18+ Sports Betting In Canada

  • Anyone 18 Or Older In CA Can Sports Bet Legally
  • Both Domestic And Offshore Sportsbooks Are Legal In Canada

Canada FlagThere are local and offshore sportsbooks that accept members across the entire nation of Canada, but with each province self-regulating, the minimum age is not consistent. However, 18+ sports betting in Canada is available nationwide when you add offshore books to the mix, and they are often superior when compared to local options.

Keep reading to find out how CA stacks up against other 18-friendly sports betting countries, what sportsbooks are available, and which venues we recommend.

The Best Sports Betting Sites Canada Has To Offer For 18-Year-Olds

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BetUS125% Bonus
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Bookmaker.eu Logo25% Bonus
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Betonline Sportsbook Logo50% Bonus
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Legal Sports Betting States In The Country

Canada sports betting map

Most provinces combine in-person and online/mobile betting options via government-operated platforms, except Ontario, which uniquely licenses private online sportsbooks. Territories currently restrict betting to retail locations only, with minimum ages ranging from 18 to 19 years old.

  • Alberta permits both in-person sports betting at licensed venues and online betting through its provincial platform, with DraftKings entering soon. Minimum age: is 18.
  • British Columbia offers in-person betting at casinos and lottery retailers, plus online/mobile sports betting via the PlayNow platform. Minimum age: 19.
  • Manitoba allows online and retail sports betting through its provincial lottery. Minimum age: 18.
  • New Brunswick supports in-person betting at authorized outlets and online via the Atlantic Lottery’s platform. Minimum age: 19.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador provides retail sports betting at gaming establishments and online options through the provincial lottery. Minimum age: 19.
  • Nova Scotia has in-person betting available at regulated sites and online sports betting through the provincial lottery’s platform. Minimum age: 19.
  • Ontario has a competitive online sports betting market with private operators licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. However, in-person betting is available only through government-operated outlets. Minimum age: 19.
  • Prince Edward Island offers retail sports betting and an online platform via the Atlantic Lottery. Minimum age: 19.
  • Quebec provides online betting through its Mise-o-jeu platform and in-person betting at casinos and authorized retailers. Minimum age: 18.
  • Saskatchewan allows retail betting at lottery outlets and online betting through Sask Lotteries. Minimum age: 19.
  • The Northwest Territories offer in-person sports betting only at retail lottery locations. Online betting is currently unavailable. Minimum age: 19.
  • Nunavut permits retail sports betting at authorized lottery locations only, with no online options. Minimum age: 19.
  • Yukon provides sports betting in retail lottery outlets only, with no online betting currently. Minimum age: 19.

Are There Sports Betting Apps In CA?

Yes. Sports betting apps are legal in Canada. The legalization of single-event wagering allows each province to regulate sports betting within its borders. Each province sets its own rules and approved platforms, and only some territories have approved online or mobile options.

Offshore sports betting apps remain a popular and legal alternative for many Canadian bettors. These apps offer a broader selection of betting markets, more competitive odds, and larger bonuses than many provincial platforms.

Since Canadian law does not prohibit individuals from using licensed international sportsbooks, offshore apps provide bettors with enhanced privacy options, including cryptocurrency payments, and fewer restrictions on bet types or limits. Offshore sportsbooks are accessible nationwide and often offer faster deposits and withdrawals.

The Most Popular Sports To Bet On In Canada

  • Hockey – NHL, International, Olympics
  • Basketball – NBA, International, Olympics
  • Canadian Football League
  • Soccer – FIFA, Canadian Premier League
  • Lacrosse
  • Baseball – MLB
  • Curling
  • Rugby
  • Tennis
  • Combat Sports – UFC, Boxing
  • Pro Wrestling*

*Only available at offshore sports betting sites, not offered at domestic books

Why Offshore Sportsbooks are a Smart Choice for Canadian Bettors

Offshore sportsbooks offer Canadian sports bettors a compelling alternative to provincial sportsbooks by combining broader access, enhanced betting options, and valuable player-friendly features. These platforms operate under international licenses in jurisdictions such as Curaçao, and Panama, allowing them to cater to a global audience with fewer regulatory constraints than local sportsbooks.

One of the primary advantages is the ability to provide more competitive odds and better returns on bets due to lower overhead and fewer regulatory fees. Offshore sportsbooks also feature a much wider array of betting markets that go beyond traditional sports leagues, including niche and international sports, esports, politics, and entertainment events, giving Canadian bettors far more choice and betting creativity.

Players at offshore sites benefit from generous promotions, larger welcome bonuses, and ongoing loyalty rewards that are often far superior to those found on provincial sportsbooks. Additionally, betting limits tend to be more flexible, with fewer restrictions on bet types and wager sizes.

