Online sports betting is a popular activity in Canada, and there are hundreds of sites to choose from. But it can take time to choose which one best suits your needs. On this page we will provide you with our expert opinions and guide you in picking the best sports betting sites in Canada. Read on to discover what makes a sports betting site stand out, and why you can trust our reviews.
This is the Gambling Zone list of the best betting sites in Canada. We regularly add new sport betting sites for even more choices.
Note: If based in Ontario, any content mentioning bonuses, promotions, wagering or free spins is not intended for you, following Ontario regulations. If located in that province, please go to Ontario Casinos.
Picking a sports betting site can be tricky, but it is important to get it right. At Gambling Zone, we strive to provide impartial and honest reviews so that our readers can make informed decisions when choosing an online sports betting site in Canada.
Our team of experts carefully evaluate each betting site before giving a verdict – we look at everything from licensing and regulation to customer service and payment options.
Here we look at the key criteria we assess betting sites against to help you make an informed decision.
The number of betting markets is important when looking for a betting site in Canada. Popular sports like NFL, NHL, NBA, and eSports should be well represented with a wide selection of markets across each sport. Not only this but market depth should also be taken into account; for example, NHL may have hundreds of different bets available on any given game day but if there is no real variety then it will not be as beneficial. Make sure the sports betting site offers a good blend of markets and depth.
Sports welcome bonuses are designed to entice new customers so tend to be highly attractive. While the amount of a bonus may be appealing, it is important to understand the terms and conditions associated with it before signing up for an account. Types of bonuses offered include free bets, matched deposits, enhanced odds and money-back offers. All of which will come with their own conditions. The best betting sites typically offer generous welcome bonuses with easy-to-understand terms, allowing you to make the most of your deposit.
The best betting sites in Canada and Ontario are fully licensed by the MGA or AGCO for Ontario. These regulatory bodies set standards and rules for gambling operators, ensuring fair play and responsible gambling. Here at Gambling Zone, we only ever recommend licensed sites, so you can trust they are legit. For Ontario specifically we will only include casinos and sports betting sites that hold an Ontario licence.
One of the benefits of playing at the best betting sites is the user-friendly experience. Sites have intuitive layouts and clear navigation, making it easy to track down markets and types of bets. The best Canada betting sites also offer a range of features to help players find their desired bets quickly, such as search filters, quick links, market sorting and bet recommendations. The best betting sites use cutting-edge technology to provide a smooth and speedy experience. They make loading times fast; meaning users can access their favourite markets instantly without any delays.
Existing customers also benefit from ongoing promotions which the best betting sites in Canada offer. This could be anything from free bets, enhanced odds on selected events, or loyalty points. In our experience, a ‘bet and get’ offer is a very popular option. A player is rewarded for placing a bet with a free bet. Often this will be placing a pre-match bet and receiving an in-play free bet. We like this offer as it rewards you for your regular betting pattern. We highlight the type of offers you can expect from a betting site in our reviews.
Mobile betting is hugely popular, therefore the best betting apps need to offer the same functionality as the desktop site. This way, bettors can place bets quickly when out and about. This includes in-play markets, live streaming, cash out options and more. The best betting sites also ensure their mobile platforms are intuitively laid out with easy navigation tools. Mobile versions of the best betting sites also make it easier for players to manage their finances through payment options like Interac.
Streaming means you can watch live events from your laptop, or smartphone for free. This makes it a convenient and affordable option for those looking to stay up-to-date with the latest action. Not only does streaming allow users to keep track of their bets but it also offers insight into trends and strategies of fellow bettors. Plus, this type of viewing is often more immersive than just simply watching highlights as you can experience the action as it happens – allowing you to make smarter bets. You will have to have a bet on an event to be able to watch the stream.
Responsible gaming is an essential aspect of assessing the best sports betting sites in Canada, as it ensures that players gamble in a safe and secure environment. Responsible gaming practices should include measures to help players stay in control of their gambling activity, minimise any potential harm, and prevent underage gambling. The best betting sites should have a range of self regulating tools. At Gambling Zone we are committed to promoting responsible gambling and highlighting any issues we see. We also recommend all players make use of the tools available.
Bet builders are an innovative tool offered by betting sites that allow players to create a custom bet combining different selections from one or multiple events. This allows users to combine multiple markets into one single bet, with the potential for higher returns than single bets. For example, you might choose to back the winner of a tennis match, the total number of games and the player to break serve first in the same bet. If all three selections are correct then you will be rewarded with a much higher return than if you had placed individual bets on each component. This is different to standard accumulator bets, as you can only place those on separate events.
Players need to be able to deposit and withdraw their funds with ease and security, so the best betting sites should offer a range of popular banking methods for Canadian customers.
In Canada, some of the most popular banking methods include debit cards, e-wallets such as Trustly and Skrill, and bank transfers. Those looking to bet from Canada should check for Interac e-Transfer, Instadebit or iDebit. It is also important to look out for sites that offer fast payouts. We cover this topic in detail in all of our reviews.
