Sports betting in Canada has seen a significant rise in popularity, thanks in part to the legalization of single-event betting and online sports betting. These changes have opened up a multitude of betting opportunities for both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike, who now enjoy a wider range of options and more competitive odds.
According to Neil Roarty, the best sports betting sites in Canada from this selection include many that offer great sign-up bonuses and promotional incentives. Adding to the experience, there are now more ways than ever for punters to bet on sporting events in Canada. The most popular among these are expanded on at the end of the article for newbies interested in getting in on this rapidly growing craze. For now, here are the most popular sports that Canadians bet on, and why these sports attract so much attention from punters.
Hockey is undeniably the most popular sport in Canada when it comes to both watching and betting. The NHL, featuring several Canadian teams, is the primary focus for hockey betting. The sport’s fast pace and the national passion for hockey combine to make NHL games, especially the Stanley Cup playoffs, highly anticipated events for placing bets. Beyond the professional level, the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships also see a lot of betting activity, largely because of the involvement of Canadian teams and the country’s deep connection to the sport.
In Canada, the most popular ice hockey teams to bet on hail from the NHL, reflecting the deep-rooted passion for the sport across the country. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are two of the most storied franchises in the league, with large and loyal fan bases that enthusiastically support and bet on their games.
The Maple Leafs, known for their long history and fervent fan following, often see high betting volumes, especially given their recent competitive performances. Similarly, the Canadiens, with their rich history of 24 Stanley Cup wins, attract significant betting interest whenever they hit the ice.
Football follows closely, with the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL) being the main attractions. The CFL, with its unique rules and shorter season, offers a distinct betting experience compared to its American counterpart. The Grey Cup, the championship game of the CFL, garners widespread national interest, making it one of the biggest betting events in the country. Meanwhile, the NFL enjoys a strong following in Canada, with events like the Super Bowl creating massive betting volumes due to its high profile and extensive media coverage.
In Canada, the most popular football teams to bet on are those in the Canadian Football League (CFL), with the Toronto Argonauts, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Edmonton Elks at the forefront. The Toronto Argonauts, one of the oldest professional sports teams in North America, attract significant betting interest due to their storied history and numerous Grey Cup championships.
Basketball has also grown in popularity, particularly following the Toronto Raptors’ unlikely 2019 NBA Championship win, which significantly boosted interest in the sport across Canada. The NBA season offers numerous betting opportunities, from individual games to futures bets on season winners. The sport’s fast-scoring nature and star-driven appeal make it particularly exciting for live betting, where odds update rapidly as the game progresses.
Soccer is another key player in the Canadian betting scene, with Major League Soccer (MLS) providing a local outlet for enthusiasm. International competitions like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and English Premier League also draw considerable attention, showcasing a growing interest in global soccer events. Soccer betting features a variety of markets, from simple match outcomes to more complex bets like exact scores or the number of corners in a game.
Canada is poised to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 alongside the United States and Mexico, marking a significant milestone in Canadian soccer. This event will be the first time Canada hosts the World Cup, presenting a unique opportunity to boost the sport’s profile across the country.
Hosting duties are expected to catalyze infrastructure developments and promote local talent, potentially elevating the Canadian soccer scene to new heights. The event is also anticipated to draw substantial international attention and tourism, significantly impacting the economy. As a co-host, Canada will automatically participate in the tournament, providing an unprecedented platform for Canadian athletes on the global stage.
Baseball also sees its fair share of betting action, particularly with the Toronto Blue Jays storied history as Canada’s sole MLB team. The regular season’s length, with each team playing 162 games, allows for a multitude of betting opportunities, ranging from daily matchups to season-long predictions like division winners or total season wins.
Horse Racing, though not as universally followed as team sports, holds a niche yet historic segment of the Canadian sports betting market. Iconic events such as the Queen’s Plate, Canada’s oldest thoroughbred horse race, attract bets both from seasoned punters and casual fans alike. The tradition and pageantry of horse racing, combined with the detailed handicapping involved, make it a uniquely engaging betting experience.Tennis and Golf are sports with less frequent events but significant betting interest during major tournaments like the Grand Slams in tennis or the Majors in golf. These sports offer different betting dynamics, focusing more on individual performance rather than team dynamics, and often involve a wider range of potential winners, which can offer more attractive odds for bettors.
