Best Sports Betting Sites in Canada

Reviews and Comparisons of Canada’s Best Sports Betting Sites

Here at BettingTop10 we provide the best reviews of sportsbooks and the most comprehensive comparisons between betting sites, keeping you well informed and helping you make the smartest bets.

BettingTop10 is an online resource dedicated to providing bettors with the most essential information on all things sports betting. Our team is comprised of betting experts with years of professional experience. Being bettors themselves, our experts are completely devoted to researching the latest betting trends, sportsbooks, and more.

The world of sports betting can be intimidating. We aim to help bettors (new and old) to better understand sports betting sites and what they can offer. Let’s dive in!

Best Sports Betting Sites Canada

Note: If you are currently living in Ontario, please ignore any and all content relating to bonuses, promos, or any other similar targets, as per Ontario’s betting regulations. Instead, please head to our Ontario sportsbooks section for content curated for Ontarian bettors. If you are not a resident of Ontario, you can safely ignore this note.

The 10 Leading Betting Sites in Canada

New betting sites pop up in Canada almost daily. For now, here are 10 best betting sites operating in Canada. Every site on this list enjoys a well-established reputation in the industry, and they are well respected and trusted among Canadians bettors.

SportsbookWelcome BonusMin. Deposit
TonyBet100% up to $350$10
PowerPlay100% Up To $500$10
Bodog100% Up To $650+50 FS$20
GreatWin100% Up To $150$20
Betonic100% Up To $150$10
Truenorth.bet100% Matched Deposit Offer Up to $500 in Free Bets$10
BetPlays100% Up To $2,000+$200 Free Bet$20
Sports Interaction100% Up To $1000$10
BetVictor100% Bonus Up to $500$10
B&UUp To $2176 + 150FS$15

Welcome to BettingTop10 Canada: your ultimate source for information on Canadian betting sites. Here you’ll find all the information you need, as well as reviews of our favourite Canadian sports betting sites. Consult our expert reviews and breakdowns of the biggest operators and gambling info. We offer actionable and trustworthy information covering everything from the best betting apps and betting offers to the most trustworthy online betting sites around.

Every sportsbook we recommend has been personally tested and verified as safe by:

GPWA_approvedpci DSSSecured by evalonOntario iGaming

19+ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.

Our Choice of the Best Betting Sites in Canada

Looking for the best betting sites in Canada? There are a lot to choose from, and finding the best requires time and effort. Here at BettingTop10, our expert team does the research so that you don’t have to.

Canada sports betting has rapidly grown into a major industry, and there is a significant amount of Canadian and Ontario betting sites that provide exemplary experiences for users. With so many options, finding the right sportsbook is no easy task. Our sportsbook reviews provide a look at some of the best sports betting sites available now to Canadian bettors.

Below we break down the cream of the crop, giving you our selection of the best online betting sites in Canada. All of these are legal betting sites in Canada and are vetted by our gambling experts.

TonyBet

Tonybet review

Years of experience and an excellent VIP program

If you're looking for a highly professional sportsbook that has been serving the Canadian market for over a decade, then TonyBet is for you. TonyBet launched in 2011 and has blossomed into a must-use sportsbook for Canadian gamblers of all experience levels. It has a pristine reputation and have procured an iGaming Ontario license to serve the Ontario market. Users love TonyBet’s straightforward, no-nonsense website. It is easy to use and has excellent coverage of all the major events Canadians love.

One thing that separates TonyBet from other betting sites is its focus on mobile gaming. TonyBet has epic betting apps available to their users, so you can take your sports betting experience on the go. It accepts the standard payment options that most Canadian users seek out, like Interac, debit, and credit cards. The site’s in-depth coverage of different Canadian sporting events even includes lesser-known leagues like the Canadian Premier League, making them ideal for big sports fans across Canada.

TonyBet Review

100% up to $350

PowerPlay

Fresh look, killer features and skyrocketing popularity among Canadian sports bettors

PowerPlay launched in 2018 and in the time since became one of the biggest names in Canadian sports betting. the PowerPlay website has a very distinctive look and style, with a red and black colour tone. PowerPlay has a significant number of features that make it stand out, like Live Betting, and a wide range of sports betting and events.

PowerPlay’s great betting markets have contributed to its reputation taking off. It also has plenty of fun offers and mobile betting services that have led to huge success. Bettors all over Canada enjoy the fun it provides. It has become a top operator for gamblers of all experience levels.

PowerPlay also provides an in-depth sportsbook that covers just about every major league and team imaginable. Specifically, it is one of the best soccer betting sites, with coverage of leagues big and small around the world.

PowerPlay Review 

$500 Sports Bonus. 100% Bonus on First Deposit

Bodog

Live Betting, Bonus Features and an enticing rewards program!

Bodog has become one of Canada’s most famous betting sites. Launched in 1994, this betting site has a large variety betting options, including live betting, early cash out, and prop builders. Bodog’s attention to interesting plays, such as prop betting, has helped launch its claim to fame.

Bodog’s respect for Canadian sports leagues and Canadian competitions, such as the CFL, is another reason why sports bettors favor this site. Its rewards program provides great benefits, and its customer service help centre is top-notch.

Bodog has been servicing the Canadian market for nearly three decades now, and has always stayed on the cutting edge. The site offers plenty of payment options and is renowned for its diverse features. Bodog remains a prominent Canadian operator.

Bodog Review

$400 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins

GreatWin

GREATwin Review

Unparalleled dedication to customer safety

GreatWin might be a new addition to the Canadian market, but that doesn’t mean bettors should overlook this virtual sportsbook and casino offers. GreatWin is a dynamic website that is licensed under Curacao's authority, and it has plenty to offer Canadian bettors. While its casino games are a big draw, it also has a massive sportsbook with plenty of features that are sure to keep bettors coming back for more.

