Sports betting in Canada is one of the most exciting ways to engage with your favorite games. Whether you’re cheering for the Leafs, betting on the Grey Cup, or analyzing soccer stats, sports betting makes every moment count. This guide is your go-to resource for learning how to bet, picking the best sportsbooks, and improving your odds of winning. Let’s dive into the world of sports betting in Canada and get you started on the right track.
Choose Your Sport to Bet on
Looking for to bet on specific sports? Click on a sport below to dive deeper into best sites for that specific sport, strategies, tips, and expert insights.
Sports Betting Basics: Getting Started
If you’re just getting into sports betting, let’s cover the essentials. This beginner’s guide breaks down everything you need to know, from reading odds to mastering sports betting lingo.
What is Sports Betting in Canada?
Sports betting in Canada is about predicting the outcome of a game or event and placing a wager on it. With the legalization of single-event betting and the rise of online sportsbooks, it’s easier than ever for Canadians to bet on sports like hockey, football, and basketball.
Why Canadians Love Sports Betting:
- Excitement: Every play, goal, or touchdown becomes even more thrilling when there’s a wager involved.
- Variety of Options: From hockey and basketball to UFC and soccer, there’s a sport for everyone.
- Easy Access: Online platforms allow you to bet from the comfort of your home or on the go.
How to Bet on Sports in Canada
Getting started with sports betting in Canada is easy when you know the steps:
- Choose Your Sport: Pick a sport you know well—it gives you an edge.
- Find a Sportsbook: Use a trusted platform that offers great odds and bonuses.
- Place a Bet: Start small with simple bets like moneylines or totals.
- Use Tools: Betting calculators and stats trackers help you make informed decision
Why Bet on Sports?
Sports betting adds excitement to every play, goal, or touchdown. It’s not just about winning money—it’s about being part of the action. Here’s why Canadians love betting on sports:
- Social Fun: Place bets with friends and enjoy the thrill of cheering (or yelling) together.
- More Excitement: Suddenly, every power play or free throw matters.
- Easy Access: Online sportsbooks let you bet anytime, anywhere, from your phone or computer.
How to Choose the Right Sport to Bet On
Not sure where to start? Picking the right sport to bet on depends on your knowledge and interests. Here’s a quick guide:
- Stick to What You Know: Familiarity with the rules and teams gives you an edge.
- Consider Frequency: Sports like hockey and basketball have more games, offering frequent betting opportunities.
- Ease Into It: New to betting? Start with simpler bets like moneylines or totals before trying complex strategies.
Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Canada
Canada has a rich sports culture, and betting on your favorite games makes the action even more thrilling. Here’s a quick guide to the top sports Canadians love to bet on:
1. Hockey (NHL)
Hockey is practically a religion in Canada, so it’s no surprise that NHL betting is huge. From puck lines to live in-play bets, the opportunities are endless.
- Popular Bets: Puck lines, total goals, player props.
- Quick Tip: Pay attention to goalie matchups—they often make or break the game.
Get to know all about NHL betting sites →
2. Football (NFL & CFL)
Whether it’s the Super Bowl or the Grey Cup, football betting is a fan favorite. The action is intense, and the betting markets are vast.
- Popular Bets: Spreads, moneylines, player props.
- Quick Tip: Watch for line movements closer to game day—they can reveal where sharp money is going.
Check out all NFL betting sites →
3. Basketball (NBA)
Basketball betting is fast-paced and full of scoring opportunities, making it perfect for bettors who love action.
- Popular Bets: Point spreads, over/under totals, player stats.
- Quick Tip: Research how teams perform on back-to-back games—it’s often a game-changer.
4. UFC & Combat Sports
Betting on combat sports is all about precision and timing. It’s a game of strategy as much as skill.
- Popular Bets: Fight winners, round outcomes, method of victory.
- Quick Tip: Study fighters’ styles—strikers and grapplers perform differently against certain opponents.
Get to know all the UFC betting sites →
5. Horse Racing
A classic betting choice, horse racing is as much about the thrill of the race as it is about strategy.
- Popular Bets: Win, place, show, exacta, trifecta.
- Quick Tip: Understand the odds board and research jockey/horse stats for better results.
