Best Sportsbooks in Canada: Online CA Sportsbook Reviews December 2024

Canada sportsbooks summary

How we rate and review Canadian sportsbooks

At our core, SBR is committed to providing accurate and thorough information to help you make informed decisions about the best Canadian sportsbooks. Our review process analyzes various factors contributing to a well-rounded and satisfying sports betting experience. We aim to provide you with a comprehensive overview of each sportsbook's strengths and areas for improvement, enabling you to find the platform that aligns perfectly with your preferences and needs.

Simple Sign-Up 💻

A seamless and straightforward sign-up process is essential for newcomers. Our reviews assess the ease of creating an account on each platform. We consider factors such as user-friendliness, information required, and any potential hurdles in the registration process.

User Experience 👍

The overall user experience is a pivotal aspect of sports betting. We examine the layout, design, and navigation of each sportsbook's website and mobile app. An intuitive interface contributes to an enjoyable and efficient betting journey.

Mobile Apps 📱

We examine the quality and functionality of the best sports betting apps in Canada. A user-friendly and feature-rich mobile app can significantly enhance your betting experience, allowing you to easily place bets on the go.

Live Betting 🏇

Live betting adds a dynamic element to sports wagering. Our reviews delve into the quality of live betting experiences each sportsbook provides. This includes evaluating the variety of live markets, the ease of navigation, and the platform's responsiveness during live events.

Customer Support ☎

Quality customer support can make all the difference when encountering issues or having questions. We assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer support teams of Canadian sportsbooks. Prompt and knowledgeable assistance contributes to a positive overall experience.

Payment Methods 💳

Diverse and secure payment options are vital for hassle-free deposits and withdrawals. Our evaluations encompass the range of payment methods offered by Canadian sportsbooks. We consider the availability of popular methods and the ease of transactions.

Fast Payouts 💸

When evaluating Canadian sportsbooks, we consider the speed and reliability of their payout processes. Quick and hassle-free withdrawals are crucial for any bettor, and our reviews contemplate the efficiency of withdrawal methods offered by each platform.

Betting Markets and Bet Types ⚽

The variety of available betting markets and bet types enhance the betting experience. Our reviews analyze the breadth of options offered by Canadian sportsbooks. This includes assessing coverage of sports, leagues, and bet types such as parlays, props, and more.

Odds 📈

Competitive odds are a crucial consideration for bettors seeking favorable payouts. Our assessments include a comparison of odds offered by different Canadian sportsbooks for various markets. Finding value in odds is essential for maximizing potential winnings.

In conclusion, our thorough review thoroughly analyzes various features contributing to a top-notch sports betting experience. We aim to provide an explicit and informed perspective on the best Canadian sportsbooks available by examining these factors and thus empower you to make the best choice that aligns with your preferences and betting style.

Promos and bonuses 💰

We've already touched on the best welcome bonuses for Canada sports bettors, but top tier sportsbooks continue to offer daily and weekly promotions to keep existing users engaged. When we evaluate a sportsbook, we're watching for frequent odds boost promotions, second-chance (or No Sweat) bets, and opportunities to earn bonus bets or cashback.

How to choose the best sportsbooks in Canada

Selecting the best sportsbook in Canada requires thoughtful consideration of various essential elements. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your preferences and guarantees a rewarding sports betting experience. Every bettor has their own style, so choose a sportsbook that caters to your favorite betting markets and banking methods.

➡️ User Experience: Opt for a sportsbook that provides a seamless and user-friendly interface through its website or mobile app. Intuitive navigation, clear menus, and responsive design contribute to a positive user experience, ensuring you can enjoy your sports betting activities quickly and confidently.

➡️ Features and Betting Markets: Choose a sportsbook that caters to your interests by offering various sports and leagues. Look for a platform that provides a wide range of betting markets, including live betting options and an assortment of prop bets.

➡️ Bet Types: Look beyond basic moneyline and point-spread bets and assess whether the sportsbook offers a range of options such as parlays, teasers, and futures. The availability of various bet types offers a dynamic and strategic approach to sports betting.

➡️ Banking Options: Ensure the sportsbook supports your preferred payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. Having various banking options offers convenience and flexibility for managing your funds.

➡️ Payout Speed: Prioritize platforms that deliver swift and dependable payout processes. A seamless and timely withdrawal experience is key to your overall betting satisfaction. Opt for those leveraging modern payment technologies to expedite transactions, ensuring that your hard-earned winnings are available without unnecessary delays.

➡️ Customer Support: Opt for a sportsbook that offers responsive and supportive customer service through various communication channels. Access to timely assistance can prove invaluable in resolving any inquiries or issues arising during your betting journey.