GreatWin covers a huge range of different events, including all the sports and leagues Canadians love. It accepts payment transactions that range from Interac and debit cards to cryptocurrencies and e-wallets. GreatWin has exciting offers such as betting tournaments with massive prizes (a recent prize included a Lamborghini!) and its live betting options are excellent. The site’s web design is also appealing. Check out the offer page for some amazing promos.

GreatWin Review

50% Up To C$750

Betonic

An international brand with a huge variety of sports to bet on

Available in a wide range of countries, Betonic provides betting markets for more sports than most people have ever experienced thanks to its international reach. Its wide range of availability also extends to banking options, with a variety of options for deposit and withdrawal.

Betonic is still relatively new to the sports betting scene, so despite having a website with a slick and easy-to-navigate design, it still hasn’t introduced a mobile app. Thankfully, the website is mobile-friendly, allowing for easy use on IOS and Android devices.

Live betting is available in addition to props and futures. However, there are still many areas the company needs to improve on in order to be considered on the same level as some of Canada’s other top brands. Its customer service section has some room for improvement, and its welcome bonus and other bonus and promotion offers could be more generous.

Betonic Review

100% Up To C$300

Shangri La

shangrila review

A great sportsbook with high quality 24/7 customer service

One popular sportsbook and betting site many Canadians have turned to in recent years is Shangri La. Shangri La was launched in 2016 and has quickly become a premier option for Canadian bettors. There’s a lot to like about this sportsbook, from its stylish website design to its abundance of payment options. Shangri La accepts payment transactions on a huge array of deposit options, including Apple Pay, cryptocurrency, and many more. It is licensed in Malta and serves Canada as an offshore betting site.

The Shangri La sportsbook has excellent coverage of all the events that Canadian bettors normally seek out. From popular sports like hockey, basketball, and football to more niche options like cricket and alpine skiing, Shangri La has it all. Its promotions are exciting and constantly updating, its online casino brings the thrill, and it has enjoyable features designed to ensure bettors never get tired of this major betting site.

Shangri La Review

Up To CAD$75

BetPlays

New and exciting, generous bonuses

BetPlays is a recently established online casino with a wide variety of games and multiple bonuses and promotions. Additionally, it has a sportsbook that provides competitive odds for all major sports markets and some niche markets. The sportsbook stands out for its live streaming service and offers a solid welcome bonus, as does the casino.

Unfortunately, there is currently no mobile app service – however, you can still access the site’s large range of casino games on web browsers for IOS and android devices that have been mobile optimized. The BetPlays customer services team is excellent, with a live chat room available 24/7 in addition to phone and email services.

BetPlays is new to the scene with lots of room to improve, but with the number of games it offers and its generous bonuses, we believe it is here to stay.

BetPlays Review

370% Sports Bonus, 56% Free Bet, 70% Cashback

Sports Interaction

Great look, reliableility and trustworthiness 

Many people will tell you that Sports Interaction is their favourite Canadian betting site, and for good reason. It has been a juggernaut in Canada for decades now, enticing users with a great design and complete sportsbook. With seamless and fast up-to-the-minute betting, it is one of the top live betting sites available. Sports Interaction also has great tournaments for casino games and a horse racing system.

This website that has gained a massive following thanks to its top-notch betting markets and Canadian-friendly features. The sportsbook has an excellent mobile app, perfect for bettors who love betting on-the-go. It is licensed and regulated in the country, which adds to its appeal.

Sports Interaction stands out in Canadian sports betting, with a great look and killer features. Some standout features include 24-hour customer service, betting opinions and stats, and trends in line movement.

Sports Interaction Review

125% Up To $250

BetVictor

BetVictor review

Decades of experience

Boasting literal decades in the business, BetVictor has become a prominent betting site for Canadian players. Equipped with a dedicated mobile app and a thorough sportsbook, BetVictor’s cherry on top is its dedication to sports bonuses and promotions. Its markets include bet builders, live betting and boosted odds.

For those looking for a betting site that has many customer service options, these are available  through a variety of channels, including social media. BetVictor has a wealth of knowledge in the industry and this is apparent every time you log onto the site.

BetVictor first launched as an in-person sportsbook in the United Kingdom in the 1940, and has evolved over the years to serve markets around the world online. Bettors have grown comfortable with this world-famous betting site, and its fun features and great customer service are a big reason why.

BetVictor Review

100% Bonus Up to $500

FezBet

Fezbet review

Highly-ranked, impressive security measures

Back in 2020, FezBet reached significant acclaim across Canada. The sportsbook comes to us from Curacao, where it is regulated to ensure user safety. FezBet is a popular betting site for several reasons, starting with its immaculate design. It is a beautiful website with colorful graphics, a solid color scheme, and an easy-to-navigate layout. In addition, FezBet’s payment options are extensive - users can deposit with a huge array of different transaction methods, including Interac, Astropay, and debit cards.

FezBet’s coverage is also impressive, including coverage of just about all the major sports, leagues, and markets the typical Canadian bettor is likely to target. And if you happen to love betting offers, you will certainly appreciate FezBet, which comes loaded with incredible promotional offers that help make it one of the biggest and best sportsbooks available to Canadian users.

FezBet Review

100% up to $150

888Sport

888Sport

Excellent app, comprehensive sportsbook

888Sport launched in 2008 and has since become one of the biggest figures in Canadian sports betting. 888Sport has a very distinctive look and style, with a black and orange color tone. 888Sport has a significant number of features that make it stand out, including an app that is among the best of any of the betting sites in Canada.

888Sport also provides an in-depth sportsbook that covers just about every major league and team one could imagine. It is one of the best soccer betting sites, with coverage of leagues big and small around the world.

