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How Sports Betting Works in Canada

Sports betting has seen a major shift in Canada in recent years, especially with the legalization of single-event betting in 2021. Today, Canadian bettors can place wagers legally through provincially regulated platforms like iGaming Ontario, or licensed offshore sportsbooks that accept Canadian players. Whether you're backing your hometown hockey team or wagering on European soccer, understanding how odds work is key to betting smart.

Understanding Sports Betting Odds

Odds show the potential payout and the likelihood of an outcome. In Canada, you’ll mostly see decimal odds (e.g. 2.50), but many sportsbooks also offer American (moneyline) odds. Positive odds like +150 mean a $100 bet returns $150 profit. Negative odds, like -120, tell you how much you need to wager to win $100.

Point spreads are another popular format, especially in football and basketball. If the Toronto Raptors are -5.5 favorites, they need to win by six points or more for your bet to cash. Betting on the underdog means they must win outright—or lose by fewer than the spread—for you to win.

Popular Sports to Bet On in Canada

Canadian bettors enjoy a diverse range of sports—and many sportsbooks cater to local preferences with promotions and bet types tailored to each.

Hockey Betting

Hockey is Canada’s game. You can bet on the NHL, international events like the World Juniors, and even minor leagues. Bet types include moneyline, puck line, and totals. Live betting and same-game parlays are often available during top matchups.

Lacrosse Betting

Canada’s official summer sport is gaining betting traction. Most bets are moneyline or over/under, and action is available on leagues like the NLL and college-level play. Some sites now offer live betting during matches.

Soccer Betting

Canadians bet heavily on the EPL, Champions League, and World Cup, though MLS also draws interest. Popular wagers include match winner, draw no bet, goal totals, and first goal scorer. Live betting and cashout features are common.

Horse Racing Betting

Horse racing is regulated differently across provinces. You can bet on win/place/show outcomes, trifectas, or even lay bets on exchanges. Many sites offer virtual races between real events for non-stop action.

Baseball Betting

From MLB to international leagues, baseball fans enjoy betting on game outcomes, run totals, and player stats like strikeouts and home runs. Pitcher matchups are especially important when placing informed wagers.

Football Betting

Both the CFL and NFL offer plenty of action. Point spreads and over/unders are the bread and butter, but prop bets and parlays add spice. Odds can shift quickly due to injuries, weather, or game pace—so timing matters.

Types of Sports Bets Explained

• Moneyline: Pick the outright winner of a game or match.
• Point Spread: Bet on the margin of victory or defeat.
• Totals (Over/Under): Wager on the total combined score of a game.
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets for a higher payout—though all must win.
• Props: Bet on specific player or team outcomes (e.g., number of goals, touchdowns).
• Futures: Wager on long-term outcomes, like who will win the Stanley Cup.
• Live Betting: Place bets during the game with constantly updated odds.

Mobile Sports Betting in Canada

Most top sportsbooks are fully mobile-optimized. You can sign up, deposit, place bets, and withdraw winnings right from your phone or tablet. Apps from platforms like Bet365, FanDuel, and Sports Interaction are available in several provinces, including Ontario.

Responsible Sports Betting

Betting should be fun—but it’s important to stay in control. Always set a budget and use self-exclusion tools if needed. Resources like ConnexOntario are available for those seeking support. Look for sportsbooks licensed by your province to ensure fair play and data protection.