Privacy and security are enhanced offshore as well, with many platforms supporting cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, which offer anonymity and faster transaction speeds. Accessibility is another key benefit; offshore sportsbooks can be used from anywhere in Canada without the geolocation restrictions provincial platforms impose.

Provincial Regulated Sportsbooks vs. Offshore Sites

When considering sports betting options in Canada, it’s important to understand the differences between provincially regulated sportsbooks and offshore betting platforms. Both offer legitimate avenues for wagering, but they vary significantly in terms of value, betting options, convenience, and privacy. Here’s a detailed comparison to help Canadian bettors make an informed choice:

Odds and Value Differences

Provincial sportsbooks typically offer standard odds but include regulatory fees and government overhead, which can reduce potential returns. In contrast, offshore sportsbooks operate with lower expenses and fewer restrictions, allowing them to provide more competitive odds and better payouts. For example, the same parlay bet might pay out substantially more offshore compared to provincial operators.

Betting Market Breadth

Provincial sites focus mainly on mainstream sports and basic bet types, often requiring parlays rather than single-game bets (though this has relaxed recently). Offshore platforms boast an expansive array of betting markets, including single-game bets, parlays, live/in-play betting, niche and international sports, esports, politics, and entertainment events. This diversity appeals to bettors looking for more options and creativity.

Bonuses and Promotions

Government-regulated sportsbooks offer modest promotions designed around responsible gambling and revenue reinvestment. Offshore sportsbooks tend to offer more generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and loyalty rewards that can significantly increase betting value. These incentives often include deposit matches, free bets, parlay boosts, and VIP programs.

Payment and Withdrawal Speed

Provincial sportsbooks are secure but sometimes slower with payment processing due to banking and regulatory checks. Offshore sportsbooks frequently provide faster deposits and withdrawals, especially with a variety of payment methods including credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, enabling near-instant transactions and discreet options.

Privacy and Anonymity

Bettors using provincial sportsbooks must adhere to strict KYC (Know Your Customer) rules and have their activity monitored under government oversight. Offshore sportsbooks, regulated internationally but outside provincial jurisdiction, offer greater privacy protection and allow bettors to use cryptocurrency for enhanced anonymity.

Tax Implications

Winnings from provincial sportsbooks are generally not subject to income tax for Canadian players. However, offshore site winnings also enjoy favorable tax treatment in Canada, as gambling winnings are typically not taxable unless professionally earned. Offshore betting can thus provide added financial benefits without tax complications.

How To Choose A Reliable Canadian Sportsbook At 18

When choosing a reliable offshore sportsbook, key factors to consider include proper licensing from well-recognized international jurisdictions such as Curaçao or Malta, which ensure the operator adheres to established standards of fairness and security.

Strong security protocols should be in place to protect your personal and financial information. Look for sportsbooks offering a variety of payment methods, including traditional options and cryptocurrencies, for convenience and enhanced privacy.

Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is essential for a smooth betting experience. Lastly, transparency in odds, payouts, and terms builds trust and ensures you know exactly what to expect when placing bets.

The sites included in our list of sportsbook reviews for eighteen and older meet and exceed the above requirements.

Sports Betting Sign-Up Bonuses

Online sports betting sites usually offer new and existing members deposit-matching sportsbook bonuses to attract business to their site. These promos can become real, withdrawable cash, but there are some things to consider first.

When considering sports betting sign-up bonuses, it is important to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions before accepting any offer. Bonuses can provide added value, but they often come with wagering requirements, expiration dates, and other restrictions that must be met to withdraw the bonus funds or any winnings derived from them.

Only accept a bonus if you are confident you can fulfill these conditions without compromising your betting strategy or enjoyment.


Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ'sIs It Legal To Bet On Sports In Canada At 18?

Yes. There are domestic and international sportsbooks that can legally accept your bet from within any Canadian province or territory.

Can I Bet On Sports Using Crypto?

Yes. Each of the recommended sportsbooks we include in this guide accepts cryptocurrency as a form of deposit, and you can also select it as a method of withdrawal. Most major crypto coins are accepted.

Can I Deposit And Get Paid In Canadian Dollars?

Yes. Each sportsbook we mention here accepts fiat deposits via credit or debit cards, with some allowing for bank transfers or methods that involve P2P apps. The options for CAD payouts are not as plentiful, but some books offer withdrawals using money orders or cashier’s checks, which take a few days to process. Read our sportsbook banking guide to learn more.

Are There Any Safeguards For Problem Gambling?

Most online books feature self-exclusion protocols for their members who are experiencing addictive gambling. Readers are advised to check out these responsible gambling resources for Canadians if in need of assistance.