888Sport Review

100% Up To $500 + $10 Casino Bonus

Bet99

Bet99

Top pick for NHL, NBA and NFL live betting

We could name 99 reasons why Bet99 is a top choice for sports bettors in Canada. Bet99 attracts stars with its pleasant website, top prizes, bonuses and numerous markets. It is a new operator with room for improvement, although it has been considered a trusted betting site since its infancy. Bet99’s bonuses are another prominent feature, with specific boosts and promotions tied to multiple sports and extra treats for users (including their online casino). No matter how you want to bet, chances are, Bett99 has you covered.

Bet99 hasn’t been around as long as some of the other operators on this list, but it has truly blossomed into a top option for Canadian gamblers. It has awesome features and plenty of unique attractions. Bet99 is a betting brand to watch in the future as it continues to grow and rake in Canadian customers.

Bet99 Review

100% up to $500

Betway

Betway Sport

Renowned and highly experienced, featuring boosted odds

Betway has long been established as a premier option for Canadian bettors. It has some of the best bookmaker bonuses, an array of fun features, and a deep, varied sportsbook. If you enjoy prop betting or customizable options, you’re going to enjoy Betway. It is one of the top sports betting sites despite the lack of a mobile app, largely because the website looks and functions great on both a desktop and phone.

Betway also has a sizable and safe casino with plenty of options. It features more microgaming games then almost any betting site in Canada. Betway also has player props for hockey, which makes it one of the best NHL betting sites. Betway’s other markets have also led to Canadians across the country prioritizing this sportsbook.

Betway Review

100% Deposit Up to $200

How to Bet on Canadian Betting Sites?

Feeling ready to start your betting journey? follow these steps in order to place bets on typical Canadian betting sites.

  1. Log in to your betting account. If you don’t have an account, create one. Either way, logging in should take you under a minute.
  2. Select a sport and league. Find the sport and league that you want to bet on. Make sure it is something you are knowledgeable about!
  3. Make a selection. Select your desired market within the sports league and find the odds you want to bet on.
  4. Enter your stake. Input how much you want to bet. Ensure it isn’t an amount you would be uncomfortable losing, as a lot of bets don’t hit.
  5. Confirm your bet. Click Place Bet or Confirm, and your bet will be placed. Enjoy your sports betting experience!

Tips For Choosing a Sportsbook

Choosing a sportsbook is a lot like choosing a restaurant: there are seemingly infinite varieties and options to consider. With new betting sites popping up every day, Canadian sports bettors have a ton of options. Here are some tips for choosing the right sportsbook for you!

  1. Betting options: When joining a sportsbook, you want the best offers. Before committing to a site, ensure you check what sports and betting markets are available.
  2. Reliability: Some betting sites are more trusted than others. When choosing your site, make sure you do adequate research about the bookmaker’s license and reputation.
  3. Banking options: Users need to fund their account. Figuring out the available banking options and payout speeds is integral to a great betting experience.
  4. Welcome bonuses and promotions: Users signing up want to look at what bonuses and promotions are offered. VIP sections are also included for this criterion – you want to be rewarded for being a longtime user of the site.
  5. Services not commonly found – Some betting sites offer more perks than others. This could include bet boosters, live streaming, tournaments and other special additions to the site. 

Betting Sites and The Law in Canada

In 2021, Canada officially welcomed single-game sports betting as a legal option. Since then, many millions of dollars have been placed in bets coast-to-coast.

While sports betting is legal across the country, the different provinces have their own laws which sportsbooks need to follow. Basically, each provincial government is able to mandate its own sports betting industry.

There are multiple legal betting options in Canada, and they vary between provinces. In order for a brand to be fully legal, it must be approved by the province’s relevant legal entities. This means every betting brand needs to apply for a license for each province it wants to operate in.

Betting brands that are legal in Canada must prominently display which regulator approved them. For example, in Ontario, both iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) are possible.

While Ontario has moved first, other provinces will follow. Quebec is expected to be next, and British Columbia is likely not far away either. In every province, the use of offshore betting sites remains legal.

Legal Situation and Licensing FAQs

❓ Is sports betting legal in Canada?

✅ Yes! The government has implemented and legalized the framework for legalized gambling. It is now up to the individual provinces.

❓ Is Single-game betting legal in Canada?

✅ Yes! Single-game betting is now legal in Ontario, with it also being legal in some other provinces but only through provincially-ran enterprises. More are expected to open the door to major gambling companies entering.

❓ Which betting sites are legal in Canada?

✅ There are several betting sites that are legal in Canada. These include iGaming licensed operators like Sports Interaction, Betway, BetMGM, 888Sport, PowerPlay, and more.

Provincial Betting Guides

When reviewing a site, we always check to ensure that they are legal in Canada and, specifically, in the relevant provinces. Each province has its own governing body that betting sites need to abide by in order to be legal. As well, the governing bodies need to license the betting site, confirm approval and grant permission.

Single-gaming betting became legal in Canada in 2021. Sports betting is safe and legal across the country, but bettors should do their research before placing money into an online betting site.

What’s great is that the betting industry is heavily regulated in Canada. Betting sites need to apply for licenses in the specific provinces in which they intend to offer their services. This means that a company trying to break into the Ontario market will need to be approved by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario.

This is excellent news for bettors, who know a company backed by these organizations is a trusted supplier. When choosing a sportsbook, you must ensure it is regulated by the governing body in your specific province; this will protect you as a bettor. Checking the betting sites' security features is another trick to make sure your data is protected. Since you’re providing compromising documents, you’ll want to confirm that your data is safe.

So, before signing up for a betting site, make sure it is regulated by the governing body in your province and that the betting site has good security features, such as two-factor authentication.

