Sport Betting Canada: Top 5 Most Popular Sports to Bet on

Sports betting has become one of the most popular activities in Canada. Given the coverage of hockey, basketball, soccer, football, and baseball, a lot of people are trying out wagering on different sports. Let’s find out which ones are the most popular and why.

The Rise of Sports Betting in Canada

Online sports betting in Canada has seen broad exposure in recent years. One of the main reason​s for the surge is the convenience of mobile platforms. There is now a wide array of betting options, with popular in-play and micro-betting features. 

Another huge factor is that more opportunities are now legal.

Legalization and Growth of the Industry

Back in 2021, Canada finally gave the green light to single-game sports betting. It was a long time coming, but when Bill C-218 passed, it didn’t just tweak the rules — it changed the whole game.

Then Ontario stepped up. By April 2022, they’d opened the doors to a fully regulated iGaming market, letting private operators join the mix. iGaming Ontario and the AGCO are keeping things in check, but for fans and bettors? It’s been a whole new ballgame.

Factors Driving the Popularity of Sports Betting

Here are the key factors that boost the popularity of sports betting:

• User-friendly mobile apps allow for quick and convenient bets
• Canada will host the WC 2026
• Targeted promotions and bonuses
• Widespread media coverage

Online vs Retail Sports Betting Trends

Let’s be honest — online sports betting is leaving retail sportsbooks in the dust, especially in Canada. Just look at Ontario. The province racked up $2.4 billion in online gaming revenue. That’s no small number.

Retail sportsbooks used to be the future. Now? They’re more of a backup plan — solid for the experience, but not exactly where the action is. The younger crowd prefers to bet the same way they do everything else: on their phones.

Quick, easy, and with way more options. Hard to argue with that.

#1 Hockey Betting – Canada’s Favorite Sport to Bet On

Hockey is, without a doubt, the best sport for betting in Canada. It has millions of followers, and the number skyrockets each year. 

NHL Best Bets, Markets and Odds

​If you’re trying NHL betting for the first time, it’s not just about picking winners. There’s a whole lineup of options — from moneylines and totals to puck lines (basically hockey’s version of a spread) and player props.

Puck lines usually come with a 1.5-goal cushion. That means if you’re backing the favourite, they need to win by two. If you’re on the underdog, a one-goal loss (or a win) still cashes your bet. It’s tight margins, but that’s the thrill.

Take the Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens playoff clash. With both goalies standing tall, a lot of punters are leaning toward the under 6.5 total goals — and honestly, I get it. Sometimes, when you zoom in on games like this, you find sneaky-good value hiding in plain sight.

Popular Hockey Betting Strategies

When it comes to betting on hockey, it’s not just a guessing game — there’s a bit of homework involved. If you’re serious about it, you’ve got to look beyond the teams and dig into the matchups.

Goalies, especially, can make or break a bet. Checking out things like save percentage or goals saved above average (GSAA) gives you a clearer picture of what might happen out there. A red-hot keeper can completely flip the script.

But it’s not just the NHL that gets attention.

International and Junior Hockey

In Canada, fans really get into the international and junior tournaments — the betting scene does too.

Take the 2025 Four Nations final: Canada vs. the U.S. That one didn’t just bring the drama on the ice — it also turned into the most bet-on hockey game of the year. It pulled in 2.5 times more stakes than any NHL game that season. 

Safe to say, when the red and white jersey is on the line, Canadian bettors show up in force.

#2 Football – NFL and CFL Bets in Canada

NFL and CFL are the two most popular leagues in Canada. 

Key Differences Between CFL and NFL

​If you’ve ever watched both the CFL and NFL and thought, “Wait… something feels different here” — you’re not wrong. There are a few key points that really change how the game flows.

For starters, the field up north is bigger. The CFL plays on a 110-yard field that’s 65 yards wide, with chunky 20-yard end zones. The NFL’s got a slightly tighter setup — 100 yards long, 53⅓ wide, and 10-yard end zones.

Then there’s the number of players. CFL teams line up with 12 on the field, while NFL squads stick to 11. That extra body makes for a bit more chaos — in a good way.

Oh, and downs? CFL teams only get three to move the ball 10 yards. That’s one less than in the NFL, so there’s less room to play it safe.

Another fun fact? In the CFL, players can go full sprint before the snap — it’s like a mini track meet before every play. In the NFL, that kind of pre-snap movement is pretty locked down.

So yeah, same sport, just different. Both versions have their charm — it just depends on what kind of action you’re into.

Most Popular Football Betting Markets

​NFL betting is immensely popular in Canada. The best prop bets NFL enthusiasts often pursue player-specific wagers, such as: 

• Touchdown scorers
• Passing yards
• Rushing totals

Live Betting on Football Games

When you place NFL bets live, the odds change quickly as the momentum shift is instant. Watch games closely to make informed decisions based on the action, not on emotion. 

#3 Basketball – NBA Bets and More

Whether you are placing NBA player prop bets or simply following the game, there is no question that basketball is one of the most popular sports in Canada. 

Why is NBA Betting Popular in Canada?

Let’s be real — ever since the Raptors made history in 2019, Canada’s been buzzing about basketball. That title run wasn’t just good for the team — it lit a fire across the whole country, especially with younger fans. Suddenly, everyone was tuning in, talking lineups, and yes… placing a few bets.

