Free Bets

In the past, getting in on the action with Canada sports betting involved multi-game, state-run lotteries. However, a new federal bill (C-218) implemented in August 2021 nixed a restriction on single-game sports betting Canada. Now, each province has direct control over its specific rules and regulations related to sports betting both online and in-person.

The changes in Canada closely mirror similar legislative moves in the US. In the last five years, both countries have altered their laws related to sports betting at a national level. It’s expected legal sports betting Canada will see huge expansion across the country.

So, what does this mean for local sports fans and sports betting in Canada? Already, it’s possible to bet on sports Canada online via lotteries in most provinces. However, commercial operators will soon launch in multiple regions, which will let fans access the latest Canada sports betting free deals and promos, then use them on some of the most varied sports markets in the world.

Top Sports Betting Sites in Canada

As mentioned above, one of the biggest changes for sports betting in Canada is the introduction of commercial brands. Many of these oddsmakers have been active for years (or decades) in places like the US, UK, and Australia. As such, the companies that offer each sports betting bonus are reliable and competitive. They rely on free bet offers to entice bettors to try their platform.

Companies are already applying for licensing across the country, with Ontario ahead of the pack in building a Canada sports betting scene. As dozens of quality names get in on the ground floor, here are a few of the top brands to keep an eye on when looking for top free bets betting sites:

• BetMGM: As an established brand that got its start in Vegas with retail sportsbooks, BetMGM is a premier company that offers diverse markets and killer deals. Even better, they’ll be targeting hockey with their Canadian rollout.

• Caesar’s Sportsbook: As another Vegas-based brand, Caesar’s has decades of experience. With a new rollout of its online sportsbook, it’s likely the brand will look to establish itself as one of the best sports betting apps Canada.

• DraftKings: With years of experience in DFS, DraftKings will bring daily fantasy sports to fans across Canada. The company recently penned a deal with the US’s NFL, hinting at future coverage in the Great White North.

• FanDuel: As a successful US brand that started with daily fantasy sports, locals will have plenty to choose from when it comes to DFS and other betting markets from FanDuel.

• PointsBet: Originally from Australia, PointsBet already has a team building out its Canada sports betting platform. They’ve launched an early partnership with Curling Canada, which will be useful in reaching new bettors.

• Sports Interaction: As one of the latest brands looking to cut into sports betting in Canada, SI’s brand new features and platform will benefit from its recent acquisition from Entain.

• theScore Bet: For years, theScore has offered a stellar app for all types of sports coverage. Recently, the brand pivoted to launch a sportsbook in the US. As a Canada-based company, theScore Bet will be a major player in the Canadian market.

Types of Sports Betting Bonuses

With major expansion looming, Canadian sports bettors will have access to the industry’s most competitive free bets betting sites. But even for those who’ve spent the last years betting on Canada’s parlay lottery system, there’s going to be a lot to keep track of—especially given each sports betting bonus comes with its own pros and cons.

Can’t sort out matched betting free bets from no deposit bonus codes Canada? Check out our handy list of offer types below—and don’t forget to read the Terms & Conditions, as they usually include play-through requirements and time restraints.

Canada sports betting bonus types:

• Free bets: Free bets are the most common form of online offers, which require users to sign up with a new sportsbook. Once an account is activated, users find free wager bet money or credits in their balance. Most are SNR (stake not returned) bets, which means you’ll only keep winnings from successful bets and lose the money staked.

• Cash bonus: A cash bonus is similar to a free bet, except that there are no SNR restrictions. Some cash bonuses can only be used on certain odds, though they tend to see more flexibility than free bet offers.

• Matched deposit bonus: Also known as a deposit bonus, this deal means a sportsbook will match a bettor’s first real-money deposit. For example, a 100% matched deposit bonus means a sportsbook matches every dollar a newcomer first puts into their new account.