Listed below are the governing bodies of the respective provinces:

  • Ontario – iGaming Ontario, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG)
  • Alberta – Western Canada Lottery Corp.
  • British Columbia – British Columbia Lottery Corp.
  • Manitoba - Western Canada Lottery Corp.
  • New Brunswick — Atlantic Lottery Corp.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador — Atlantic Lottery Corp.
  • Nova Scotia — Atlantic Lottery Corp.
  • Prince Edward Island — Atlantic Lottery Corp.
  • Quebec — Loto-Québec
  • Saskatchewan/Nunavut, Yukon and Northwest Territories — Western Canada Lottery Corp.

For more information about the legal situation in Canada, read here:

How Do We Choose Our Betting Sites?

For a website to be counted among the best of Canada’s online betting sites, it has to stand out in a crowded industry. That is why our BettingTop10 team looks at each site, examines its individual merits and compares them. Our experts have sampled dozens of operators, looking over an array of specific criteria to determine whether they can be counted among the best online betting sites.

We will sample everything from new betting sites to established players in the industry, and test and compare every aspect of their site. Let’s look at some of the criteria we typically judge these operators by:

  • Betting Market and competitive odds: The sportsbook should offer up-to-date odds, on a wide range of events and matches, which match those available across the web. All sportsbooks we rate highly as the top betting sites will typically offer odds that are more favorable to bettors than some of their competitors and cover a huge range of sporting events.
  • Banking and payment options: Multiple options should be available for deposits and withdrawals, and your money should be guaranteed safe while in transit, via an encrypted service. If the sportsbook you are using doesn’t have the payment options you need or isn’t trustworthy, don’t use it. All the top Canadian betting sites will have a lot of payment options and safe banking.
  • Reputation, trustworthiness and reliability: For the BettingTop10 team, it all comes down to trust. We want you to have the best experience possible and that includes feeling comfortable knowing you’re going to the most reputable, trustworthy, and reliable sportsbooks on the internet. Any sportsbook that isn’t safe, legal, and reliable can’t be used. Bettors put their personal information and money on these sites, and if they can’t be relied upon, we don’t rate them.
  • Mobile experience: It is a world on the go, so it only makes sense for you to be able to place bets on your phone. We evaluate the mobile experience of each sportsbook comprehensively and, and check whether their site is properly optimized for that experience or not. Sportsbooks that offer a mobile app will be rated higher in our rankings, as that provides an ideal mobile betting experience. However, a great mobile website is still a big asset for any online sports betting site in Canada.
  • Customer support: Many of our recommended sportsbooks have live chats, customer service emails, and phone numbers available for customer service. Customer support is a fundamental part of a good betting experience because technical difficulties do come up. It is important that sportsbooks offer many options and that those options function well.
  • Sign-up process: The sign-up process should be quick, easy, and seamless. When vetting a sportsbook, we go through that process ourselves to make sure it won’t cause the user any grief. While all sign-ups require personal information, some are laggy, request too much information, or aren’t intuitive. If this is the case, we don’t rate those sportsbooks highly on this aspect.
  • Overall user experience: With a wide range of sportsbook options available on the web, we want you to have the best experience possible. If the user experience is not friendly according to our standards, we will not recommend it. Some things that directly affect the user experience are load speeds, intuitiveness, website design, and fun features. These are things we focus heavily on in our Canada sports betting reviews.

How Do We Rank Betting Sites in Canada?

At BettingTop10, we make it easy for you to view our opinion on different aspects of sports betting sites. Our experts look at every facet of a betting site and rank them accordingly, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Our experts review and carefully consider each section. Our ranking is unbiased and is directly correlated to the usefulness of regular users. 

Let’s look at some of the factors we rate and quickly explain what they are.

  • Betting variety: The betting variety factor looks at the number of sports covered and the markets that are offered for every sport. We rate a website higher if it covers a lot of sports and markets.
  • Banking options: Banking options are the number of payment methods a sportsbook offers. Some websites only allow for 4-/5 different payment methods, while some provide 15-20. The more banking options, the higher our rating.
  • Payout speed: Payout speed means how quickly a sportsbook gets the money to a user when they withdraw. There is a typical waiting period of a few business days, but for some operators, it is faster or slower than that.
  • App and mobile experience: The mobile experience is a significant part of sports betting. Many of the top betting sites in Canada have a mobile app, and just about every sportsbook has a mobile-optimized website.
  • Key features: There are certain core features that are essential for any sportsbook. These include live betting, cash-out, live streaming, an advanced casino, bet builders, bet boosts, and more.
  • Security and trust: Without strong security and a trustworthy operator, a sportsbook should not be used. Some standard security features would be 128-bit SSL encryption to protect data, and frequent third-party testing.
  • Licensing: This is basically the legality of an operator. While sports betting is a legal gray area in some parts of Canada, it is fully legal in Ontario. For this, we’d look at whether it is licensed in Ontario and, if not, where it is licensed.
  • Software and games: For this section, we look at the software and games available on the website. This includes the betting odds provider and the digital casino. There are some acclaimed providers that stand out as the best.
  • User betting experience: All top sports betting sites focus on the user experience. This includes how the website looks and functions, as well as any fun betting twists and features that they provide.
  • Sign-up process: Registering for a sportsbook should be easy and fast, without long waits. We sample the sign-up process to ensure it is the rapid experience bettors deserve.
  • Customer support: Problems with even the best Canadian sports betting sites are not uncommon. Ensuring that the sportsbook has effective options for help in these situations is a must.

Best Sports to Bet on in Canada

Canadians love many different sports, and a great sportsbooks will accommodate this variety by providing an array of sports and leagues covered with significant depth. Our guides to each sport will teach you how to bet on them, which strategies are the most successful, and which markets matter.

