Whether you are a seasoned sports bettor or just starting your online sports betting journey, we have the inside info you need. Get the latest in the sports betting industry, including updates and reviews of the best and safest sports betting sites, our top betting tips, insight on odds, and everything else you need to know about betting on sports.
Sports betting is a fun pastime that Canadian players can conveniently enjoy from the comfort of their homes. Betting at the best bookmakers will result in better odds, extraordinary bonuses, and many promotions. These operators are licensed to provide legal sports betting options and enjoy an excellent reputation internationally.
It is a paradox of choice that prospective punters need to worry about rather than scarcity. Canadians can consider themselves lucky to be accepted by most international casinos and sportsbooks. A valid license is the first thing to look for, as it highlights the bookmaker’s commitment to keeping things fair and transparent.
The next concern is finding an operator that offers speedy and reliable payment methods when it comes to security. Depositing and cashing out funds should be a seamless process, with short waiting times, low fees, and proper handling of funds and sensitive data.
The list of sports betting options is equally essential when shopping around for sportsbooks.
On average, a bookmaker will provide its punters with more than 20 sports and hundreds of betting markets. Football usually reigns supreme, followed by tennis, basketball, and American sports. Canadians love hockey, and bookmakers catering to their needs will pay the attention this sport deserves. Punters should also be able to bet on the NHL, international tournaments, and European leagues. College sports are also on the menu, not only for ice hockey but also for basketball and baseball.
The most exciting betting opportunities are available to those who gamble in real-time. Top bookmakers have vibrant live betting modules and stream the most exciting games in real-time. The number of betting markets usually shrinks after kickoff, but there are still dozens of possible betting options. One of the advantages of playing at the best sportsbooks is that the odds are refreshed often; This reduces the frustration of locked odds and allows punters to take advantage of fleeting opportunities.
Live betting is also available on mobile devices, with iOS and Android tablets and smartphones ideal for online gambling. These devices can be used to complete the registration process, explore the entire portfolio of sports pregame and take part in promotions. Unfortunately, not all Canadian sportsbooks have dedicated apps, as many promote the convenient solution of gambling in a browser. However, developed apps make them available for free, and players can use them as conduits to explore the site.
Canadian punters are the primary beneficiaries of healthy competition among the best bookmakers accepting them. Sportsbooks will offer bonuses to new players who register and deposit to make their business more appealing. Free bets and no-deposit bonuses are also offered from time to time, and they are all subject to wagering requirements. Introductory offers have the merit of boosting the bankrolls of new players and allowing them to bet more significant amounts. These are traditionally the biggest bonuses that punters receive, but they are one-time deals.
In the long run, punters can take advantage of the recurrent promotions aimed at existing players. There are bonuses for reloading the account, betting on specific matches, and cashback deals - The latter appeal to high rollers and punters who want to mitigate the risks of a bad beat. The best bookmakers also have loyalty programs that reward commitment and provide the impetus to stay active. Those who attain VIP level enjoy the best rewards, so there is always the motivation to persevere. VIP benefits range from better bonuses, access to exclusive promotions, and faster withdrawals.
Canadian players can consider themselves lucky to have many bookmakers available online. Betting at a licensed sportsbook with a flawless reputation gives the peace of mind needed to enjoy the sports betting experience fully. Live betting will also spice things up, and competitive odds will help players maximise their winnings
Promotions and bonuses with reasonable wagering requirements boost bankrolls and provide the impetus to stay active. Some bookmakers also have casino sections and allow punters to bet on esports, so the entire spectrum of online gambling is covered here.
Sports betting has been around for ages, and online sports betting has been prevalent in Canada since being legalized in 1985. Thousands of bettors are fascinated with the prospect of getting in on the action. Now, the Canadian sports betting industry is growing at a tremendous rate.
Let's take a look at the stats:
So how does sports-betting work? To understand sports betting, you should get accustomed to betting types and markets. So before you lay your money on the line, familiarise yourself with these betting types and markets available for sports betting.
Straight Bet
A straight bet is when you bet on the outcome of a single game, which means you must cover the point spread or money line to win. Should the result be a tie, you get your money back. Straight bets are common when betting on the NHL, MLB, NBA, or NFL events. When you opt for a straight bet, you will wager on one outcome of a single game.
System Bet
A system bet is safer as you don't have to win each leg within the wager to walk away with a prize. Should you bet on three matches, for example, you will still receive a return using a system bet if only two out of the three bets return favourable. Instead, try using the type of basketball bet where the underdog can take the win.
Parlay Bet
This bet type is also known as an accumulator bet and is riskier as the bet is easy to make but not so easy to win. A parlay bet consists of a bet followed by successive wagers to create one significant stake with an excellent combined potential profit. All the bets must have a successful outcome for you to win or lose the entire amount wagered.
In-Play Bet
A fun way to bet is to place a wager in real-time while the sports event is in progress. For example, this type of bet is prevalent during live NHL games.
Moneyline Bet
The Moneyline Bet is similar to an outright bet, as you bet on the winner of a match, race, event, game, fight, or contest.
