How Do We Choose the Betting Sites?
Online sportsbooks have revolutionized the way people wager on their favourite sports. As the industry keeps growing, it is important to know what qualities you should look for when you decide on a betting platform.
There are a wide number of Canadian betting sites across the internet, and each comes with its own advantage. With more online betting sites Canada available in different locations, it is important that you have the best options available for you.
To make things easier, we have done the research for you to list the best betting sites to wager on sports. If you are starting your journey as an online sportsbook expert, below are the factors to consider.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are of major importance when you choose an online sportsbook. You have to share your financial details, such as your credit card number, to perform a transaction. When withdrawing winning money, you have to share your personal data too. So, here comes the need for a safe and protected platform.
The site should offer its services to the customer legally. It should hold an appropriate online sportsbook license from a recognized authority. A platform that isn’t licensed is not subjected to any regulation. So, they are not safe to use.
Opt for sites that are properly licensed and ensure your privacy. Ideally, the platform should be licensed in one or more respectable gambling jurisdictions.
These platforms often ask you to verify your identity, either when you deposit or while you withdraw. If it does not ever ask for verification, it is a red flag. Our experts also check if the platform is encrypted. This is to ensure that the financial and personal details are safe and don’t land up in the hands of hackers.
Deposit Options: Funding Your Account
Our experts check if the platforms have enough payment options for you to make easy deposits. The most common payment methods adopted by gamblers are checks, debit and credit cards, eWallets, and bank transfers. It is necessary to ensure that the platform is easy to fund.
There are some sportsbooks that don’t support all types of payment modes. Hence, it is necessary to choose a company that will provide different options for making the payment.
We also consider if the company charges money for withdrawals or deposits. This is because betting platforms can charge different amounts. Choosing sites that will charge money reduces the returns. Thus, we ensure to list companies that will charge little or no amount.
Extra Benefits for Bettors: Bonuses and Rewards
Every good sportsbook platform, the same as every
Canadian online casino, should give something to its customers as a token of appreciation. Bonuses and rewards provide additional value. And truth be told, who doesn’t want free money?
We list sites that provide good rewards and bonuses. When you are betting on sports, you should be rewarded. The top Canada betting sites always offer incredible bonuses that let you wager for a longer time. Best platforms have something for their new, as well as loyal customers.
But, before you use the bonus, make sure you read the fine print. There are terms and conditions attached to it. Thus, ensure you are comfortable with the given terms and conditions.
Smartphone Betting: User Interface
It is necessary to check if the platform is mobile compatible. The site should be easy to navigate on mobile devices. Our experts find out how the site looks on the mobile platform.
These days, bettors indulge in online gambling from their tablet or phone. A platform that is not optimized for mobile betting is not worth it. The sites that we have recommended look great on every platform. So, whether you are using iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, you can access these sites.
Customer Service: 24/7 Availability
While you bet through a platform, you should be able to communicate with the sportsbook at all times if you encounter any problems. The customer service should be available to you 24/7 and needs to be prompt.
For instance, what would you do if your account is suddenly frozen or you have trouble making a deposit? Reach out to customer service, right? So, you should be able to reach out to customer service easily, and they should be able to take care of things. The best Canadian sportsbook makes it possible. Most provide customer service through live chat, email, and phone numbers.
Customize Your Account: Languages and Currencies
It is necessary that you access the site in a language that you can understand. Not all bookmakers will allow you to make your preferred picks in terms of language. Most of the sites are available in English. However, if you are looking for some other languages, it is necessary to ensure that the site you have chosen allows that.
This is not all; the site should accept different currencies, especially Canadian dollars. There are some platforms that let you bet using cryptocurrency.
Our experts have made sure to include sites that accept Canadian dollars.
Your first interaction with a new online sportsbook needs to be rewarding. When you look for sportsbooks, you need to pay attention to the bonus rules and conditions.