Let’s have a look at some of the primary sports and leagues most popular in Canadian online sports betting:

NFL - Football Betting Sites:

NFLFootball is a sport that draws a significant number of bettors every year, with NFL betting sites particularly frequented across North America. NFL games often have hundreds of unique odds and markets.

888Sport
888sport
#1 NFL Betting Site

NHL - Hockey Betting Sites:

nhl logoHockey is Canada’s biggest game, and NHL is the biggest league. Just about every sportsbook operating in Canada will provide extensive NHL betting coverage.

Sports Interaction
#1 NHL Betting Site

NBA – Basketball Betting Sites:

NBA logoThe NBA has grown in popularity every year and is beloved by Canadians. The best NBA betting sites will have deep coverage and fun markets like player props.

Betway Sport
Betway
#1 NBA Betting Site

Soccer Betting Sites:

English Premier LeagueSoccer is the biggest sport on the planet. Top sportsbooks will cover odds on everything from small local leagues to major international tournaments, like FIFA World Cup betting.

PowerPlay
#1 Soccer Betting Site

MLB - Baseball Betting Sites:

MLBBaseball is a timeless tradition. Many sportsbooks cover leagues spanning the globe, including the MLB, the most popular league in the world.

Tonybet review
TonyBet
#1 MLB Betting Site

Golf Betting Sites:

Golf is another sport that is played on every continent. Whether it is the PGA Tour or LIV, most sportsbooks have extensive coverage of every tournament.

BetPlays
#1 Golf Betting Site

MMA – UFC Betting Sites:

UFCUFC betting in Canada is incredibly popular. The biggest martial arts league in the world is complicated, but most sportsbooks offer straightforward odds on this league.

Bodog
#1 UFC Betting Site

Tennis Betting Sites:

Tennis ATPTennis is a game that has been played for generations and maintains popularity today. Most online betting sites have significant tennis betting options.

Truenorth.bet
#1 Tennis Betting Site

College football betting:

ncaa footballCollege Football has been played in America since the 1800s. It remains as popular today across Canada and the United States. Bet today on games, conferences, and individuals.

Betonic
#1 College Football Betting Site

College basketball betting:

ncaa basketballMarch Madness is what College Basketball is known for, but it is played throughout the year. It is one of the bigger and more exciting basketball leagues on the planet and great for betting.

LeoVegas
#1 College Basketball Betting Site

Leagues, Markets and Betting Types

Whether you are a veteran gambling shark, or a beginner just dipping your toes in the water, there is so much to learn when it comes to sports gambling. At BettingTop10, we try to cater our information to anyone, from the most seasoned of gamblers to first timers. Betting sites rarely offer explanations, so BettingTop10 has got you covered.

Popular Sports and Leagues

We write about sports betting such as:

  • NFL betting
  • NBA betting
  • NHL betting
  • UFC betting
  • Soccer betting

We also specifically cover the big sports betting events, like the Super Bowl, March Madness, and international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, Euro Cup, and many others. We give you breakdowns of the different betting options that exist in every sport, how they work, and strategies towards cashing in. Whether it’s puck lines in the NHL, or player props in the NFL, we got you covered with all the info you could want.

We also write about the options available on some of the best sports betting sites in Canada, and cover the goings-on in various leagues in our sports news section, so you’re up to date with everything before placing down bets.

Markets and Betting Types

Before you start betting, it is important you gain an understanding of the betting markets and bet types that are popular today. There are many different markets and bet types that bettors will typically engage with. These can be straightforward or complicated, depending on the market or bet type a bettor chooses.

It is important to fully understand what markets and bet types are before you bet, because they are what you are actually betting on. If you don’t understand them, you could mistakenly make a far-fetched bet or even bet on the wrong thing.

Let’s look at some of the popular markets that bettors tend to engage with and answer some frequently asked questions about betting types.

  • Moneyline: A moneyline bet, or ML, is as straightforward as it comes. If you bet a team on the moneyline, you’ve picked them to win outright: the ML odds are just the odds for who will win the game.
  • Point spread: The point spread is a line that indicates the projected differential in favor of a team. You can bet for the spread – meaning the favourited team will exceed that differential – or against it, meaning they will not match or exceed the projected differential.
  • Over/Under: The over/under, or O/U, is a market indicating the total projected number of points that will be scored in a game. There is a line that indicates the projected score, and bettors choose whether the two teams will combine for over or under that line.
  • Futures: Futures are long-term bets within a league. They cover results that aren’t determined within the first game of the year. It could be something like which team will win the championship, which player will score the most goals, and who will be the playoff MVP.

Sports Betting Markets FAQs

❓ How does moneyline betting work?

✅ The moneyline is the line (odds) for a team to win a game. Each team will have a line that indicates their chances to win. Betting that line is a moneyline bet.

❓ What’s moneyline betting?

✅ Moneyline betting is when bettors pick a team to win a game. If you bet a team on the moneyline, you’ve picked them to win outright.

❓ What is moneyline live betting?

✅ Moneyline live betting is when a bettor bets on a team to win in a game that has already started. They are predicting the winner of a live game.

❓ What is point spread betting?

✅ Point spread betting is when a bettor places a bet on the point spread. The spread is the projected differential in a game in favor of one team.

❓ How does point spread betting work?

✅ Bettors can choose to bet for or against the spread. Betting for the spread means they believe the favored team will exceed the projected differential, and against the spread means they won’t match the differential.

❓ What does point spread mean in basketball betting?

✅ If you are betting on the point spread in a basketball game, you are betting on the score differential in favor of one team in the game.

❓ What is over/under in betting?

✅ Over/under betting is when bettors place bets on what the final score of the game will be, with the score calculated by both teams’ combined score.