Point Spread Bet
Spread betting makes it equally appealing to bet on either the favourite or the underdog and is commonly found in sports like the NFL and NBA. The point spread levels the playing field, so to speak, and is a suitable bet type to experiment with when first exploring sports betting.
Totals Bet
Usually, the sportsbook you have chosen will predict a total of points or goals they think will be scored during the event. You can then bet on whether you believe the number will be more or less (over/under), and your betting outcome will be determined by whether you have chosen correctly over or under the predicted total.
Teasers and Pleasers
This type of bet is a pretty tricky choice, and only veteran bettors tend to go for this option. Teaser bets are common in the NBA, while pleaser bets are ideal for soccer betting. It goes hand in hand with parlay bets, and you can move the point spread on all related games by a fixed amount of points in exchange for a different return. The point spread moves in your favour with teasers, and the odds are less favourable. The point spread moves against your favour with pleasers, and the odds will be far better.
When you bet on sports, it's essential to understand what odds are and how it all works. The odds are a way for you to predict the result of a sports event should you wager an amount of money on the outcome.
Bookmakers determine the odds and provide odds for every side of a profitable bet. Various factors and odds compilers determine odds; traders or risk analysts take these into account and will reflect the actual chance of each result occurring through the odds provided.
Some of these factors include:
Odds for an event will fluctuate leading up to the event and may even change during an event. So all you need to understand to maximize your chances of a winning payout is what it all means when discussing odds.
Here are a few odd variants to get familiar with:
These are continental odds or European odds displayed in a straight numerical decimal format, for example, 2.00. The figure represents a potential return and the amount staked, and it provides an idea of the total payout instead of the overall profit.
Example: Using a model of 2.00, your bet of C$100 will give you a payout of C$100 x 2.00 = C$200. Your profit will be C$100 to a stake at risk of C$100.
Fractional odds look like 2/1, 3/1, 4/1, and so on. A stake of 1/1 is called an even stake and works the same as the decimal 2.00 example. Fractional odds are also known as traditional or British odds and are most commonly used in the UK. Fractional odds are commonly found in Canadian sports betting markets and show the bettor what the win will be compared to the stakes bet.
Example: Should you bet C$20 at odds of 5/2, you take the C$20 and divide it by 2 = C$10 and multiply it by 5, meaning that your potential profit will be C$50. Should you bet C$20 at odds of 2/5 instead, you divide your C$20 by 5 = C$4 and multiply that by 2, meaning your potential profit will be C$8 should you have a winning bet. A simple example is a bet of C$10 on 3/1 odds, resulting in a potential winning of C$30.
Moneyline odds are also known as American odds and are listed with a positive or negative number and will often have a currency symbol attached to them. Moneyline odds allow you to see who the favourite (shown with a minus sign) and the underdog (led with a plus sign) are on a specific team to win a game in +100.
Example: If you would like to win C$100 if the odds are -138, you would need to bet C$138 on the winning team. Should you bet C$100 on the underdog and the odds are +118, you would win C$118 on a successful wager.
Sports betting is not that hard to get into, and if you follow a few easy steps, you can feel confident enough to get started.
If you feel lost with all the options online, start with our index of recommended sportsbooks. Our recommended sites are licensed, regulated, offer good promotions, have a decent variety of sports and markets, and are a safe place for you to bet on sports.
Open your new account with your chosen bookmaker and complete the registration process. Some sportsbooks may require proof of identity and address at this point, or it may be necessary before you make your first withdrawal.
Make your first deposit by choosing a preferred payment option. Make sure that the payment method you choose is suitable for you, will be available to make a withdrawal from, and will not cause you to forfeit your welcome bonus.
A welcome offer is a once-off, so make the most of it. Work within your set budget and shop around for the bonus offer that you will be able to fulfil. Read and understand the T&Cs before you claim your welcome offer.
There is a wide variety of sports to choose from; find the sport you are most familiar with to make it less complicated. Most sportsbooks will offer the most popular sports & horse racing events, and some even have politics and other prominent global events to place a wager on if you're keen.
Each sport has several markets with odds attached to it - weigh the odds and find the market that offers the best value. The key is to find the best possible return should your bet succeed. You can browse through several, populate your betting slip and only decide which bets to place before you place your actual bet.
If you feel comfortable with the betting type you chose for the specific market you decided on, all you need to do is place your bet. Most betting sites will show the potential profit you will make on your betting slip, should your bet win.
Follow the event live and watch the action unfold. Consider in-play betting if you are keen and if you feel like you've got the hang of betting during the course of an event, league, or tournament.
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Being well equipped with sports betting tips will help you place smarter bets with a much better chance of success. Here are our best guidelines to have you prepared for your next wager on a sports market:
We aim to provide you with various top sports betting sites and therefore use strict guidelines to ensure our list measures up to specific standards. Here are the attributing factors that determine which sites make our list:
Range of Sports A good sportsbook will have a decent range of sports to bet on, and everything from NFL, NBA, MLB and UFC should be on the menu. In addition, less popular sports like chess, athletics, and darts should also form part of the online betting portfolio.
Markets There have to be numerous markets available for each sports type with competitive odds. So browse through the options and compare the odds before wagering your bet. Then, understand the odds by using our guide provided above to make a more informed betting decision.