And if you’re hunting for today’s best NBA odds? 20Bet has you covered. Real-time lines, player props, parlays — plus a live betting setup that actually keeps up with the pace of the game. No lag, no drama.

Top Betting Strategies for Basketball

Whether you’re eyeing the EuroLeague or sticking with the NBA, a little strategy goes a long way. You don’t need to be a stats nerd, just someone who knows how the game flows. Here are a few solid tips:

• Stick to leagues and teams you actually follow — familiarity gives you an edge.
• In the playoffs? The pressure’s real. Unders tend to hit more often.
• Don’t sleep on player props. Sometimes it’s easier to bet on one guy having a night than a whole team figuring it out.

College Basketball and International Leagues

​It’s not all about the pros. College hoops — especially during March Madness — grabs a ton of attention up here. The stakes are high, the games are wild, and the parlays? Spicy.

And while 3×3 basketball betting markets haven’t totally caught fire in Canada just yet, it does get a bump during big events like the Olympics. I’ve looked into it, and yeah — it’s fun to watch, but it’s still finding its place in the betting world here.

#4 Soccer – A Growing Betting Market in Canada

Soccer’s picking up serious pace in Canada — and 2026 is only going to turn up the volume. With the country co-hosting the World Cup, more eyes are on the sport than ever before.

The Canadian Premier League is still pretty new (founded in 2017), but when it comes to betting, most punters here still focus on the MLS. Makes sense — it’s familiar, fast-paced, and includes both U.S. and Canadian clubs. 

MLS Betting for Canadians

For Canadian fans, MLS is the go-to. Sure, there are only three home teams — Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and the Vancouver Whitecaps — but that hasn’t slowed anyone down.

Bettors are dialled in, following matchdays closely and jumping on markets that offer a bit of edge, especially during derby clashes and tight playoff races. 

Popular Soccer Betting Markets

If you’re new to MLS betting or just want a refresher, these are the main markets you’ll see people talking about. They stay popular because they’re easy to follow and offer solid value if you know your teams.

• Moneyline – Just pick the winner. Simple.
• Over/Under Goals – Will the game be a goal fest or a tight battle?
• Outrights – Who’s lifting the trophy?
• Corners and Cards – For those who love the fine details.

The Impact of International Tournaments on Betting

When the Champions League or international tournaments roll around, betting activity explodes.

You’ll see a spike in wagers, especially on Premier League giants — people love backing teams like City, Arsenal, or Real Madrid when the stakes are high. And with knockout rounds, upsets, and late drama, the markets get a lot more unpredictable (and interesting).

#5 Baseball – A Classic Choice for Bettors

Baseball is the fifth most-picked option for Canadians. Let’s start with the trends:

MLB Betting Trends in Canada

Thanks to the Toronto Blue Jays and their die-hard fan base, baseball betting is quietly making waves in Canada.

More and more fans are getting into MLB action — not just watching the games, but placing a few bets, checking the odds, and following the stats like seasoned pros. And it’s not just about betting. You’re also seeing more kids picking up a glove and stepping onto the diamond.

Most Common Baseball Betting Markets

Whether you’re new to betting on baseball or just want to keep it simple, here are the main markets most people jump into. These can make watching nine innings a lot more interesting.

• Moneyline – Straight-up, who wins the game? No runs, no spreads, just picking a winner.
• Run Line (Spread) – The favourite needs to win by 2 or more. The underdog? They can win or just lose by 1 and still cover.
• Player Props – Bet on individual performances. Think home runs, strikeouts, and total hits. If you’ve got a good feeling about a player, this is your move.
• Team Totals – This one’s all about how many runs one team will score. Doesn’t matter who wins — just count the runs.

Advanced Baseball Betting Strategies

Figuring out the right baseball betting strategy can feel like trying to hit a curveball blindfolded — tricky, but not impossible. 

If you ask me, the best place to start is with the pitchers. A solid look at the matchup can tell you a lot. Stats like WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) and FIP (fielding independent pitching) help you spot who’s dealing and who might be in trouble.

Also, don’t overlook park factors. Some stadiums are hitter-friendly, others are built for pitchers. That can totally shift how a game plays out. The numbers matter — but so does watching the game and getting a feel for the flow.

Esports Betting in Canada – A New Contender in the Market

If you’ve ever spent hours on CS:GO, Dota 2, or League of Legends, you’re not alone — and now, those games aren’t just for playing. You can actually bet on them too, with more Canadians giving esports markets a go.

At 20Bet, you’ll find all the big titles in their betting library. No esports-specific bonus just yet, but there are plenty of other promos you can tap into while you test the waters.

Oh, and if you’re into quick action, check out the virtual football markets. Same rules as the real thing, but the matches are simulated — the results are generated automatically, so it’s fast-paced and easy to follow.

Esports may still be the new kid on the block, but it’s gaining ground fast — and for fans who already love the thrill of a match, it’s just another way to stay in the game.

Responsible Gambling

When you place your predictions at 20Bet, just remember — there’s always risk involved. We do our best to give solid tips, but no bet is a sure thing, and consistent wins aren’t guaranteed.

If you ever feel like things are getting out of hand, don’t ignore it. Reach out to the support team — they’re there to help. You can also take a break through self-exclusion if you need time to reset. Betting should be fun, not stressful.

Play smart, stay in control, and enjoy the game.

By Kai Iliev

Updated: 30 Apr 2025, 20:43