❓ How does over/under betting work?

✅ There will be a line that represents the projected score between both teams combined. Bettors can bet the over, meaning there will be more points, or the under, meaning less.

❓ How to read over/under betting lines?

✅ There will be a line – for example, 42.5.  – and two odds, one under the U (the “under”), and one under the O (the “over”).

❓ What is over/under in NFL betting?

✅ In NFL betting, the over/under is a bet on the final score of an NFL game between two teams combined. A typical line would be 47.5, and bettors would have to choose whether the teams would score more or less.

❓ What are futures in sports betting?

✅ Futures are long-term bets within a league. They can be on something like who will win MVP, who will be the finalists, and so on.

Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Sites

Despite offering the same ability to play from your phone and/or tablet, betting apps and mobile betting sites are very different. The one common feature they both share is that users are able to play from a computer. This was a huge innovation for the industry as it allowed users to play on the couch, at the bar, or on the road. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using a mobile betting app or betting site.

Mobile betting apps are often accessed by downloading a product to your device. For example, iOS users can add betting apps by going to the App Store and searching for the specific app they want to download. Companies like theScore, BetMGM, Betway and other reputable betting companies offer their own apps. You will also be able to download the app from the respective betting site you are looking to download – clicking the link should bring you to the App Store. These apps allow players to get the same experience as the desktop version, offering a condensed version of the desktop site. While we say condensed, it’s important to remember that all the same attributes and perks of using a desktop site are offered – just on a smaller scale. 

Mobile betting sites are usually accessed through your phone’s browser. iOS users can access betting sites using Safari (or whichever internet browser they use). They resemble a mobile app, but they are not stored on your device. This means that you could potentially lose info (like login details) every time you exit the browser. However, if your device has less storage, it won’t take up any space on your phone or tablet. No matter which option you choose, all features should be accessible.

Most importantly, both methods are safe to use, especially if you access the site or app through the desktop version of the site.Betway mobile app

Bonuses and Promotions

Most betting sites will offer bonuses and other promotions. These bonuses can be in the form of a Welcome Bonus (for new users) or other bonuses for certain wagers (like bet boosters).

Promotions will vary and will be dependent on a specific sport or event. The Super Bowl sees a lot of betting action and betting sites will often provide promotions during this event to increase interest among users.

These bonuses and promotions are beneficial to users because they can offer better odds for certain wagers, as well as free money for placing certain bets.

Promotions are a way to pique interest and betting sites know this. But in the end, bettors are the ones who benefit from the perks!

BettingTop10 offers a bonuses and promotions guide explaining what some of the hottest bonuses and promotions are, and how you can use them on betting sites in Canada. We keep our readers up to date about special current and ongoing betting offers, through our betting offers guide page. Staying current on these offers and promotions will help you find the most value.

Promotions and Bonuses are key tools in any gambling expert’s toolbox, and with BettingTop10, we’ll give you all you need to know to cash in on the promotions on some of the best Canadian betting sites.

Betting Sites Promotions

Safety, Security, and Privacy on Betting Sites

Much has changed in the Canadian sports betting market, but the fact remains that safety, security, and privacy are imperative to success. When sports betting online, ensuring you are only using safe, trusted websites is a must. Let’s dive into more detail about safety, security, and legality.

Safety and Security

Here at BettingTop10, everything we do comes down to safety and security. We believe that no matter how fun and exciting a sportsbook is, if they lack the right safety and security, there is no point in engaging. That is why we only promote sportsbooks that meet the highest security standards.

If you are a bettor looking for the safest betting websites, one of the ways to ensure you only use the safest is by checking for iGaming certification. This is the Ontario certification that shows the website has been approved by the Ontario government. For a website to become iGaming certified, it must undergo rigorous testing on its data protection, fairness, and security. This gives bettors peace of mind.

While there are plenty of non-iGaming websites that can be safe, the best way to ensure a website is completely secure is by using one of the Canadian betting sites that are iGaming certified.

Legal and Certified Sites

As we’ve mentioned, there has been a wave of changes throughout Canada regarding the legality of sports betting in Canada. Up until 2021, single-game betting, during which bettors place bets on a single game, was illegal. The only form of betting that was legal and controlled by the government was parlay betting. This is no longer the case.

The decision to implement betting is now in each province’s hands. In Ontario, single-game betting is now legal and regulated by the government. That means sports betting companies can advertise through traditional means and are taxed by the government. It also makes it clearer which websites are safe because, as we’ve mentioned, the iGaming certification confirms that the website has undergone rigorous testing.

If you don’t reside in Ontario, it’s a bit more complicated. There are still provincially controlled betting sites in some places, but they don’t include websites like Bet365, 888Sport, and so on. However, bettors can still use websites that are licensed and regulated offshore, like Betway.

Using an unlicensed website can pose a danger for bettors, so always check the certifications, and read online reviews, like the best online betting sites at BettingTop10.

Read our article on the Legal Betting Sites in Canada for more information about Legal Sports Betting in Canada.

Depositing With Betting Sites

Depositing on betting sites is an necessary step: you cannot bet without funds. The good news is that Canadians have plenty of banking options.

Some of the most common deposit methods include debit, credit, eWallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. These methods are the standard among betting sites and usually cover all bases.

Interac is one of the most common methods, with credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard as another safe and secure option.

Many of these methods are instantaneous, meaning you will be able to deposit and begin playing right away! If you are a new user and depositing for the first time, don’t forget to check out the welcome bonus. These bonuses are a great way to earn free bets with your first deposit on a new bookmaker. 

Top 3 Sports Betting Sites That Accept Interac

$500 Sports Bonus. 100% Bonus on First Deposit
125% Up To $250
$400 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins
100% Sports Bonus

How to Deposit on Betting Sites?

