial sports betting laws before you wager so you play legally at licensed operators or government-run sites. Eligibility, registration requirements, and other rules can vary across regions.
- Shop for the Best Lines – Compare betting odds and lines across multiple online sportsbooks using odds tracker tools. Placing wagers only when you have the best available odds saves money over time.
- Stick to a Budget – Determine an affordable bankroll and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses by throwing good money after bad. Stay disciplined and bet within your monetary means.
- Use Bonuses Wisely – Clear sportsbook bonuses and promotions strategically by reviewing playthrough rules beforehand so you pick offers that match your betting style. Use bonuses to minimize losses as you learn different sports.
- Know Sport Specific Rules – Brush up on the intricacies and nuances of sports you plan on betting frequently so you make informed picks. Understanding factors like NHL penalties, CFL scoring rules tiebreakers or MLB bullpen roles pays dividends.
Is Live Betting Permitted in Canada?
Yes, live-in-play betting is completely legal and available online throughout most Canadian provinces. Major sites like PowBet, 1Bet, and Sportaza promote their live betting platforms extensively while smaller brands also allow real-time wagering.
Live betting permits wagering on outcomes of events already underway. So instead of just betting on full game results known as the money line, you can also bet on outcomes within individual quarters or periods.
Common live bets include:
Next scoring play Total points scored in the current quarter Which team scores next? Player performance props Game winner Final score By going live, you can capitalize on constantly updating odds as the direction of the competition changes while also taking advantage of exciting limited-time promotions.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options at Canadian Sportsbooks
Reputable online sportsbooks serving the Canadian market excel in processing fast payouts through various deposit and withdrawal methods. Here are the most common banking options:
- Interac e-Transfer – Interac is uniquely Canadian so support for direct bank account transfers marks reliable betting sites catering to Canuck bettors.
- Credit Cards – All sportsbooks allow Visa and MasterCard deposits to conveniently fund bets with credit. Brands like Instadebit also link card deposits.
- Debit Cards – Connecting your checking account to sites via online banking links like Instadebit allows sportsbook deposits and withdrawals directly from your bank account.
- Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins offer fast payouts and added privacy protection. BTC-specific welcome bonuses are also available.
- e-Wallets – Neteller and Skrill enable smooth deposits and instant withdrawals to personal e-wallet accounts funded by bank or card transfers.
- PayPal – Recently re-introduced at select sportsbooks, PayPal offers familiar protection for processing bets if supported.
While options will differ across regulated betting apps and sites, focus on brands that best facilitate fast, convenient funding approaches that suit your preferences.
Best Sports Betting Apps in Canada
Mobile betting apps amplify convenience thanks to finger-tip access letting you bet from anywhere. Ontario bettors now have regulated options but British Columbia, Alberta, and other locales still rely on international sites offering unmatched mobile sportsbooks.
Here are the top rated mobile sports betting apps among Canadian players:
- Bet365 – Bet365’s app has seen tremendous success globally thanks to a slick interface, easy registration, and plentiful ongoing promos supporting their industry-best welcome offer.
- LeoVegas – While the sportsbook takes a backseat to their industry-leading mobile casino app, LeoVegas still delivers a smooth, enjoyable sports betting experience catering to Canucks.
- Betway – Recently revamping its sportsbook, Betway’s mobile betting app allows fast registration with only an email and password making them popular across Canada.
- BetMGM – One of the biggest brands in the U.S. after launching successfully in Ontario, BetMGM offers a premium mobile experience with unique promotions like free bets for the first score.
- FanDuel – Along with DraftKings, FanDuel is bringing the established American brand to Canada with a loaded mobile app filled with odds boosts, parlay insurance, and referral bonuses.
No matter your location, focusing on mobile-first brands with dedicated native iOS and Android apps optimizes your betting experience if wagering from phones or tablets.
How to Sign Up at Canadian Online Sportsbooks?
While specific registration details vary a bit depending on the sportsbook, signing up only takes minutes in most cases. Just follow these steps:
- Visit Your Preferred Sportsbook Site Browse current offers or use our recommended list to decide on the best Canadian sports betting site for your needs, then visit their website.
- Click “Join Now” or “Sign Up” These buttons quickly begin your registration located at the top or side of the homepage.
- Enter Your Personal Information
Fill in details like your legal name, residential address, date of birth, email, phone number, and last 4 digits of your SIN. - Verify Your Account At most sites, you’ll need to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) check by providing a photo ID like a driver’s license to activate withdrawals.
Once your account is live, just fund your account through a supported payment method and start placing real money wagers!
FAQs about Canada Sports Betting Sites
Check these frequently asked questions for quick answers about betting legally online in Canada.
- What is the best sports betting site in Canada?
We rank PowBet as the #1 online sportsbook thanks to outstanding sports variety with 30+ betting options, hundreds of markets, fast payouts via crypto and major cards, and a generous $150 sign-up bonus.
- Do I need to provide ID for account verification?
Yes, you must complete photo ID verification before requesting withdrawals to ensure sites comply with Canadian AML regulations and responsible gambling standards.
- Is online sports betting fully legal in Canada?
Yes, after Bill C-218 passed, online sports betting is federally legal but provinces have flexibility in managing retail and mobile operations. Most now feature government-run and international betting sites.
- How long do sportsbook payouts take?
Withdrawal times average between 24-48 hours at the fastest Canadian betting sites. Slowest brands may take 3-5 days via bank transfer of cheque. Crypto withdrawals are quickest, often processed in under one hour.
- Can I bet from my iPhone or Android?
Absolutely! All reputable online sportsbooks are mobile compatible through iOS and Android apps or mobile browser interfaces accessible from any phone or tablet.
- Is it safe to use Canadian sports betting sites?
Yes, regulated & licensed Canadian sites feature advanced security including SSL encryption and firewall protections to keep your personal information private while processing financial transactions safely.
- What sports are available to bet on?
Popular Canadian sports like hockey, CFL football and curling are offered extensively, but you’ll also find lines on US sports, soccer, tennis, boxing, MMA and niche leagues ranging from darts to snooker plus entertainment and politics betting.
- Can I use Canadian Dollars as my sportsbook account currency?
The majority of Canada betting sites do permit registration and wagering using Canadian Dollars. Some smaller unregulated brands still deal solely in US Dollars which can get confusing tracking exchange rates.
How do I deposit & withdraw funds from sportsbooks? ll sites support Interac/Instadebit plus global payment brands like Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, and Skrill. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies are also available for untraceable sportsbook transactions.
- Are winnings taxed on Canada sports bets?
Nope! Unlike most countries, Canada does not tax gambling winnings, allowing you to retain 100% of sports bet profits. Ontario players pay no tax under OLG rules while offshore sites also avoid extra taxation.
Conclusion
After recent gambling expansion, Canada now provides access to many reputable sports betting sites letting hockey fans, basketball bettors, and other enthusiasts legally wager on domestic and global matchups.
By following our guide featuring extensive reviews on brands like PowBet, 1Bet, and Sportaza, Canadian bettors can find trustworthy, reliable sportsbooks paying out big cash prizes on CFL, NHL, and various sports leagues.
Remember to gamble responsibly by sticking to individually affordable budgets and use bonus deals strategically rather than for reckless betting. Please bet safely and enjoy Canada’s top-rated sports betting destinations covered right here.
Good luck with all your sports picks this season!