As you weigh these factors, remember that the right sportsbook will align with your preferences and priorities. By carefully comparing different options and assessing how they suit your betting style, you can confidently choose a platform that delivers the optimal combination of features, usability, and support for a gratifying and successful sports betting venture.

List of Canadian sportsbooks

Here are all the sportsbooks we recommend in Canada (outside of Ontario):

Legal sportsbook developments in Canada

Here is a chronological breakdown of key milestones that have significantly influenced the trajectory of legal sportsbooks in Canada:

➡️ December 2024: Bally's launches its Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario.

➡️ December 2024: The Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario is being considered as the prime sport for a "Vegas-style sportsbook." However, no plans have been officially announced yet. 

➡️ December 2024: A five-judge panel has finished hearing the arguments regarding DFS, online poker, and other iGaming issues in an Ontario court. They will release their decision at a later date.

➡️ November 2024: Ontario's provincial government will reportedly ask the Court of Appeal for a decision on paid daily fantasy sports and online poker, which remain unavailable in Canada's most populous province.

➡️ November 2024: Several sportsbooks, including FanDuel, offer Super Bowl-style prop betting and other markets on the Grey Cup, which saw the Toronto Argonauts defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Nov. 17, suggesting that the CFL's annual championship may be becoming a more popular event for Canadian bettors.

➡️ November 2024: PENN Entertainment Inc. CEO Jay Snowden comments on Alberta's competitive iGaming market during an investor call, saying that they expect a 2025 launch but are waiting on the provincial government to provide a date.

➡️ November 2024: In the wake of a U.S. Presidential Election that saw massive betting interest from Canadians, sportsbooks overwhelmingly pick the Conservatives as the betting favorite for the 45th Canadian Federal Election, which is projected to take place in 2025.

➡️ October 2024: Dale Nally, the Minister in charge of the legal betting push in Alberta, suggests the regulated market won't launch in the province until the fall of 2025. 

➡️ October 2024: The Canadian Senate continues to consider Bill S-269, new legislation that would impact how online betting companies are allowed to advertise in the country. 

➡️ October 2024: Still no official update on when the regulated online gaming market will launch in Alberta.

➡️ June 2024: Dale Nally, the Alberta Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction speaks at the Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto and reveals Alberta will open up regulated gaming market similar to Ontario when that time comes.

➡️ May 2024: Alberta is setting the stage to become Canada‘s next province to embrace online gambling and sports betting. Currently limited to PlayAlberta in the province.

➡️ April 2024: Regulated sports gambling turns 2 officially today in Ontario.

➡️ November 2023: Canadian lawmakers (particularly in Ontario) begin to crackdown on aggressive sportsbook marketing. In particular, they are aiming to limit (or prohibit) the use of current and former athletes or other celebrities in marketing efforts.

➡️ August 2023: Woodbine Racetrack announces a newly established partnership with Bet365, marking a significant development for Ontario bettors as they gain the opportunity to engage in horse racing wagers.

➡️ August 2023: PlayAlberta significantly enhances its sportsbook offerings by selecting BtoBet as its new provider. The collaborative venture promises to introduce features to the PlayAlberta user experience, providing a fresh and innovative sports betting environment.

➡️ July 2023: PlayNow shed light on its profitability as Saskatchewan's exclusive online sports betting provider. Having launched online casino gambling and sports betting in the province on November 3, 2022, PlayNow's achievements within its inaugural fiscal year stand noteworthy.

➡️ July 2023: Deloitte's recent report provides insight into the economic impact of Ontario's inaugural year in the online sports betting market. The report highlights a substantial total contribution of $1.58 billion and the creation of 12,072 jobs, underscoring the market's significance.

 ➡️ June 2023: Members of the Canadian Senate introduce two sports betting bills, each addressing distinct aspects of the sports wagering landscape. Bill S-268 proposes granting Indigenous First Nations the authority to offer retail and online sports betting on reserves, while Bill S-269 aims to establish a national framework for sports betting advertisements.

2000s-2010s: Illegal Betting Rampant

With dozens of online sports betting sites able to operate within Canada (aren't loopholes great?), provincial governments were missing out on tens of millions of dollars in potential annual tax revenue. These "grey market" books were able to operate freely because they were either headquartered outside Canada, or (in the case of Sports Interaction) were licensed on First Nations territory.

The Canada Criminal Code prohibited people from either making bets in a physical location within Canada, or from accepting bets within the country. Since these online sportsbooks were doing neither, they weren't breaking any laws. They were, however, considered "unregulated", which meant that the government would not step in if a player had a dispute over winnings or withdrawals.

NDP Member of Parliament Joe Comartin tabled a private member's bill (C-290) in 2011 which sought to amend the Criminal Code to allow for single-game wagering. The bill passed unanimously through the House of Commons and subsequently landed with the Senate – but staunch opposition from prominent politicians and the four major North American pro sports teams left the bill for dead.