Bet Types Each betting type has its outcome, advantages and disadvantages. Familiarise yourself with the types of bets and how you can ensure the best possible outcome on the betting type you choose. Our guide on betting types and markets will help you understand more.
Bonuses & Promotions The best promotion or bonus is the one that will maximize the way you play. A good operator will offer a regular range of deposit bonuses, free bets and cashback offers. So go shopping for a bonus to maximize your profits and give you the most bang for your buck.
Banking & Payouts You need to register with a bookie that provides various banking methods to choose the best option to make your betting experience less complicated. A good bookie should have card methods (Visa & MasterCard), e-wallet options, banking transfer options, and cryptocurrencies for punters. Choose a plan to quickly and easily deposit funds and withdraw funds from your betting account.
Security & Reputation All our recommended sites are licensed, legitimate and certified. A bookmaker should have your personal information under lock and key, and you should always feel confident that you are with a reputable and trustworthy operator.
Customer Support Without customers, a bookmaker can't operate, and it's in their best interest to be helpful and available when you need them the most. Most big operators have a 24/7 helpline, a live chat function and a quick turnaround time on enquiries.
Compatibility Sports betting sites should have a betting app compatible with all mobile devices. You will find that most betting sites have an app that is a clone of the original site or compatible to access and use from any mobile browser.
When it comes to sports you can bet the options are immense, however here are some of the most popular sports you will probably want to bet on:
Soccer Betting Soccer sports fans are very eager for events like the MLS (Major League Soccer), La Liga, the English Premier League, the Canadian Premier League, and the World Cup. In addition, there are tons of soccer betting markets available to all soccer betting enthusiasts.
Basketball Betting Most reputable sportsbooks offer tremendous betting opportunities for all local and international basketball events. Browse the NBA section, your bookie will have various markets to wager your bet on, and our list of bookmakers offers excellent odds and great value for betting on basketball online.
Hockey Betting Ice hockey is considered the most popular sport in Canada and has been named the official national sport. Hockey fans can't wait for the NHL games, and the best betting sites give ample opportunity to bet on your favourite team. Most sports betting sites cover all local and international hockey leagues and tournaments, so browse the options before settling on a hockey market.
UFC Betting Betting on the UFC and MMA is perfectly legal in Canada and has seen an enormous surge in popularity in recent years. So why not bet on who will be the next ultimate fighting champion this year? With a vast range of betting options and hundreds of famous fights scheduled each year, it may just be a new sport to bet on that you will enjoy.
Horse Racing Betting You don't have to be at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in England to bet on the annual Epson Derby event; you can do it while sitting on your couch. Horse racing is a globally popular sport with a rich heritage, and there are events to bet on worldwide. For example, bet on the Canadian Triple Crown horses domestically, or wager a bet internationally on The Grand National (UK) or the Dubai World Cup (UAE).
College Football Betting College football betting may not be on your list of preferred sports, but it's worth keeping an eye on some of football's most prominent football stars in the making. In Canada, the U Sports Football games have 27 teams competing, and the NCAAF will have you betting on US future players in no time.
Football Betting Football is one of the most popular sports in North America, and seasoned bettors globally eagerly await the release of markets for the NFL. So brush up on betting types and study our list of betting tips to maximize your bankroll further.
Cricket Betting Do you love watching cricket? Most major betting sites will have a decent range of cricket betting events, and you can legally bet on the outcome of just about every cricket match locally and internationally. Of course, the Global T20 competition is a central focal point in cricket betting, but there are many seasonal tournaments, test series, and cricket leagues worldwide.
If you stick to our list of recommended sports betting sites, it is perfectly safe to bet on sports online. Stick with sportsbooks with a transparent privacy policy, long-established, and have the best reviews, ratings, and reputation.
Most bookmakers have mobile-friendly apps compatible with all Android and iOS devices. You can also use your mobile browser on betting sites that do not have a dedicated app. The mobile app (or mobile browser) mirrors the sportsbooks website and can be used similarly to the site's desktop version.
The app you bet on sports with is only as safe as the betting site you are using. If you register with a reputable sportsbook (a licensed, regulated bookie with a good reputation), it should be perfectly safe to place your bets securely.
Yes, if the specific gambling laws in your jurisdiction and country allow it. Online sports betting sites must abide by strict regulations and hold a valid government-issued gambling license, so it's best to enquire about your local laws.
You can bet on almost every sport out there, and the list includes popular national and international sports. Sportsbooks have hundreds of markets for rugby, cricket, soccer, American football, lacrosse, ice hockey, darts, and horse racing.
Sports betting odds are essential as it indicates how much money you could make on a successful bet. In addition, the odds tell you how likely any given team or competitor is to win a competition or an event and can be used to determine who the favourites are in a match or competition.
In sports betting, the bookmaker sets the odds and is determined by looking at various factors. For example, the results of previous matches, factors like weather or injury, and what bettors are willing to bet can all be determining factors.
Statistically, a good sports betting ROI is 5%, which is considered an excellent return. Depending on your knowledge, experience, and betting strategy, you can accumulate and compound this percentage nicely over time.
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