Is ice hockey the most popular sport to bet on in Canada?
Despite diversifying interests and choice, ice hockey remains the bedrock of Canada’s sports betting culture
ICE HOCKEY IS Canada’s pride and joy, a sport that feels as quintessentially Canadian as maple syrup and snowy winters. Unsurprisingly, it dominates the nation’s sports betting scene.
Thanks to the legalization of single-event betting and the rise of online platforms, hockey betting has flourished, attracting both die-hard fans and casual punters. The passion Canadians have for the game translates into their betting habits, with wagers placed on everything from the outcome of the next game to who will score the first goal in a nail-biting playoff.
According to betting expert Neil Roarty, the NHL is at the heart of this betting frenzy in Canada. Of course you can place bets on more than 30 sports out here, but it seems that hockey will forever be the most favorite among fans and bettors alike. With seven Canadian teams in the league, fans have no shortage of homegrown heroes to support—or bet on. The Toronto Maple Leafs, for instance, are perennial favorites among bettors, whether they’re flying high or stuck in a playoff drought. Similarly, the Montreal Canadiens, with their storied history and massive fan base, remain a constant draw for those looking to add a little excitement to game night. And then there are the other Canadian teams—like the Edmonton Oilers, with stars like Connor McDavid—that make every game a must-watch event for hockey lovers and bettors alike.
Beyond the NHL, international events like the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships provide another layer of excitement. Canadian fans are deeply invested in their national teams, and the juniors are no exception. Every winter, this tournament becomes a betting hotspot, fueled by Canada’s consistent performance and the sheer joy of cheering on the next generation of hockey talent. The rivalry games and dramatic finishes keep fans glued to their screens—and their betting apps.
Football may come in second in Canada’s betting world, with the CFL and NFL sharing the stage. The CFL’s Grey Cup garners a loyal following every November, offering unique betting opportunities with its quirky rules and distinctive Canadian flavor. The NFL, on the other hand, boasts broader appeal, with events like the Super Bowl drawing enormous betting action. The excitement around football betting adds variety, but it’s hockey that still rules the roost.
Basketball has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks largely to the Toronto Raptors’ stunning 2019 NBA Championship victory. That moment of glory sparked a surge in basketball betting, with fans riding the wave of excitement around Canada’s only NBA team. Meanwhile, soccer has also gained traction, with Canadians increasingly tuning in to global events like the FIFA World Cup and the English Premier League. The anticipation for Canada’s co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup is only adding to this momentum, promising even more betting enthusiasm down the line.
Despite these diversifying interests, ice hockey remains the bedrock of Canada’s sports betting culture. The sport’s unique blend of speed, skill, and unpredictability makes it an ideal candidate for all types of wagers, from straightforward moneyline bets to more intricate prop bets. Whether it’s a high-stakes Stanley Cup playoff or a midseason matchup between rivals, the action on the ice keeps bettors engaged and eager for more.
The growth of online sports betting platforms has even more increased the love for hockey wagering. These platforms offer you easy access to a variety of betting options, so you can place bets from the comfort of your couch or even on the go. Mobile apps, live betting, and great promotional offers have made it easier than ever for Canadians to get in on the action. Combined with the natural love for hockey, these innovations have cemented the sport’s place at the top of Canada’s betting landscape.