Ipsos polls taken over an eight-year period from 2010-18 illustrate the growing popularity of sports betting in Canada: Just 18% of respondents age 18-34 had placed an online bet in 2010, but that number grew to 32% in 2014 and to 52% in 2018.

Those trends, combined with sagging casino revenues and the U.S. Supreme Court repealing PASPA in 2018 to set legal sports betting in motion south of the border, kicked off a new groundswell of support for single-game wagering in Canada.

2021-22: Single-Game Betting Arrives

Bill C-218 was sponsored in February 2020 by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, who had backed the previous sports betting bill nearly a decade earlier. And this time, there was considerably more support for the introduction of legal single-game sports wagers.

The bill was no sure thing; for starters, it didn't carry nearly the same weight as a government bill. And with a handful of senators predictably opposed to the bill and what it could mean for the integrity of sports, there was work to do to get it over the finish line.

Yet, despite these challenges (along with delays due to the turmoil surrounding COVID-19), Bill C-218 passed through a third reading and was adopted with ease by the Senate in June 2021. It was given royal assent shortly after, then passed into law by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – formally giving provinces the authority to implement their own single-game wagering legislation.

Ontario was the first province to dive into the single-game sports betting world, officially opening for business April 4, 2022.

2023-25: Further Expansion and Industry Growing Pains

Canada's online gambling and sports betting industries continued to grow in 2023. In June, the Canadian Senate introduced two sports betting bills: one that would grant First Nations the authority to offer retail and online sports betting on reserves and the other to create a national framework for sports betting advertising. The latter issue remains a sticking point for regulators, who scored a win in Nov. 2023 when limits were introduced on current and former athletes appearing in sports betting advertisements.

The biggest development for 2024 and beyond was Alberta online gambling and sports betting. Currently, both options are limited to PlayAlberta but the province is set to open up its regulated market sometime in 2025.

Sports Betting Regulatory Bodies

Each province and territory within Canada is responsible for determining its own set of sports betting regulations and restrictions. Here are the main governing bodies for the most notable provinces:

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

iGaming Ontario (IGO)

Loto-Québec

B.C. Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB)

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC)

More Canada sportsbook resources

For comprehensive information on sports betting regulations, legalities, and responsible gambling practices in Canada, refer to these country- and province-level resources:

➡️ Responsible Gambling Council (RGC): The RGC is a national organization that promotes responsible gambling practices and provides resources for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues.

➡️ Canadian Gaming Association: The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) is a national organization representing the interests of the gaming industry in Canada. It advocates for a balanced and responsible approach to gaming while promoting economic benefits and job creation. The CGA works with stakeholders to address industry challenges and advance gaming-related policies and initiatives.

➡️ Connex Ontario: Treatment and support for problem gambling, addiction, and other mental health concerns for people in Ontario.

Sportsbooks by category

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:

Provincial sports betting in Canada

Understanding the nuances of sports betting regulations at the provincial level is crucial due to variations in rules and the availability of sportsbooks. Each province operates under its own set of regulations, leading to differences in permissible wagering options and the presence of specific sportsbooks.

Some provinces offer online sports betting platforms, while others may have retail-only options. Additionally, betting odds and available markets can differ between provinces, making checking the rules governing your specific region essential. Staying informed about your province's regulations ensures compliance and an accurate understanding of the betting landscape tailored to your location.

Variations exist in the permitted bet types, such as single-game wagers, parlays, and prop bets. Moreover, provinces differ in their approach to online and retail sports betting platforms. For example, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec embrace online betting, while others focus on retail outlets. These distinctions extend to odds and markets, emphasizing the necessity of understanding your province's specific regulations.

By being attuned to these variations, sports enthusiasts can tailor their betting experiences to align with the unique landscape of their respective provinces.

You can always check out the political betting sites in Canada options as well.

Sportsbooks in other regions

If you don't live in Canada (outside ON) you can find top online sportsbooks from other regions here:

• Ontario sports betting
• Alberta sports betting
• British Columbia sports betting
• Best online sportsbooks in US
• U.K. sports betting

In addition, Ontario residents only can see the best online casino Ontario options. For the rest of Canada, see the best online casino Canada page.

Alberta residents who prefer slot machines and blackjack over moneylines and point spreads can check out our best online casino Alberta section.

Best Legal Online Sportsbooks in U.S. States

Each state has its own sports betting development and updates. Stay informed about the latest news in your state:

Sportsbook promotions in other regions

Sports Betting U.S. States

For those living in the United Kingdom, we have our U.K. sportsbook promos resource for more information.

For a more in-depth breakdown, including a full list of legal DFS states, check out our guide to the best DFS sites.