Depositing on a sportsbook should be fast and easy. There are several requirements that need to be fulfilled before you can deposit:

  1. You need to be the legal betting age in Canada, which is 19. 
  2. You need to be able to create an account with the sportsbook, as you need to be signed up to deposit. 
  3. You need to have a bank account or e-wallet set up, so you have money available to transfer.

Depending on your currency of choice, bettors may be subject to certain fees with depositing. However, you’ll be well informed of any potential fees when depositing on sports betting sites. 

From there, you are only a few simple steps from depositing:

Steps to Deposit on Betting Sites

  1. Create an account on any Canadian sports betting website, and log in.
  2. Click Deposit or Banking on the upper right-hand corner.
  3. Choose your payment method and see the minimum or maximum deposit amount.
  4. Decide how much you intend to deposit and input your payment information.
  5. Click Deposit, and the money should hit your account within minutes.

Check out our article on payment methods in Canada for more information.

How to Withdraw from Sports Betting Sites?

Withdrawing from betting sites is pretty straightforward. In general, withdrawing will be the same across most Canadian sports betting sites, but we reckon it isn’t as easy as depositing on sites.

  • The first step in withdrawing will be to confirm your identity. This is typically done by uploading documents to the website, such as a driver's license and passport. This is why we recommend you do your due diligence when joining a betting site – you are providing this sportsbook with compromising documents!
  • When withdrawing, you can usually go to your bankroll in your account. From there, actions such as withdrawing your funds will be an option.
  • Next, you will need to enter how much of your funds you want to withdraw and which method you’d like to use. Methods can include eWallets, Crypto, Debit or Credit.
  • Once you have settled on your withdrawal method and the amount you want to withdraw, you can finish the process.
  • Confirm how much you want to withdraw and the betting site will begin to process your request. Withdrawal speeds vary from bookmaker to bookmaker, as well as the method you choose. Betting sites will typically display the usual timeline for when you request payment and when you receive it.

New Betting Sites in Canada

It’s no secret that some betting sites have more experience in the game. However, you shouldn’t brush off a betting site just because it is the new kid on the block. Users looking to join a sports betting site should seriously consider depositing with a new betting site, since these sites often have great bonuses and promotions as a way to entice bettors to join. 

Since these sites are joining a competitive market, the bonuses and promotions need to be outrageous to gain interest from customers that may have a relationship with other bookmakers. Also, new betting sites will offer great payment options, such as Crypto and eWallets. These betting sites know the latest trends in the industry and adapt appropriately. Betting markets and sports are important to these sites. Normally, you’ll find over thirty different sports and hundreds of betting markets as new betting sites in Canada want to have a vast sportsbook to attract customers.

While new betting sites may not have the reputation of giants in the industry, you can do research and see if these bookmakers are right for you. As long as the security features and licenses are legitimate, that is a great sign of a solid betting experience. You can also read reviews from verified users to gain a sense of what the betting site is all about.

New betting sites mean new opportunities, which is enough reason to give these bookies a look!

New Betting Sites

1
Bettors Choice
PowerPlay
4.8
$500 Sports Bonus. 100% Bonus on First Deposit
2
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HOT
ShangriLa
4.7
Up To CAD$75
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Neo.bet
Neo.Bet
4.3
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GG.BET Review
GG.BET
4.2
150% For First Deposit + 40$ Insurance
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20bet Review
NEW
20Bet
4.1
100% up to C$150
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Mr. Play
3.8
100% Up to C$200
7
KTOsports
KTO
3.0
$50 Risk-free bet

Quick Facts About Canada Sports Betting

Canadian betting launch dateAugust 27th, 2021
Betting age in Canada18 in AB, MB, QC. 19 Everywhere Else.
Legal betting regionsEverywhere in Canada
Online sports betting10 Provinces and 3 Territories
Largest betting marketOntario
Most popular Canadian betting sportHockey

Let's Start Betting!

Once you are registered and made a deposit with the bookmaker of your choosing, you can begin betting! If you are a new bettor, you’ll want to be informed of the different markets and betting types offered. As well, you’ll need to figure out which sport you want to wager on!

Some of our favourite markets include NHL betting and Prop bets, as well as the Moneyline! Once you are well versed in the different offers of a bookmaker, you’ll need to choose the matchup or bet you want to make.

This could be as easy as choosing head-to-head competitions or branching out and selecting the winner of a specific award, tournament, or other events.

After you narrowed down which bet you want to make (ex. Moneyline, Toronto Maple Leafs –120), you’ll want to consider your stake. This is the amount you want to wager on the bet. If you type in your wager, you’ll see how much you will win (if your bet wins). If you are happy with your selection, you can now add it to your betslip.

The betslip is the final checkpoint before you’ve confirmed your bet. You can see your betslip and the bets you are going to make. If you are happy with your selections, you can confirm your wager – once this step is completed, you’ll have locked in your bet. After this step, you can sit back and wait for the results.

Best Betting Sites Features

All betting sites in Canada will have different features that set them apart. Let’s look at some of the features that we believe to be the most important for a sportsbook to offer.

Best Betting Features

  • Live betting: Live betting allows users to bet on games that are already underway. Odds change throughout the game according to what is happening in real-time.
  • Bet builders: Bet builders are features that allow users to create customized parlay bets within the same game. A bet builder bet can feature multiple bets in one game.
  • Live streaming: Live streaming is a feature that allows users to stream certain sporting events through a sportsbook as its happening.
  • Parlays: Parlays are a type of bet where bettors combine multiple different bets into one. If all bets within the parlay hit, the bet cashes.
  • Cash out: Cashing out is when bettors exit a bet before it is over. This secures a guaranteed amount of money back for bettors, but the amount they receive back depends on how well their bet is doing.