The gaming platforms offer incentives and freebies to bring in new gamblers. In other words, you can win a betting bonus. One of the most popular bonuses is a sign-up bonus. This is provided to you when you sign up for the betting site for the first time.
Here is a quick look at the betting bonus deals you can enjoy.
Deposit Bonuses
No risk matched betting welcome bonus or deposit bonus matches your deposit up to a certain percentage—almost all Canadian sportsbooks offering real money wagering offer this type of bonus.
Free Bets
One of the perks of top platforms is a free bet. Usually, they work in the same manner. You place a real money wager that caters to the promotion criteria. In case you win, you will get to keep the money.
VIP Rewards
The best online sportsbook comes with promotional programs that reward continued play. You are going to receive points when you wager daily. After that, you can convert the points to prizes, cash, or other perks provided by the gambling site.
Finding the Best Odds in Canada
Most sites are going to give you a choice to toggle between various styles of betting odds. To some, the competitiveness of the odds and prices offered is the primary reason for choosing one operator over the other. The Canadian marketplace is largely competitive, and the variation in the odds of one event can be quite startling.
While best odds or enhanced odds are available with several operators, our experts try to deliver a gamut of the recommended sites in terms of odds and price. We focus on giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Here are some types of betting odds explained.
American Odds
It is also called the money line odds and is commonly used in Canada.
Decimal Odds
This odds format is popular across the world. It represents the winning amount for every 1 dollar wagered. You can take the help of the betting odds calculator to calculate the odds.
Type of Bets: Betting Options
Betting odds and lines for sports are comprehensive at the online sportsbooks we have listed. You can bet on everything from money lines to points spread. There is also the option of parlays and totals. Some sites offer advanced betting like MLB run lines, NHL puck lines, and team and player props. So, the people of Canada can place wagers on different aspects of their leagues. Additionally, you will find future betting that allows you to predict how teams are going to finish the season, take part in the play-offs, and win in valuable sporting events, such as Stanley Cup or Super Bowl. You will find in-play or live betting choices at the top sportsbooks in Canada.
Live Betting: In-Game Wagering
The best online sportsbook provides live betting services. This means you will get to watch professional sports events when you place bets on them while the action unfolds on the live betting sites. The top platforms have packed schedules for live betting online. A player should be able to live-bet all the NHL action that takes place, as well as inning-by-inning live wagering in baseball.
Mobile Betting
We have already told you about the convenience and importance of mobile-compatible sites when it comes to placing real money wagers. In this age of mobile technology, everything needs to be on the go. You cannot beat the ease, speed, and convenience of betting from a device, especially when it comes to live betting. The platform should allow you to bet on the go. All top online sportsbooks will have mobile options, whether it is a betting app or a mobile online sportsbook. The best casino or sports betting apps Canada has all the features that you like on the website. Also, they have a format that makes it easier for you to navigate.
The best betting apps have live streaming, betting, and additional bonuses. However, the most important aspect of mobile online betting is its functionality. It should be as functional as the desktop site.
Finding the best mobile betting apps in Canada can be difficult without some guidance. That is the reason we have curated a list for you.
Payment Methods in Online Betting
When you are setting up an online betting account, you will find a whole range of payment methods to choose from. New payment methods are being introduced these days on betting sites, particularly the most experienced ones.
Let’s take a look at some of the common payment methods.
- Card Payments. This is one of the most common payment methods that is used by gamblers in an online sportsbook. The deposits are almost instant. It lets you withdraw your money without any hassle. But you will have to share your card details to complete the transaction.
- eWallets. This is one of the easiest methods to deposit money. PayPal is the most popular method. But other than this, you will also find options like Neteller and Skrill. With this, you don’t have to share your bank details.
- Bank Transfer. Also called bank wires are a simple method of sending money from the bank to the betting company. Theoretically, this is a simple way to do business. There is no middleman to transfer the payment for you. So, the bank will send the money. The only problem with this is it will take some time for the money to be processed.