• No deposit bonus: A no-deposit bonus means a sportsbook will deposit money into a new user’s account without any real-money deposits on the part of the user. Be sure to check out wagering requirements, which might require a user to ‘rollover’ their winnings before they can cash out. Given rollover requirements are often minimal, no deposit bonuses are high-value—be sure to keep a lookout for no deposit bonus codes Canada.

• High roller bonus: Seasoned punters who have stuck with a single company are often offered deals as a VIP bettor. Many times, high roller bonuses include deposit matches for up to four-figure deposits.

• Sign-up or welcome bonus: A sign-up or welcome bonus covers any type of bonus created specifically for newcomers. Most of the deals mentioned above, including free bets, cash bonuses, deposit bonuses, and no deposit bonuses, are offered as sign-up deals.

• Mobile bonus: Similar to a sign-up bonus, a mobile bonus is designed to invite punters to try out a mobile app. Mobile bonuses can be applied specifically via Android and iOS apps released by sportsbooks. The best sports betting apps Canada offer live bets and pre-game bets via mobile device.

Popular Sports to Bet Online

The expansion of legal sports betting in Canada means locals can access an unprecedented number of global betting markets—from cricket to MMA to the CFL. Keep reading for some of the most popular events that the best sports betting sites in Canada will cover.

Top events in Canada sports betting:

• NHL Stanley Cup: As the oldest trophy in North American pro sports, predicting who will lift the Stanley Cup has been a matter of Canadian sports culture since it was first lifted in 1893.

• CFL Grey Cup: Since 1909, Canadian football teams have fought to be crowned champs of Canada. Since 1958, the Grey Cup has been the championship game for the CFL.

• NFL Super Bowl: Farther south, the NFL’s Super Bowl remains the most bet-on event for US fans of the football league. There are even wagers offered on the halftime show and commercials.

• MLB World Series: Canada may only have the Blue Jays to back in the MLB since the Expos relocated in 2005, but the championship series remains a popular event for sports fans countrywide.

• NBA Finals: As with the MLB, Canadian fans have the Toronto Raptors to cheer on. The Raptors’ 2018 Finals win is still a huge deal for many, as it united basketball fans under the banner ‘We the North’.

• UFC: As the most-followed MMA organizer, UFC title fights regularly see coverage from sportsbooks around the world. And with the UFC set to open an office in Toronto, options for Canada sports betting will soon expand.

• Tennis: Each year, the ATP and WTA converge for world-class events in Wimbledon, as well as the US, Australian, and French Opens.

• Horse racing: Each continent has its own major horseraces, which see huge coverage from sportsbooks. A few of the biggest events include the Kentucky Derby, Dubai World Cup, Breeder’s Cup, Cheltenham Festival, and more.

• ICC Cricket World Cup: Like FIFA’s World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup is becoming one of the most-viewed sports events in the world—and with the tournament only happening every four years, it’s bound to be a big futures market for sports betting in Canada.

Canadian Sports Betting Legislation

For the last two years, major changes for Canada sports betting have been implemented countrywide. Below you’ll find a quick overview of recent legislation related to sportsbooks.

2013 & 2016: MP Brian Masse attempts to end the ban on single-game sports betting in Canada but fails to receive enough support in both 2013 and 2016.

February 2020: MP Kevin Waugh rallies a third attempt to lift a federal ban on single-game betting with Bill C-218. Over the following months, the bill garners support from various parties and is introduced to the House of Commons in November 2020.

April 2021: Canada’s House of Commons passes the “Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act” (Bill C-218).

June 2021: Canada’s Senate also passes Bill C-218, as proposed by MP Kevin Waugh.

November 2021: The British Columbia Lottery Corp. reaches $25 million in handle for single-game bets, solidifying the future of single game sports betting Canada. Ontario begins to set up regulations to allow retail sportsbooks in the province’s casinos and set up regulations for online betting markets.

April 2022: Commercial sportsbooks with local licenses will launch in Ontario’s fully regulated online market.