Live Betting:

Most of the best betting sites in Canada offer users live betting. Live sports betting is a great way to stay involved with betting while the game is going on. It offers users the chance to win money based on what is happening, as it is happening. For example: while you are watching a football game the team you are expecting to win falls behind 14-0 early. Before the game, they were -120 to win;. now, because they’ve fallen behind, their live odds sit at +160. The odds have changed, and with live betting, you head to your favourite betting site and make bets based on the events that are occurring mid-game. While some operators don’t feature live betting, many of the best betting sites do. Live sports betting is particularly useful on betting mobile apps, so you can live bet from anywhere.

Bet Builders:

Bet builders offer bettors the opportunity to customize their betting habits. Not every sportsbook offers this feature, but the ones that do give bettors a fun way to gamble how they want. Bettors can tie bets within the same game together – for example betting on the moneyline and over/under in a single bet, thus increasing your potential winnings. Bettors can also have multiple bets in one game and add bets from another game for more substantial parlays.

Live Streaming:

Typically, only larger sports betting sites can provide live streaming, because they require having the rights to the games. What sportsbooks stream is dependent on what they have the right to. Some sportsbooks live stream baseball, soccer, or e-sports. The advantage of this is that bettors can watch the game while betting on it. This is a great feature for live bettors.

Parlays:

Parlays are a feature most sports fans love. Tying multiple bets within one bet increases the payout that bettors would get compared to placing each bet individually. Some parlays can lead to massive payouts with crazy odds. But parlays also invite more risk, as each bet needs to hit for it to count. Still, this feature allows bettors to earn their chance at larger payouts.

Cash Out:

Cashing Out is a feature provided by just about every Canadian sports betting website. The best thing about cash outs is that they are a proven way to either secure a win or minimize a loss. If your bet looks like it will hit, you can cash out for more money than you staked, but less than if you kept it in, and the bet is over even if your team goes on to lose. If your bet looks like it will lose, you can cash out before the game is over and get some of your initially staked money back. It helps bettors guarantee their money.

Customer Support and Services

Customer SupportCustomer support is often overlooked until you need it. The best betting sites offer different means of customer service. The most notable options for customer support include a FAQ section, e-mail, live chat, phone number, and social media help center. It’s rare to see a betting site offer all of these methods.

When researching customer support, we look at the number of options available and how useful they are to bettors. The most important factors include a fast response time (for live chat and e-mail support) as well as detailed information in the FAQ section.

Other means of support, such as phone support and social media support, are also inspected to ensure players will be covered, no matter which method they choose.

You can find more information in our Sports Betting Customer Support Guide

Betting Sites FAQs

How does sports betting work?

Sports betting works by allowing bettors to place bets and stake money on different sports outcomes. If they are correct, they’ll receive payouts according to the pre-determined odds.

How to bet on sports in Canada?

Sports betting in Canada involves finding online betting sites, registering for an account, and depositing. You can then place bets and receive winnings.

What is the most reliable sports betting site?

All of the sites listed in our Best Betting Sites in Canada section are reliable. There are many different options in the Canadian market. We’d recommend Ontario-based bettors to use iGaming licensed sites. Outside of Ontario, websites like 888Sports and Betway are great options.

What sports betting site is best?

This is purely subjective. It depends on what you like in a website. There are so many different betting sites in Canada, so finding one will require sampling the different options available to you and finding one that works with your unique preferences.

Where can I bet on sports in Canada?

You can bet online everywhere in Canada. Ontario is the only province where it is fully legal, regulated, and open to outsiders, but you can use Kahnawake Gaming Commission or offshore betting sites anywhere in Canada.

How long do betting withdrawals take?

This depends on the method you used for your withdrawal and the betting site you are using. Typically, it will take 3-5 business days for a withdrawal to reach your account, although it can be longer or shorter.

What is the best sports betting app in Canada?

Like choosing betting sites, this is subjective. There are many great apps available to Canadians, particularly in Toronto, where the Bet365, BetMGM, PointsBet, and 888Sport apps are all top-notch.

When did sports betting become legal in Canada?

Bill C-218, which legalized betting in Canada, passed in August 2021. It was first implemented in Ontario in April 2022 and is being worked on in other provinces across the country.

Is sports betting taxable in Canada?

You do not have to pay taxes on your bets or winnings. However, Canadian betting sites now do have to pay taxes to the government. This is good for consumers because it is such a lucrative industry.

BettingTop10 Canada – Meet Our Writers

We are proud to present our team of sports betting experts. Possessing years of experience, they are here to help you make the best betting decisions, and of course – try to win big.

Cameron is a 2020 graduate from the University of Southern California’s Journalism program. He is an avid sports fan and bettor, whose favourite teams include the Toronto Raptors, and the Chicago Bears. Cameron has been writing about and following sports since the age of 10, when he first fell in love with the NFL and NBA.

Alex is a recent graduate of Ryerson's Sport Media program in 2019 and has been contributing to BettingTop10 since 2020. He has worked in the field of sports and sports betting for several years, including writing for theScore and daily fantasy sports website FantasyPros as one of their lead NBA news writers. A dedicated sports fan and experienced sports bettor, Alex has the knowledge to provide you with the best betting advice and the sneakiest props no matter what the sport may be.

Patrick covers the NHL, MLB, and NCAA football for BettingTop10 Canada. He's a huge fan of both sports – as well as many others. He is also a fan of the Ducks and the Cardinals, despite them being nowhere close to his birthplace of Ottawa, Canada. Patrick always wanted to be a writer, and sports were his favourite thing in the world, so he combined the two to make a career. He is a long-time gambler and sports betting writer that isn’t afraid to look at the underdog or specials.