Canada has a rich sporting culture, and betting on sports is a popular pastime for many Canadians. The landscape of sports betting in Canada is diverse, encompassing a wide range of sports. Here’s a breakdown of the most betted sports in the country taken from the latest report from the Ontario iGaming authority:
1. Basketball (29% of betting wagers)
Basketball leads the pack as the most popular sport to bet on in Canada. The NBA’s popularity, along with college basketball, contributes to this high percentage.
Most Famous Team: Toronto Raptors
- Overview: Basketball’s popularity in Canada has surged, especially with the Toronto Raptors’ success in the NBA. The Raptors’ victory in the 2019 NBA Championship brought basketball to the forefront of Canadian sports.
- Betting Scene: The NBA season, March Madness, and other international basketball events offer numerous betting opportunities. Canadian bettors actively engage in various types of wagers, including point spreads, over/under, and money lines.
2. Soccer (15%)
Known as the world’s most popular sport, soccer has a significant following in Canada as well. Betting on international leagues and tournaments like the English Premier League and the World Cup is common.
Most Famous Teams: Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact
- Overview: Soccer in Canada is growing rapidly, with Major League Soccer (MLS) teams gaining prominence. The Canadian Premier League’s inception has also contributed to the sport’s growth.
- Betting Scene: Betting on domestic leagues, European leagues, and international tournaments is common. The diverse betting markets include match outcomes, goal scorers, and specific game events.
3. Football (13%)
Canadian Football League (CFL) and the NFL in the United States have a strong fan base in Canada. Betting on football games, whether local or international, is a favorite activity for many.
Most Famous Teams: Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, Calgary Stampeders
- Overview: Canadian football has a rich history, with the Canadian Football League (CFL) being a significant part of Canadian sports culture. The Grey Cup is a highly anticipated event.
- Betting Scene: Betting on CFL games, NFL games, and college football offers various options, including game-winners, point spreads, and player performance bets.
4. Hockey (9%)
Surprisingly, considering Canada’s love for hockey and the NHL, betting on hockey ranks fourth. This could be due to the unpredictable nature of the game or other factors influencing betting behavior.
Most Famous Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks
- Overview: Hockey is synonymous with Canadian culture. The NHL’s history and the success of Canadian teams have cemented hockey’s place in the hearts of Canadians.
- Betting Scene: Betting on NHL games, international tournaments, and junior hockey leagues is widespread. Wagers can be placed on game outcomes, goal totals, and individual player achievements.
5. Baseball (8%)
With Major League Baseball (MLB) teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, baseball also has a place in the Canadian betting landscape.
Most Famous Team: Toronto Blue Jays
- Overview: The Toronto Blue Jays, Canada’s only MLB team, have a dedicated fan base. Their success in the late ’80s and early ’90s still resonates with fans.
- Betting Scene: Betting on MLB games, including the World Series, offers diverse opportunities. Common bets include money lines, run lines and season-long wagers.
Other Sports Categories
The mentioned percentages cover the major sports, but Canadians also place wagers on various other sporting events, including professional leagues, tennis, golf, horse racing, and more. The diversity in sports betting reflects the eclectic taste of Canadian sports enthusiasts.
Most chosen payment options by bettors
Canada has relied since a long time ago on bank cards and bank transfers, but it is not the only option out there for bettors to make transactions at sportsbooks.
Although there is plenty of options, Canadians seem to stick to what they know, including Visa cards and Mastercard cards and the well-known e-transfer option: Interac.
1. Interac
Interac is a prominent Canadian interbank network that facilitates electronic financial transactions. It’s widely used for online purchases, including funding betting accounts.
On the betting scene, many Canadian betting sites accept Interac as a payment method due to its convenience and security. It allows for direct transfers from a bettor’s bank account to the betting platform.
2. Gigadat
Gigadat is a Canadian payment service provider that offers solutions like Interac e-Transfer. It’s becoming increasingly popular in the online betting community.
On the betting Scene, Gigadat’s services enable seamless and secure transactions. Its growing presence in the betting industry reflects the demand for reliable and localized payment options. Although most players don’t choose it personally, it’s the second most used because most of the Interac transactions get done by Gigadat.
3. Bank Cards (Credit/Debit)
Traditional bank cards, including Visa and MasterCard, remain popular choices for online transactions.
In betting, the widespread acceptance of credit and debit cards makes them a convenient option for bettors. Many betting platforms in Canada support these cards for both deposits and withdrawals.
4. eWallets (Muchbetter, ecoPayz, Astropay)
eWallets provide a digital way to store funds and make online payments. They offer flexibility and often quicker transaction times.
On the betting panorama, eWallets like Muchbetter and Ecopayz are commonly offered by sportsbooks although not widely used by Canadians. They allow bettors to manage their funds efficiently and provide an additional layer of security, but they might have some fees that bettors look to avoid when it comes to transactions.
Conclusion
The sports betting landscape in Canada is enriched by the country’s passion for various sports and the success of local teams. From the Raptors in basketball to the historic Montreal Canadiens in hockey, Canadian teams play a vital role in shaping betting preferences and the overall sports culture.
The growth of professional leagues, the success of Canadian teams, and the availability of diverse betting markets make Canada a dynamic and exciting place for sports enthusiasts and bettors alike. Whether betting on the home team or exploring international competitions, Canadians have a wide array of options to engage with their favorite sports.
The diversity in payment methods mirrors the multifaceted nature of sports betting in Canada. From traditional bank cards to innovative solutions like Interac and Gigadat, Canadian bettors have a wide array of options to choose from.
These payment methods not only facilitate the betting process but also reflect the technological advancements and consumer preferences in the Canadian market. The integration of secure and convenient payment options enhances the overall betting experience, aligning with the diverse sports and betting opportunities available in the country.