Learn everything about horse racing betting sites→
6. Cricket (IPL, World Cup, etc.)
Cricket betting is growing in popularity among Canadians, especially with high-profile tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Cricket World Cup.
- Popular Bets: Match winners, top run-scorers, total runs, and wickets.
- Quick Tip: Focus on pitch conditions and weather forecasts—they play a huge role in cricket outcomes.
- Did You Know?: Live betting during cricket matches is especially popular due to the long format of the games.
Explore cricket betting sites →
Easiest Sports to Bet On
Here are some of the best sports through which you can begin your betting journey.
Tennis: The Bettors Dream
The solo nature of tennis makes it a bettor’s dream. With detailed stats on every player and fewer variables affecting the outcome, sports betting on tennis feels more like an educated guess than a gamble. Also, it is easy to get stats of who has been the top tennis player for the last 5 years. We all know that Novac Djokovic is the top choice for most ATP games and therefore a safe bet against most of its opponents. The nature of the game of tennis -as in being an individual sport, unless you bet on doubles – makes it easier to predict rather than a team-sport where more variables are in place, such as multiple injuries.
College Football: The Go-To Sport for Betting
Football is often considered the easiest sport to bet on, especially for college football and NFL betting. Many bettors prefer football due to its predictable outcomes. College football and NFL games often have 1 team heavily favored, making it easier to identify a clear winner. This predictability, combined with the extensive analysis available, helps in making decisions. Football betting on these events is particularly appealing.
Soccer: Global Betting Opportunities
The nature of soccer matches, with relatively low-scoring outcomes, often leads to more straightforward betting decisions. Soccer is yet to take off in Canada in the same way it has in the rest of the world, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bet on it. This sport is a good choice for those looking for easy sports to bet on due to its consistent patterns of play and large betting markets.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook: Where to Place Your Bets
Finding the right sportsbook is just as important as placing the right bet. A good sportsbook can make your sports betting experience seamless, fun, and rewarding. Here’s how to pick one:
What to Look for in a Sportsbook
- Licensing and Safety: Stick to regulated sportsbooks, especially if you’re in Ontario. Licensed platforms guarantee fair play and secure transactions.
- Odds and Markets: Look for sportsbooks offering competitive odds and diverse betting markets across hockey, football, basketball, and more.
- Bonuses and Promotions: While offers like free bets and deposit bonuses are tempting, make sure they come with reasonable terms and conditions.
- Payment Options: Choose a sportsbook that supports your preferred methods, like Interac, PayPal, or credit cards.
- User Experience: A well-designed mobile app or desktop interface makes all the difference for live and in-play betting.
Where to find Reliable Sportsbooks in Canada
- Looking for the top-rated platforms across Canada? Explore our Best Betting Sites guide for a detailed breakdown of sportsbooks offering the best odds, bonuses, and features.
- Betting in Ontario? Check out our Ontario Betting Sites page for a list of provincially regulated sportsbooks, tailored to Ontario residents.
Pro Tip: Compare Multiple Sportsbooks: Don’t limit yourself to one sportsbook. By using multiple platforms, you can shop for the best odds and take advantage of diverse promotions.
Universal Sports Betting Tips
No matter what sport you’re betting on, these tips will help you stay ahead:
- Bankroll Management: Set a budget and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Compare Odds: Compare the odds from different sportsbooks to get the best value for your bet.
- Do Your Sports-Homework: Research teams, players, and recent trends.
- Stay Disciplined: Avoid impulsive bets, especially when emotions are high.
- Use Tools: Betting calculators and stats trackers can make your decisions smarter.
Check out our full betting strategies guide →
Tools to Enhance Your Sports Betting Game
Great betting requires great tools. These resources will help you make smarter decisions and maximize your returns:
- Bet Calculators: Quickly calculate potential payouts.
- Odds Converters: Easily switch between decimal, fractional, and American odds.
FAQs About Sports Betting
It depends on your knowledge. Hockey and football are popular because they’re familiar to most Canadians and have straightforward betting options.
Absolutely! Most sportsbooks let you combine bets across sports into parlays for bigger payouts.
Stick to your budget, do research on your chosen sports, and avoid chasing losses. Using tools like odds calculators and trackers can also help you stay disciplined.