Method |
Deposit Time |
Visa |
Instant |
MasterCard |
Instant |
Skrill |
Instant |
Neteller |
Instant |
PayPal |
Instant |
Net Banking |
Instant |
Bank Wire Transfer |
Up To 24 hours |
Customer Support and Services
You should be able to communicate with the sportsbook any time you encounter a problem. The customer support service should be ever-ready to help you out. For instance, your account is frozen, or you are having trouble choosing the best deposit, the customer support team should be able to help you out.
It should be easy for you to reach the client services without any hassle. The best Canadian sportsbook makes that possible. A majority of them offer customer services through live chat, phone, and email. Hence, you can choose the one you prefer to contact them.
To get instant assistance, you can use the live chat service. However, in case the live chat service isn’t available to you, you can speak to the customer service over the phone. The email helpline is for less urgent inquiries. Rest assured that the sites we recommend on this page offer top-notch customer service.
How to Identify Fully Licensed and Legal Betting Sites in Canada?
Fully legal and licensed betting sites have a license to operate. All the operators we list on our site are online sports betting Canada legal brands.
However, if you have to find out if a betting site is licensed, check the sportsbook page. A licensed betting site will be obligated to showcase its license seals. Hence, you just have to open the betting site, scroll down at the page’s footer and find out if it has a seal. Betting legal has never been so easy.
Some of the most common betting site licenses you will come across making online betting Canada sites legal are UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gambling Authority, and the Curacao eGaming License. It is not important where it is getting the license from—all you need to ensure if it at all has a license.
There are a growing number of countries that require online betting sites to be licensed. So, more licensing bodies are also being introduced into the market. Before you place your bet, make sure you check the license. The site that you choose should practise responsible gambling.
Summary of Online Betting
Now that you know all about betting sites in Canada, you can easily set up an account with one to start playing. Choose a sportsbook from the list and register. Once it is done, you can make a deposit from the banking section. When the funds appear in your account, you can start to bet on your favourite sport.
If you choose a reputable Canadian sportsbook, your optimal betting experience is much higher. No matter where you live in Canada, you will find a betting site that caters to your needs. To make it easier for you, our site lists the top betting sites Canada. So, go ahead and place your bet. Make sure you follow the best betting tips.
Canada Online Betting FAQs
✅ Is online sports betting legal in Canada?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Canada. Laws state that sportsbook sites that are based in Canada should hold a Canadian gambling license. It isn’t illegal to place bets in the country as long as the website has a valid license.
🔎 How do betting odds work?
Betting odds display the probability of an outcome, and it is represented in decimal or fractional form most of the time. This then tells you how you can win if that outcome happens.
🥇 Is it safe to bet online?
Yes, it is. In fact, it is one of the most legit options for Canadian players. Apart from being safe and secure, the betting platforms also deliver a wide range of betting options and payout in a timely fashion, provided you choose a reputable site.
💎 Can I bet on sports online in my province or territory?
Yes, you can bet on sports in your province or territory if it has legal sports betting websites. However, you should make sure that you are of legal betting age.
💳 Are there mobile betting sites available for real money in Canada?
Yes, all the sites we recommend and list on this guide work on mobile. A majority of them use mobile-responsive technology. This means they are 100% compatible with all devices giving access to the internet. Hence, you don’t have to create a separate account for your desktop and phone. Since everything is interconnected, you can easily use them.
💯 How do I claim my sign-up bonus or free bet?
Check our list to make sure that you get the best promotion available. If you are accessing the site directly, you will have to go to the promotion page and check the instructions. If the sign-up offer comes with a promo code, make sure you use that while depositing money for the first time.
🤑 How do I place a bet online?
Whether you want to place your bet on golf or soccer online, you have to choose an online sportsbook and go through the registration process. After setting up your account, deposit money through your chosen method. Thereafter, look for an event or market that you would like to bet on. Choose the team or individual that you think will win and prefer to bet on. Then select the bet you want to place on the outcome and confirm the wager.