Cash out is a feature that allows bettors to take their winnings or cut their losses before an event is finished. This gives users greater control over their bets and makes it easier to manage their funds. The best betting sites will also offer partial cash out, which allows players to take a portion of their winnings and leave the rest of the stake on the event to run until its conclusion. Partial cash out is great for those who want to feel a sense of security in case the bet does not turn out as expected.
Players need to be able to access help whenever they have any questions or technical issues. To ensure that the best betting sites meet this need, they should offer multiple options for customer support including live chat, phone support, email and social media. Live chat is often the best option for customers as it offers real-time communication with a support agent who can provide assistance right away.
Most Canadian betting sites offer both pre-match and live betting options. Pre-match betting allows players to place bets on events that have not yet started, while live betting allows punters to place wagers on ongoing events as they progress. Live betting offers a much more dynamic experience, as the odds adjust in real-time and bettors can take advantage of changing conditions to maximise their profits. The best sites ensure their odds are updated quickly, and wagers taken in a timely manner. Due to the nature of live betting it is best suited to those with a good understanding of sports and familiarity with betting markets.
One of the key elements to consider when choosing a betting site is its offering of competitive odds. The best betting sites will be the top price on many markets, giving more value for money. Remember, the better the odds means higher potential returns.
Hundreds of sports betting sites are competing for your attention with bold bonuses. At Gambling Zone, we give you access to the very best of these with our recommended betting bonus sites. We provide insight into which betting sites have bonuses that are actually worth taking advantage of, as well as those that should be avoided. We always provide our honest opinions and guide you into making the best choice for you.
It is important to consider not only the size of a bonus but also its terms and conditions so you know exactly what you are getting into before committing your money. Our best betting bonuses guide not only presents offers, and terms, but also explains the steps you need to take to claim one, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Note: If based in Ontario, any content mentioning bonuses, promotions, wagering or free spins is not intended for you, following Ontario regulations. If located in that province, please go to our Ontario page.
Online betting sites can be a great choice for many reasons. They are more convenient than betting shops since you can bet from anywhere. Bonuses are another obvious advantage. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. At Gambling Zone we provide the full picture to allow our readers to be able to make an informed decision. As we see it, these are the pros and cons of betting online.
Convenience
Winnings are not returned instantly
Can bet on the go via mobile
No personal interaction
Improved odds due to reduced overheads
Need to do research to make sure a site is safe
Specific sports related bonuses
Never miss a bet
Stats readily available
Variety of markets
Online betting sites offer a range of types of bets. When you bet at a Canadian betting site, the odds you place are fixed odds in most cases which means if your bet wins, those will be the odds you are paid out at. This is also true for the best betting sites Ontario has to offer. But what are the betting options?
In this section, we will look at the five most common bets.
Moneyline bets are one of the simplest and most straightforward types of sports bets. In a Moneyline bet, you are simply betting on which team or player will win a particular game or event. There are no point spreads or handicaps involved – you are only focused on the outright winner. For example, in a football match between Team A and Team B, if you bet on Team A to win and they do, you win the bet. If Team B wins, you lose the bet. It is as simple as that. Moneyline bets are popular across a wide range of sports, from basketball and football to tennis and hockey, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced bettors.
Point spread bets, also known as spread bets are a popular type of sports wagering that aims to level the playing field between two teams of different skill levels. In a point spread bet, the oddsmakers will assign a spread or margin of victory that the favored team must win by in order for the bet to be successful. Conversely, the underdog can either win the game outright or lose by less than the assigned spread to win the bet. For example, if Team A is favored by 7 points over Team B, a point spread bet on Team A means they must win the game by more than 7 points for the bet to win. If Team B loses the game by 6 points or less, the point spread bet on Team B is successful. Point spread bets are widely used in football and basketball, where the talent gap between teams can be significant.
These are when you bet on whether the total number of goals, points or runs scored in a match will be over or under a certain amount. There will usually be a few of these to choose from with popular football markets over/under 35 points for example. Because this type of bet is a yes or no the odds are quite short.
Parlays are a type of sports bet that allows bettors to combine multiple individual bets into a single wager. In a parlay, all of the bets must be correct for the bettor to win. This can result in higher payouts compared to placing each bet individually. However, if any of the bets in the parlay are incorrect, the entire bet is lost. For example, a bettor might place a parlay on three different NFL games, betting that all three teams will win. If all three teams win, the bettor wins the parlay. But if one of the teams loses or ties, the entire parlay is lost. Parlays can be a high-risk, high-reward betting strategy for experienced bettors looking for bigger payouts.
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are a type of sports bet that focuses on specific outcomes or events within a game, rather than the overall result. These bets can range from individual player performances to specific occurrences during the game. For example, in a football game, a prop bet could be on which player will score the first touchdown or how many passing yards a quarterback will achieve. Prop bets add an extra layer of excitement and engagement to sports betting, allowing bettors to wager on a wide range of unique and specific scenarios. They are popular choices for casual bettors and can offer diverse opportunities for potential winnings.
Listed below are the most common questions asked about online betting sites.